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International Scientific Seminar: New strategies in therapy of autoimmune diseases

The guest of WELCOME2 seminar will be Professor Dieter Steinhilber, Director of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt. Prof. Steinhilber will deliver a lecture titled: „Inflammation and lipid mediators: Old and new therapeutic strategies”.

Professor’s research focuses on lipid signaling and regulatory mechanisms in inflammation and cancer. He also investigates new therapeutic strategies with a special focus on the arachidonic acid cascade and the innate immune system.

The lecture will take place on May 9 (Friday) at 10:00 AM in the conference room of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, at Trylińskiego 18 (SKANDA room).

Abstract of the presentation:

Changes in oxylipin levels such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes have been associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma or multiple sclerosis (MS). The identification of 5-lipoxygenase, which is the key enzyme in leukotriene formation,  as a vitamin D-regulated gene  provides a link to vitamin D signaling which stimulates the innate immune system and alleviates the responses of the adaptive immune system. In the search of factors which regulate prostaglandin E formation, we identified the miR-574-5p as regulator which modulates expression of the microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1, the key enzyme in prostaglandin E2 formation.  Thus, miR-574-5p is an interesting target for drug development and the involved mechanisms in gene regulation as well as pharmacological strategies to inhibit miR-574-5p activity will be presented.

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Assistant Professor in the Biodiversity Protection Team

The Director of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn announces recruitment for the position of:

Assistant Professor in the Biodiversity Protection Team

Working time: part-time

Place of work: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Biodiversity Protection Team based in Popielno

Address: Popielno 25, 12-220 Ruciane-Nida

Job description:

  • conducting scientific research,
  • applying for research projects,
  • designing, conducting and analyzing laboratory experiments,
  • preparation of scientific publications,
  • cooperation in a research team and individual work,
  • involvement in educational and promotional activities.

Expectations:

  • focus on realizing research interests,
  • motivation for scientific work and self-discipline,
  • communication skills,
  • independence, accuracy and flexibility in carrying out tasks,
  • ability to plan and organize,
  • higher knowledge of the interactions between wild fauna and the environment, anthropopressure, physiology and behaviour of wild mammals in Poland – a necessary condition.

Candidate qualification requirements:

  • a doctoral degree in agricultural, biological, veterinary, forestry or related sciences,
  • documented experience in analytical work on biological material of animal origin,
  • completing a scientific internship,
  • contractor in at least one research project financed from external funds,
  • documented scientific career:
    • participation in national and international conferences,
    • first author of at least 2 scientific publications from the Philadelphia list,
  • good knowledge of English, spoken and written.

Required experience in:

  • preparation of animal tissues and organs,
  • molecular biology techniques,
  • histological techniques,
  • operating microscopes,
  • knowledge of statistical programs,
  • an additional advantage would be the ability to conduct cell cultures and handling publicly available databases for processing proteomic and/or transcriptomic data.

Perspectives:

  • working in a close-knit team, in an atmosphere focused on support,
  • work aimed at achieving ambitious results,
  • scientific work without the need to conduct classes with students,
  • technical, administrative and organizational support,
  • the opportunity to engage in activities popularizing science,
  • motivation in the form of participation in scientific conferences, courses and training.

We offer:

  • employment based on an employment contract, work on working days, with the possibility of task-based work in the case of specific experience and remote work,
  • the opportunity for professional development and improvement of qualifications,
  • the possibility of personal development through internal trainings,
  • access to the English language learning platform,
  • co-financing for sports and cultural activities (e.g. Multisport, tickets for artistic events).

Required documents:

  • copy of the doctoral diploma,
  • cover letter,
  • a scientific curriculum vitae with a list of publications, conferences and other achievements,
  • a letter of reference confirming your skills,
  • other documents which, in the Candidate’s opinion, are important for considering his/her candidacy.

Applications for the competition should be sent by 1 September 2025, 3:00 p.m. to the following e-mail address: m.cieslik@pan.olsztyn.pl (please enter „BPT Assistant Professor application” in the title of the message).

The Institute reserves the right to close the recruitment process earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

Please include in your documentation a clause of consent to the processing of personal data by us in the recruitment process:

„I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn with its registered office 10-683 Olsztyn, ul. Trylińskiego 18, in order to carry out the recruitment process and publish the full competition results on the Institute’s website.

