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The InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, as an official Partner, invites you to participate in the international scientific and practical conference entitled “Current Issues in Veterinary Medicine: Realities and Prospects – 2026”, which will take place on May 14, 2026.

The event is organized in international cooperation, including the participation of scientific institutions from Ukraine and Poland, and serves as a platform for knowledge exchange among researchers, academic teachers, and doctoral students interested in contemporary challenges in veterinary medicine.

Scope of the conference

The conference programme covers key topics related to the functioning and development of veterinary medicine, including:

• non-infectious animal diseases,
• infectious and parasitic diseases,
• animal physiology, biochemistry, and morphology,
• implementation of the One Health concept and legal aspects of veterinary practice,
• biology and physiology of animal reproduction.

The conference will be conducted in English and Ukrainian, with scientific presentations delivered in English.

Forms of participation

Participants may take part in the conference in the following forms:

• online participation,
• correspondence participation (publication of abstracts).

Based on the submitted materials, an electronic book of abstracts will be prepared, and participants will receive certificates of participation.

The deadline for submission of applications and abstracts is May 1, 2026.

Registration and abstract submission are carried out via an online form.

The conference provides an excellent opportunity to present research results, establish international collaborations, and engage in discussions on current challenges in veterinary medicine and animal health sciences.

We warmly invite all interested researchers and doctoral students to participate.

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On 25 March 2026, the international CROSSPATHS Matchmaking Event took place in Brussels, focusing on building project partnerships under the Horizon Europe programme.

The event addressed key themes of Cluster 6:

• Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors
• Fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food systems – from primary production to consumption
• Biodiversity and ecosystem services

The event was organised by the CROSSPATHS project consortium, with our Institute playing a leading role as both initiator and coordinator. Co-organisers also included the Brussels-based liaison offices: the Polish Science Contact Agency “PolSCA” of the Polish Academy of Sciences and ETAG – the Estonian Research Council.

International dimension and shared responsibility

The event brought together over 60 participants from across Europe, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Serbia, Portugal, Estonia and Poland. Attendees represented academia, research institutions, support organisations, and policymakers from the European Commission.

From the outset, speakers emphasised that today’s key challenges facing Europe – including sustainability, food systems, resilience, and biodiversity protection – require collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines. In this context, matchmaking is not merely an accompanying element of European projects, but their foundation.

Prof. Mariusz Piskuła, Coordinator of the CROSSPATHS project, highlighted the importance of building direct relationships and networks. He encouraged participants to go beyond national collaboration patterns and actively use both bilateral meetings and informal discussions to initiate partnerships. He also pointed out that EU funding instruments, including WIDENING under Horizon Europe, support the development of long-term international cooperation – something the Institute is actively building together with partners from Portugal, Estonia, and the Netherlands.

European priorities and the role of policy

The event also addressed priorities shaping Horizon Europe, including the growing importance of food security, the transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy, biodiversity protection, and the One Health approach. Participants noted the evolving nature of research funding, with a stronger emphasis on implementation, innovation, and alignment between science, public policy, and societal needs.

Practical aspects of project development

A dedicated session focused on the practical aspects of project collaboration. During a panel discussion, experienced project managers shared their insights. Our Institute was represented by Iwona Kieda, responsible for international cooperation at InLife.

Panelists discussed key issues such as consortium building, proposal structure, aligning projects with call expectations, and common mistakes. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of early partner engagement, clear role distribution, and precise definition of project impact pathways. For many participants, this session provided a clearer understanding of the application process, which is often perceived as complex and difficult to navigate.

Pitching and matchmaking – from ideas to collaboration

The core of the event consisted of pitching sessions and matchmaking meetings, enabling participants to exchange ideas and establish collaborations directly. InLife researchers were actively involved, including Dagmara Złotkowska and Anna Maria Ogrodowczyk.

Dagmara Złotkowska presented her research on immune responses to food components and the role of bioactive compounds in shaping immunity, with a focus on interactions between diet, the microbiome, and the immune system.

Anna Maria Ogrodowczyk showcased expertise in microbiome research, fermentation, and food safety, particularly within the One Health framework, including work on microbial safety assessment and the development of solutions based on fermented products and postbiotics.

