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Scientists on a theatre stage, accessible scientific knowledge, and a shared theatre experience – this was the format of the “Science on Stage” event organized by the InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences at the Theatre in Olsztyn. The event attracted several hundred participants interested in healthy lifestyles and also marked the conclusion of the six-year Welcome project.

During the event, InLife scientists delivered four short lectures aimed at a broad audience. Radosław Kowalski, PhD, DSc, Joanna Fotschki, PhD, Michał Wróbel, PhD, DSc, and Carsten Carlberg, Professor discussed how diet and environmental factors influence human health, addressing topics such as probiotics, fish consumption, pesticides, and the relationship between food and the functioning of the human body.

The Welcome2 project led to the establishment of the Nutrigenomics Team at the Institute – a research group headed by Professor Carsten Carlberg that investigates the interactions between diet, gene activity, and human health. Educational initiatives implemented as part of the project were also presented during the event.

– We are delighted to bring science closer to the public and show that it is not something detached from everyday life. Science helps us better understand the world, make informed decisions about health and nutrition, and respond to contemporary challenges. It is also an excellent opportunity to build dialogue between scientists and the residents of our region, and to demonstrate that research conducted in Olsztyn has a real impact on people’s lives – said Professor Monika M. Kaczmarek, Director of the InLife Institute.

The event also included acknowledgements for individuals and institutions that supported the implementation of the project, including representatives of the regional government, the University of Warmia and Mazury, and collaborators involved in the development of the research team and educational activities.

– These six years have been a period of intensive work, research, and international collaboration. Thanks to the Welcome2 project, our Institute has established a strong research team specializing in nutrigenomics, while Olsztyn has strengthened its position as an important scientific centre in this field – emphasized Professor Mariusz Piskuła, the project coordinator and the Institute’s former long-serving Director.

Following the scientific programme, participants attended a performance of Art from the repertoire of the Stefan Jaracz Theatre.

– This was our way of thanking the residents of the region, who have participated in our events for many years and benefited from reliable scientific knowledge. We wanted to celebrate the completion of the project together and show that science can bring people together and serve society in every day life – said Iwona Kieda, Head of the Communications and International Affairs Office at InLife.

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Four research projects involving scientists from the InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences have received funding in the latest calls of the National Science Centre: OPUS 30 and SONATA 21. Three of them are led directly by InLife researchers, while one – carried out by the Poznań University of Life Sciences – is being implemented in collaboration with a scientist from the Institute.

The total amount of funding awarded is PLN 5,487,987.

According to the National Science Centre, these were the largest editions of the OPUS and SONATA calls in their history. Polish research institutions will receive grants for 522 research projects with a total value of nearly PLN 912 million.

SONATA 21: Embryo Implantation and Meat Quality

What determines whether an embryo implants in the uterus – or not? Dr Maria Guzewska from InLife will seek answers at a level that has not previously been studied. In her project, the researcher will focus on extracellular vesicles – microscopic structures through which cells send signals to one another – and examine their role in communication between the embryo and the maternal organism. The project “Communication between the Embryo and the Mother at the Nanoscale – the Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Proper Course of Implantation” has received funding of PLN 2,231,807.

The second project selected for funding under SONATA 21 is entitled “Molecular and Technological Mechanisms Shaping the Quality of Cervid Meat: Interactions of Natural Bioactive Additives with Low-Temperature Processing Methods”, led by Dr Eng. Anna Kononiuk. The funding awarded amounts to PLN 1,018,090.

The project will focus on the quality of cervid meat and the factors that influence its properties at the molecular and technological levels. The research will include, among other aspects, interactions between natural bioactive additives and low-temperature food processing methods. The results may expand knowledge on how to shape the quality of meat products using modern and less invasive technologies.

OPUS 30: Omega-3 and Rapeseed Proteins

Professor Agnieszka Blitek will lead the project “The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Ovary and Embryo Implantation in the Pig”, which has received funding of PLN 1,894,050. The researcher will focus on processes regulating fertility and the development of early pregnancy. Conducted using the pig as a model, the studies may provide important insights into the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on ovarian function and interactions between the maternal organism and the embryo.

Professor Ryszard Amarowicz, leader of the Food Chemical and Physical Properties Team, will participate in the project “Interactions of Aroma Compounds with Rapeseed Proteins: Binding Mechanisms and Aroma Stability in the Context of Rapeseed Press Cake Utilisation”. The project will be led by Professor Henryk Jeleń from the Poznań University of Life Sciences. InLife’s budget amounts to PLN 344,040.

The project concerns rapeseed proteins and their potential use in food production. Researchers will investigate how compounds responsible for smell and aroma bind to rapeseed proteins and how these interactions affect aroma stability and the sensory quality of products. The project results may help assess whether rapeseed proteins, obtained, among other sources, from rapeseed press cake, can be used more widely as a valuable ingredient in plant-based foods.

What Are the OPUS and SONATA Calls?

OPUS is a broad NCN funding call addressed to researchers at various stages of their scientific careers. It provides funding for projects carried out at Polish research institutions and lasting from 12 to 48 months.

SONATA is a call intended for early-career researchers. In the edition that has just been concluded, applications could be submitted by researchers who obtained their doctoral degree between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2023. Projects funded under this call may last 12, 24 or 36 months.

This year’s NCN results demonstrate the high competitiveness of both calls. More than 3,700 applications were submitted to OPUS 30 and SONATA 21. In total, 522 projects received funding, including 279 under the OPUS call and 243 under SONATA.

We congratulate all the awardees and wish them every success in carrying out their research.

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