Information clause:

  1. The administrator of personal data processed as part of the recruitment process is the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn with its registered office at 10-683 Olsztyn, ul. Trylińskiego 18, tel. 89 500 32 00, e-mail: institute@pan.olsztyn.pl .
  2. Contact with the personal data protection officer is possible at: iodo@pan.olsztyn.pl.
  3. The provided personal data will be processed for the purpose of implementing the current recruitment process and stored until its completion based on the consent given (in accordance with Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR).
  4. The data subject has the right to withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
  5. The data subject has the right to access his or her personal data, request its rectification or deletion. Submitting a request to delete data is tantamount to resigning from participation in the recruitment process. In addition, she has the right to request restriction of processing in the cases specified in Art. 18 GDPR.
  6. The data subject has the right to lodge a complaint with the President of the Personal Data Protection Office regarding unlawful processing of his or her personal data. This body will be competent to consider the complaint, however, the right to lodge a complaint only concerns the lawfulness of the processing of personal data and does not concern the recruitment process.
  7. The data provided will not be subject to profiling or made available to entities or third countries. The recipients of the data may be institutions authorized by law.
  8. Providing the data contained in the recruitment documents is not obligatory, but it is a necessary condition for participating in the recruitment process.

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Educational event on Superfoods – summary

On Saturday, March 29, an educational event dedicated to the topic of superfoods took place at the Institute. The subject sparked great interest and became a starting point for inspiring lectures and insightful discussions.

This time, we took a closer look at popular products commonly referred to as superfoods – both local and exotic. Our speakers – scientists and experts from various fields – helped participants verify common beliefs about products such as shiitake mushrooms, chia seeds, and chlorella.

We also discussed whether a diet rich in superfoods is suitable for children and how it affects health in the context of aging processes.

The speakers emphasized that superfoods are not limited to exotic ingredients – our local treasures are just as valuable. These include apples, berries, parsley leaves, flaxseed, and honey.

The program featured lectures by:

  • dr Małgorzata Starowicz – Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn,
  • dr Joanna Ciborska – Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Food Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn,
  • dr Anna Hinburg – clinical dietitian at the Provincial Specialist Children’s Hospital in Olsztyn,
  • dr hab. n. med. Michał S. Majewski, prof. UWM – Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn,
  • dr Marianna Raczyk – Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.

The event concluded with a discussion panel, during which participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts.

The meeting was held as part of the ERA Chair WELCOME2 project: „Establishing a Centre of Excellence in Nutrigenomics to Improve Health and Quality of Life”. The scientific supervision of the event was provided by Dr Małgorzata Starowicz – leader of the Food Chemistry and Biodynamics Team at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research PAS in Olsztyn.

We invite you to watch the event summary video and browse the photo gallery that captures the atmosphere and energy of the day.

Thank you all for your presence and active participation – we look forward to seeing you at future educational events!

Photo gallery

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Acid Rain – Science in practice at a picnic in Mikołajki

On March 21, 2025, the Nature Picnic took place at the Social School in Mikołajki, attracting many science and nature enthusiasts. Employees of our Institute also participated in the event.

„How Does Acid Rain Form?” was the title of the workshop conducted by the Biodiversity Protection Team members: Anna Kononiuk, Katarzyna Boronska, and Anna Korzekwa. During the session, participants had the opportunity to learn how acid rain is formed and what environmental consequences it can cause.

A key part of the workshop was an experiment simulating the process of acid rain formation. Various materials—pellets, firewood, and hard coal—were burned in sealed glass containers filled with water. This process imitated the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. Participants then measured the pH of the resulting mixture using litmus paper and a natural indicator—red cabbage extract. The results were analyzed together with the instructors, helping attendees better understand the issue of environmental acidification.

The workshop concluded with a quiz, where the most engaged participants received awards.

Around 180 people took part in the event, including students from Mikołajki and nearby schools.

The Nature Picnic also provided an opportunity to explore other educational stands. Workshops were presented by representatives of the Masurian Landscape Park, State Forests, the University of Warsaw Research Station in Urwitałt, agritourism farms, and the Forestry School Complex in Ruciane-Nida.

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Scientists on World Endometriosis Day: We still know too little about this disease

Endometriosis affects up to one in ten women of reproductive age. What is known today is that it is a chronic inflammatory estrogen-dependent disease caused by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, including in the ovaries, uterine muscle, and rectovaginal space. However, its causes remain a mystery, diagnosis is challenging, and treatment remains symptomatic.

March is endometriosis awareness month, culminating in World Endometriosis Day on March 30. Researchers at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn are also studying the biology of endometriosis and adenomyosis, a disease similar to endometriosis.

Unanswered Questions About Endometriosis

– Although endometriosis is being diagnosed more frequently, we still know too little about the disease itself. For reasons still unknown to us, endometrial tissue—the lining of the uterus—migrates outside the uterine cavity. Most commonly, it affects the ovaries, peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering many organs), and the rectovaginal space, but it can also be found in the intestines, lungs, eyes, brain, and bladder. It has even been observed in scars from cesarean sections – explains Professor Sławomir Wołczyński, head of the Human Reproduction Biology and Pathology Team.