Both researchers presented project ideas aligned with Cluster 6 priorities and actively engaged in discussions on future collaborations. Participants also took part in a roundtable matchmaking session, which allowed them to better understand each other’s competences, resources, and experience. This format supported more in-depth exchange and helped identify potential areas of cooperation. The session concluded with pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, where discussions became more focused and concrete. For many participants, this marked the transition from general networking to detailed planning of future partnerships and joint projects.

More about the CROSSPATHS project

CROSSPATHS is an international project implemented under Horizon Europe (WIDERA), involving three organisations from widening countries – Poland, Portugal, and Estonia – supported by experienced partners from France and the Netherlands. Its objective is to enhance the use of investments funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and to facilitate research institutions’ participation in European programmes, particularly Horizon Europe.

The project includes practical activities aimed at strengthening international cooperation and preparing institutions for participation in European projects, such as:

• summer schools and workshops providing knowledge on proposal writing and international partnership building
• study visits and staff exchanges between partner institutions, enabling insight into organisational structures, infrastructure, and research areas
• networking meetings and thematic events supporting relationship-building and joint project development – including the CROSSPATHS Matchmaking Event
• analytical activities and recommendations aimed at improving the use of existing research infrastructure and strengthening institutional capacity

These activities contribute to increasing the participation of widening countries in European research and innovation projects and to building long-term international partnerships in the fields of food, health, and the bioeconomy.

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They are invisible to the naked eye, yet they may affect our health. They are present in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even in our homes. Pesticides, bisphenols and heavy metals can enter the human body through various pathways and influence health, even when found only in trace amounts. These invisible threats – and ways to reduce everyday exposure to them – were the focus of an educational meeting held at the InLife Institute.

The programme included topics related to the presence of chemical residues in food. Substances used in agriculture to control weeds and pests, as well as compounds applied to extend the shelf life of food products, may enter the body through our daily diet.

Dr hab. Michał Wróbel pointed out that pesticide residues detected in food generally do not pose a risk to consumers, emphasizing that toxicity depends on the dose. He also discussed the dangerous pesticide DDT and shared practical ways to reduce pesticide exposure at home.

Packaging was another important topic addressed during the meeting. Dr inż. Katarzyna Bułkowska, Prof. UWM explained how chemicals can migrate from packaging into food and which labels and markings consumers should pay attention to. She also discussed bisphenols and PFAS compounds, presenting simple rules that can help reduce everyday contact with these substances.

The meeting also covered environmental pollution and its impact on human health. Dr hab. Stanisław Czachorowski, Prof. UWM explained how pollutants spread through the environment. He referred to historical examples of heavy metal poisoning, including lead exposure, and discussed modern threats. His lecture also touched on the issue of light pollution.

The final lecture focused on nutrigenomics and explored how diet can help protect the body from toxins. Dr Emilia Gospodarska from the InLife Institute spoke about anti-smog and anti-inflammatory diets and recommended foods worth including in everyday meals. She also highlighted the role of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrition that supports DNA repair and methylation processes.

An important part of the event was the discussion session, during which participants asked questions and explored how conscious choices and small lifestyle changes can reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances.

The meeting took place on Saturday, 28 March, and gathered over 60 participants. The speakers were researchers from the InLife Institute – the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, as well as from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

Watch the video report from the meeting:

Photo gallery:

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Our scientist – Dr. Urszula Krupa‑Kozak, Professor at the InLife Institute – was recognized in the prestigious Women of Success Warmia and Mazury 2026 awards. The ceremonial gala took place on March 6 at the Ełk Cultural Center, where, for the 28th time, women who contribute to the development of the Warmia and Mazury region through their passion and dedication were honored.

Dr. Krupa‑Kozak is a renowned researcher in food technology and nutrition, specializing in gluten-free food technology. For nearly two decades, she has been conducting pioneering research aimed at improving the technological, sensory, and nutritional quality of gluten-free products, using innovative plant-based ingredients and raw materials aligned with the principles of sustainable development. Her work combines cutting-edge technological research with clinical aspects of dietary therapy for gluten-related disorders, as well as education, health promotion, and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

She is the author of numerous publications highly regarded in both national and international scientific communities and a co-inventor of patents that set new directions in gluten-free food. Her research has a tangible impact on improving the quality of life for people with gluten intolerance and promoting healthy dietary standards.

The Women of Success Warmia and Mazury awards have a history spanning over 20 years – the first gala was held in 1999 at the Olsztyn Castle. Every year, the event celebrates how women bring their work, passion, and courage to enrich the region. It is also worth noting that in 2017, the current director of InLife, Monika Kaczmarek, was among the awardees.

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InLife – the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences organised an international study visit as part of the FutureFoodS European Partnership. In this initiative, the Institute acts as a partner responsible for co-creating and developing the European network of Living Labs in food systems — covering the entire chain: from production and processing, through consumption and public health, to food waste reduction and the implementation of circular economy principles.

The event brought together partnership members and representatives of Living Labs and initiatives from Poland and other European countries. Its aim was to exchange experiences and present practical co-creation models, where academia, society, business, and public administration collaboratively design and test solutions for the transformation of food systems — following the quadruple helix (4H) model.

Visit to the Food Bank – A Model Social Living Lab

The first day of the visit took place at the Food Bank in Olsztyn, a partner of the Institute within the EIT Food network. Within FutureFoodS, the Food Bank has been designated a “lighthouse social living lab”, recognising it as one of Europe’s demonstrator laboratories for social innovation in food systems. This status is awarded to organisations that systematically combine operational activities with research and social components, test solutions in real-life settings, and engage collaboratively with food system stakeholders. Such centres act as demonstrators and reference points for other organisations developing the Living Lab model across Europe.

Participants learned about the Food Bank’s mission, operational model, societal impact, and solutions in food waste prevention, collaboration with local authorities and businesses, and building cross-sector partnerships.

Living Labs in Practice – Co-Creation through the Quadruple Helix

The expert sessions highlighted initiatives using the Living Lab methodology as a tool for designing and implementing changes in food systems.

The Warsaw Food Lab (Poland) is an urban innovation lab supporting local gastronomy and charitable organisations, developing solutions to reduce food waste and optimise its distribution to those in need, including during crisis situations.

Lab for Health IrsiCaixa (Barcelona) employs a participatory approach to transform the food and health environment. The project engages local communities, public administration, and the private sector in co-creating interventions that encourage healthier food choices.

Consumer Engagement Labs (CEL), run by InLife within EIT Food initiatives, systematically involve citizens in designing food sector innovations. Developed by the University of Warsaw, CEL combines consumer research tools and co-creation workshops to integrate consumer perspectives at early stages of product and service development.

Presentations focused on co-creation methodology as a tool to test solutions in real-life conditions and scale them across diverse social and regional contexts.

From Living Lab Creation to Market Impact

The study visit programme also included a workshop titled “Living Labs for Business Development – From Creation to Market Success”, focusing on the use of Living Lab methodology in product and service development — from concept to market implementation — with attention to market validation and stakeholder collaboration.

The day concluded with the culinary and networking session “One Table Experience – Cook, Learn, Share”. Participants prepared plant-based dishes using local products, fostering informal team collaboration and discussions on sustainable consumption models, short supply chains, and the role of local markets in food system transformation.

Science and Campus Living Labs

The second day of the visit was organised in collaboration with the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Food Science, Department of Dairy Science. Participants attended a demonstration of the “From Milk to Market” model, showcasing the full dairy processing chain and product tasting. Experiences from Campus Living Labs at the Jagiellonian University were also presented, illustrating the role of universities as spaces for testing innovation in real educational and production environments.

For more information about the FutureFoodS European Partnership, click HERE.

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Precise analysis of the proteome and phosphoproteome provides insight into the molecular mechanisms that determine fertilization efficiency, semen quality, and the resilience of the reproductive system to infections. Understanding these processes is crucial both for reproductive biology and for practical applications, including the optimization of cryopreservation methods and the monitoring of reproductive health in aquaculture and species conservation.

In recognition of her contributions to research in this field, Professor Mariola Dietrich has been awarded the Scientific Award of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn and Białystok Branch, in the category of biological, agricultural, and medical sciences.