The most widely accepted theories suggest that endometriosis is caused by retrograde menstruation, in which menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes, allowing endometrial fragments to enter the abdominal cavity, implant themselves, and even spread through the lymphatic system.

With each menstrual cycle, the tissues forming endometriosis lesions also shed and bleed—though outside the uterus. This not only causes irritation and inflammation but also severe pain. Pain is the primary clinical symptom of endometriosis, along with heavy menstrual bleeding, painful urination with blood, painful bowel movements, and digestive issues.

A significant impact on women’s lives

– Although endometriosis is not usually a malignant disease, it significantly reduces women’s quality of life. Many patients experience unbearable menstrual pain without pharmacological suport – emphasizes Profesor Sławomir Wołczyński.

The disease is also a major cause of infertility. – Epidemiological analyses and our clinical observations indicate that today, endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility – notes Profesor Sławomir Wołczyński.

Since the root cause of endometriosis is unknown, treatment is only symptomatic. The standard approach includes pharmacological treatment—pain relief and suppression of endometriosis lesion activity. – Surgical treatment can also be effective, but decisions about surgery must be made with particular caution in patients who have not yet completed their plans for motherhood – explains Professor Wołczyński.

Adenomyosis is a condition similar to endometriosis and also estrogen-dependent. In this case, endometrial tissue is located within the uterine muscle. The exact mechanism of this disease is also not yet fully understood.

—

The full article was published on the portal Academia, issued by the Polish Academy of Sciences: Academia.

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We are looking for participants to co-create a beverage for active people

Do you lead an active lifestyle, care about healthy nutrition, but still occasionally reach for sugary, colorful drinks? Join our program and collaborate with scientists from our Institute to develop a hydration-enhancing beverage! Thanks to a partnership with a leading Polish beverage producer, the product will hit store shelves next year. Recruitment is open until April 18.

This initiative is part of the Consumer Engagement Labs program under EIT Food – an international project of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology.

Our partner is Maspex – one of the largest food companies in Central and Eastern Europe and a leading Polish producer of well-known and beloved juice, nectar, and beverage brands.

– By participating in this project, consumers have a unique opportunity to design a product that meets their specific needs and will be available in stores next year. Importantly, this is not just about testing pre-developed variants but about actively contributing to the creative proces – emphasizes dr Joanna Fotschki, project coordinator from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.

Who Are We Looking For?

We invite individuals aged 35-55 who lead an active lifestyle, limit sugar in their diet, and are not affiliated with the food or marketing industries to apply.

Recruitment is now open and will run until April 18. Sign up HERE.

Why a Hydration Beverage?

Proper hydration is essential for the overall functioning of the body.

– Research shows that adequate hydration supports kidney function, helping to eliminate excess sugar from the body and aiding in the management of type 2 diabetes. It also helps maintain blood volume and pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension. On the other hand, inadequate hydration can lead to health issues, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases – explains dr Joanna Fotschki.

She adds that maintaining proper hydration levels is often neglected. „This is further exacerbated by the growing tendency of consumers to choose sugary drinks, which is becoming increasingly apparent,” she says.

This is why scientists, together with the producer, aim to create a healthier alternative to sugary hydration beverages—with the participation of consumers themselves.

What Does the Creative Process Look Like?

The creative process consists of five online meetings between April and June. During these sessions, 20 selected participants will work in small groups under the guidance of scientists to develop and refine their ideas. The consumer-created concepts will then be presented to Maspex business representatives.

Ultimately, the beverage will be launched next year.

The entire creative process is based on an innovative methodology developed by the University of Warsaw, which combines individual and team efforts, using creative techniques and design thinking.

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Cryobiologists’ conference in Olsztyn

This year, the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences is a co-organiser of the 61st meeting of the Society for Low Temperature Biology (SLTB) taking place in Olsztyn from 11-13 September. We encourage you to register and submit abstracts.

SLTB was founded in 1964 in the UK and brings together cryobiologists working on plants, animals, algae, lichens, humans and the environment. The SLTB2025 meeting will focus in particular on the human fertility preservation and animal conservation but welcome abstracts covering all cryobiological topics.

Beside opportunities to network with colleagues, both during the conference and at social events the attendees will have the opportunity to visit the headquarters of the In Life Institute.

The local organising committee includes notable In Life scientists: Prof. Dariusz Skarzynski, Dr. Taisiia Yurchuk, Dr. Beenu Moza Jalali and Karolina Lukasik, among others invite participants to submit abstracts no later than 1st of July.

The full registration and meeting details could be found on the website.