The distinction was granted for the scientific achievement entitled “Characterization of the Proteome and Phosphoproteome of the Fish Reproductive System in the Context of Bacterial Infections and Cryopreservation”, comprising a series of publications focused on the role of fish gamete proteins and their microenvironment. The research examined the impact of cryopreservation and bacterial infections on protein composition and post-translational modifications in the semen of two key species—sturgeon and carp.

Key Research Findings

The analyses conducted enabled:

• the identification of novel markers of semen quality, cryoinjury, and reproductive system infections,
• the elucidation of molecular mechanisms responsible for reduced reproductive capacity.

The results significantly expand current knowledge on the molecular regulation of fertilization. They also provide a foundation for improving cryopreservation procedures and developing tools for assessing the reproductive condition of aquatic organisms—an advancement of importance for modern aquaculture as well as for species conservation efforts.

We warmly congratulate Professor Dietrich on this distinction and thank her for research that strengthens the foundations of contemporary reproductive biology and advances the fields of food science and aquatic environmental studies.

Photo: Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn and Białystok Branch, based in Olsztyn

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DIRECTOR and the SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL of the InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn have the honor to invite you to the public defense of the doctoral dissertation for the degree of Ph.D. in agricultural sciences, discipline of animal science and fisheries:

Rossella Debernardis, M.Tech

„The transcriptome of newly hatched larvae as a window into the exploration of parental legacy and early life performance in Eurasian perch”

The defense will take place on March 10, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. (CET) in a stationary mode (seminar room SKANDA AB InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Trylińskiego 18)

Supervisor:

• Daniel Żarski, Ph.D., D.Sc. – InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences;

Reviewers:

• Prof. dr hab. Konrad Ocalewicz – University of Gdański, Gdańsk, Poland;
• Dr Catherine Labbe  – INRAE, Rennes, France;
• Dr Jonna Tomkiewicz – Denmark National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Charlottenlund, Denmark.

The doctoral dissertation and the dissertation reviews can be found in the BIP Institute website.

Chair of the Scientific Council
Prof. Urszula Gawlik

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Chronic pain is not merely a prolonged warning signal from the body. It is a complex neurobiological process involving persistent alterations in nervous system function, modulation of inflammatory responses, and reorganization of stimulus-processing mechanisms. Understanding these processes remains one of the major challenges of contemporary neuropharmacology.

On 27 February 2026 at 9:00 a.m. (Zoom platform), the OL-PAN seminar will host Professor Katarzyna Starowicz-Bubak, Director of the Maj Institute of Pharmacology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Kraków. Her lecture, entitled “New Neuropharmacological Perspectives in Chronic Pain Therapy: The Role of the Endocannabinoid System,” will focus on current research directions concerning the mechanisms underlying neuropathic and inflammatory pain, as well as potential therapeutic strategies.

Particular attention will be devoted to the endocannabinoid system—a widespread signaling network present throughout the body. Its receptors are located in the brain, lungs, bones, gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscles, reproductive system, and in structures of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. This system is considered one of the fundamental physiological systems of the body, playing a key role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating inflammatory responses, and modulating pain signaling.

The OL-PAN seminar provides a platform for scientific exchange, presentation of current research directions, and discussion of the challenges facing contemporary medicine and biomedical sciences. The event is open to all interested participants.

📅 27 February 2026
🕘 9:00 a.m.
💻 Zoom platform

Meeting ID: 936 8526 7349
Access code: 328636

Meeting language: English

About the Speaker

Professor Katarzyna Starowicz, PhD, DSc, is Professor of Medical and Health Sciences and Director of the Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków. She has been affiliated with the Institute since 2007. She obtained her MSc from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków and her PhD in Medical Sciences from Utrecht University, followed by habilitation in 2013 and the award of full professorship in 2021.

Professor Starowicz’s research focuses on the neurochemistry of chronic pain, with particular emphasis on neuropathic and osteoarthritis pain, the endogenous cannabinoid system, TRPV1 receptors, and inflammatory and regenerative mechanisms in joint disease. Following her doctorate, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (CNR), Italy, in the Endocannabinoid Research Group led by Professor Vincenzo Di Marzo.

She is an internationally recognised expert in cannabinoid research and pain pharmacology. Professor Starowicz is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) and served as its President in 2024–2025. She regularly lectures at international scientific meetings and serves on editorial boards, including the British Journal of Pharmacology. Her distinctions include the National Science Centre Award in Life Sciences (2016), the ICRS Mid-Career Award, and the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Award.

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Can dominance in fish reproduction be controlled? How can egg quality be improved through the identification of molecular markers? In what ways do circadian rhythms influence organismal development, and how does gene expression dysregulation affect larval condition? These are just some of the key questions that will be addressed during the open Fish’n’Repro seminar, organized on 25 February 2026 by the InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences.

The aim of the event is to facilitate the exchange of expertise, present current research findings, and identify common research areas that may serve as a foundation for further international scientific collaboration. The seminar is addressed to researchers working in the field of reproductive biology as well as professionals involved in fish farming and aquaculture.

Special Guests from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research

The event will feature lectures by researchers from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), one of Europe’s leading institutions in aquaculture research.

Prof. Constantinos (Dinos) C. Mylonas – Director of the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC) and a recognized expert in fish reproductive physiology and endocrinology. His research focuses on identifying reproductive dysfunctions in captive fish and developing environmental and pharmacological methods to control maturation and spawning.

Dr Ioannis (Yannis) Fakriadis – Research scientist specializing in fish reproductive physiology and practical approaches to controlling reproductive processes in aquaculture. His interests include selective breeding, assisted reproduction, gamete quality assessment, and reproductive behaviour analysis.

Programme:

Constantinos (Dinos) C. Mylonas, Professor (HCMR)
Fish Reproduction in Mediterranean Aquaculture and its Control

Ioannis (Yannis) Fakriadis, PhD (HCMR)
Dominance in fish reproduction: can we manipulate it?

Daniel Żarski, PhD (InLife)
Fishing for molecular indicators of egg quality in pikeperch

Oliver Barić, PhD Student (InLife)
Winding the clock: current knowledge on circadian rhythm development in Eurasian perch

Rossella Debernardis, PhD Student (InLife)
Heart oedema in Eurasian perch larvae is associated with multi-tissue gene dysregulation

Fish’n’Repro has an interdisciplinary character, combining fundamental research with its potential applications in fish farming. The meeting will provide a platform for in-depth discussion, partnership building, and the initiation of joint research projects in the field of reproductive biology and aquaculture.

📍 Venue: InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Skanda Hall
📅 Date: 25 February 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM

We warmly invite researchers and aquaculture professionals interested in the latest advances in fish reproductive biology to participate.

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DIRECTOR and the SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL of the InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn have the honor to invite you to the public defense of the doctoral dissertation for the degree of Ph.D. in agricultural sciences, discipline of animal science and fisheries:

Manohara Mahadeva, M.Tech

’Membrane Potential Sets the Tempo: Bioelectricity Controls the Rate of Somitogenesis in Chick Embryos through Mechanics’

The defense will take place on March 3, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. (CET) via ZOOM platform.

Supervisor:

• Magdalena Kowacz,Ph.D. Dr. Sci. – InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences;

Reviewers:

• Prof. Małgorzata Lekka, PhD, D.Sc – Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Science;
• Magda Dubińska-Magiera, Ph.D., D.Sc. prof. UWr – Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław;
• Przemysław Płonka, Ph.D., D.Sc  – Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University;

The doctoral dissertation and the dissertation reviews can be found in the BIP Institute website. The doctoral dissertation is also available in the Director’s Office, InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research PAS in Olsztyn, Trylinskiego Str. 18.

Those wishing to participate in the public defense are asked to send an e-mail to the Secretary of the Doctoral Committee, Sebastian Niestępski, Ph.D., s.niestepski@pan.olsztyn.pl.

In the reply e-mail, you will receive an access link to the defense. Logging in to the meeting will be possible from 8:30 a.m., and the defense will start at 9:00 a.m.

Chair of the Scientific Council
Prof. Urszula Gawlik

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