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Mariola Dietrich has been awarded the title of Professor

We are pleased to announce that, by the decision of the President of the Republic of Poland on January 14, 2025, Mariola Dietrich has been awarded the title of Professor of agricultural sciences in the discipline of animal science and fisheries!

Professor Mariola Dietrich is a member of the Gamete Biology Team. Her research interests focus on the biology of fish gametes—sperm and oocytes—particularly those of the common carp, an economically significant species, and the siberian sturgeon, a species at risk of extinction.

She conducts research on the role of proteins in the functioning of the fish reproductive system and the development of effective reproductive biotechnologies. Her work includes proteomic analyses of changes occurring in gametes as a result of controlled reproduction techniques, such as hormonal stimulation and cryopreservation, as well as the impact of infections on gamete quality.

Professor Dietrich’s research has contributed to the understanding of the protein composition of carp and Siberian sturgeon semen, as well as the mechanisms of sperm motility activation, maturation, acclimatization, and cryodamage. The obtained results are of great significance both for the reproductive biology of cyprinid and sturgeon fish and for aquaculture practices. In the future, they may contribute to the improvement of fish semen storage techniques and the identification of gamete quality markers and and semen freezability markers.

The professor has participated in 31 research projects, including six as the principal investigator. She has completed research internships at prestigious institutions, including Ohio State University (USA) and LAFUGA, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich (Germany). She is the recipient of numerous awards and research scholarships, including the Scholarship for Outstanding Young Scientists from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the „START” Scholarship from the Foundation for Polish Science, and the „Pro Scientia et Vita” Award from the Polish Academy of Sciences Foundation.

Her scientific achievements include 135 original research and review papers, 105 of which are indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR).

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish her continued scientific success!

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Aaccessibility declaration

The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn undertakes to ensure the accessibility of its website in accordance with the provisions of the Act of 4 April 2019 on the digital accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public entities.

The accessibility declaration applies to the website https://pan.olsztyn.pl/

•           Website publication date: March 20, 1996

•           Date of last significant update: December 16, 2024

State of digital accessibility

The website is partially compliant with the annex to the Act of 4 April 2019 on the digital accessibility of websites and mobile applications of public entities due to incompatibilities or exclusions listed below.

Work is currently underway on a new website for the Institute, which will significantly improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

Unavailable content

  • There are multimedia that are not adapted to the needs of hearing-impaired and deaf people as well as visually impaired and blind people;
  • some of the published photos do not have an alternative description,
  • most links do not have descriptions that would indicate the content that will be made available after clicking,
  • interactive elements may be perceived as too small to be easily clicked on touchscreen devices,
  • the contrast between text and background on the home page should be greater (text should be black, not grey).

Preparation of accessibility declaration

  • Date of preparation of the declaration: March 17, 2025
  • The declaration was prepared on the basis of a self-assessment conducted by a public entity.

Feedback and contact details

In case of problems with the accessibility of the website, please contact us. The person responsible is Maciej Cieślik, e-mail address: m.cieslik@pan.olsztyn.pl. The same way, you can submit requests for access to unavailable information and complaints about the lack of accessibility.

Everyone has the right to make a request to ensure the digital accessibility of a website or any of its elements. The request should include the data of the person making the request, an indication of which element of the website is in question and the method of contact. If the person making the request reports the need to receive information in an alternative form, they should also specify the form of this information.

The public entity should fulfill the request immediately and no later than within 7 days. If it is not possible to meet this deadline, the public entity shall immediately inform when it will be possible to fulfill the request, and this deadline cannot be longer than 2 months. If it is not possible to ensure accessibility, the public entity may propose an alternative way of accessing the information.

If an entity refuses to comply with a request to provide accessibility or alternative access to information, a complaint may be filed against such action.

After exhausting all possibilities, a complaint can also be sent to the Commissioner for Human Rights. http://www.rpo.gov.pl/.

Other information

Architectural accessibility

Headquarters address:

Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn
ul. Trylińskiego 18,
10-683 Olsztyn.

There are 3 entrances to the building, the main entrance and two side entrances. None of them have stairs. The main entrance is reserved for guests, and has doors that open automatically.

The reception desk is on the left side of the main entrance. The further passage is not secured by gates. The building is partially adapted for wheelchair users (the corridor is wide enough, but some passages are closed with fire doors that do not open automatically). Each floor can be reached by elevator. A toilet for disabled people is located on the ground floor, almost directly opposite the main entrance to the building, as well as one on each of the utility floors.

There are 6 parking spaces for disabled people in front of the building.

The building and all of its rooms are accessible with assistance dogs and guide dogs.

There are no induction loops in the Institute. It is possible to use the help of a sign language interpreter (Maciej Cieślik). There are no Braille signs in the building, nor are there any contrasting or large-print signs for the blind and visually impaired.

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