Doctoral Presentations and a Lecture on Artificial Intelligence
On Monday, June 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the Skanda seminar room, second-year PhD students of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences will present their research achievements as part of the mid-term evaluation.
Following the seminar, at 1:00 PM, Dr. hab. Marek Salamonowicz (University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn) will deliver a lecture entitled „Artificial Intelligence in Academic Research: Legal and Ethical Challenges”.
You are warmly invited to attend the presentations and the lecture.
Prof. dr hab. Aneta Andronowska
Director of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences
Dr. Taisiia Yurchuk Awarded Prestigious Fellowship
Dr. Taisiia Yurchuk has been awarded a postdoctoral fellowship under the MSCA4Ukraine program for her project on reconstructing cumulus-oocyte complexes after cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. The research aims to protect the biodiversity of species from the Bovidae family (which includes cattle) and to develop methods for preserving human fertility.
The project was selected through an exceptionally competitive call led by the MSCA4Ukraine Consortium – an initiative by the European Commission created in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The program is part of the “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions” carried out within the Horizon Europe framework.
In the second call for MSCA4Ukraine, over 500 applications were submitted, of which only 47 postdoctoral researchers and 2 doctoral candidates received funding. Dr. Yurchuk’s research stood out for its scientific excellence and its potential impact on biodiversity conservation and human reproductive health.
The 24-month project began on June 1, 2025, and is being carried out at our Institute in Olsztyn. Its goal is to develop techniques for reconstructing cumulus-oocyte complexes after cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. This innovative approach is highly significant both for protecting endangered species of the Bovidae family and for improving fertility preservation methods in human medicine.
This award is part of the broader MSCA4Ukraine initiative supporting researchers displaced by the war in Ukraine, enabling them to continue their scientific work in EU member states and countries associated with Horizon Europe. The program also emphasizes maintaining strong academic ties with their home institutions in Ukraine, thereby strengthening the resilience of the Ukrainian scientific community.
We warmly welcome Dr. Yurchuk to our team and look forward to the results of her work.
Interdisciplinary Seminar with Professor Berthold Koletzko
The Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology, and Child Nutrition at the Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, together with the Warmian-Masurian Medical Chamber and the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, have the honour to invite you to an Interdisciplinary Open Seminar.
The special guest of the event will be Professor Berthold Koletzko, Senior Professor of Paediatrics at the Department of Paediatrics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. Professor Koletzko will deliver two lectures:
- Human brain development – nature and nurture
- Nutrition in pregnancy – does it matter?
Professor Koletzko’s main research interests focus on the impact of metabolic and nutritional factors on child health and the prevention of diseases in the paediatric population.
The seminar will take place on Thursday, June 12th at 12:00 PM in the Jan Rymian Conference Hall (ground floor) of the Warmian-Masurian Medical Chamber, ul. Żołnierska 16c, Olsztyn.
Participation is free of charge.
Please confirm your attendance by completing the registration form.
You can learn more about Professor Berthold Koletzko by clicking here.
WE Lead Food Workshops – Women Driving Change in the Food Sector
Participants of the fourth edition of the EIT Food WE Lead Food Poland workshops came together to discuss transformations in the food sector and the growing impact of women in shaping these changes. The event gathered female leaders who are driving scientific research, launching startups, running businesses, implementing educational projects, and shaping new policy strategies in the agri-food industry.
The workshops took place on May 28 in the welcoming spaces of the French Embassy in Warsaw. The goal is to build a nationwide community of female experts who support each other and work together towards a healthy, safe, and sustainable food sector.
It was a day full of inspiring meetings, keynote speeches, and insightful conversations about the key challenges facing the food system — not only in Poland but globally. This year’s edition brought together over 40 women leaders.
The event was officially opened by the French Ambassador to Poland, Etienne de Poncins, who welcomed participants and emphasized the alignment of the event with French policy promoting women’s empowerment.
– We strongly believe that women’s empowerment is a transformative force for more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable agriculture. That is what we aim to support here – by bringing together female leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers from the agri-food sector.”
The WE Lead Food workshops are held in several European countries. In Poland, the event is organized by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn.
– As an Institute, we are proud to once again host this outstanding initiative, designed to empower women on their path to success – to serve as a springboard for achieving their goals in science and business – said Prof. Monika M. Kaczmarek, Director of the Institute. „I myself participated in the very first edition of these workshops and I’m convinced they will bring tremendous value to all the women gathered here.
A key part of the program was the Inspiration Session, featuring female leaders managing with a focus on responsibility and development: Tatiana Frémond (restaurateur and entrepreneur), Dr. Eng. Katarzyna Pala (CEO of startup Future4Food Technologies), and Renata Krysiak (CEO of startup VegeLIO). The panel inspired fellow participants by sharing their journeys, challenges, and paths to success.
The session was moderated by Iwona Kieda from the Institute in Olsztyn, WE Lead Food Project Coordinator in Poland, – We’ve looked at your work and see you as true leaders in your fields. You think forward, influence others, motivate them, and are focused on future generations. These are exactly the kinds of open and creative minds the modern food sector needs,” she noted.
Another key element was the Leadership Development Session, led by coaches Marzena Radzka-Wiśniewska and Lidia Willan. Participants learned how to set and achieve professional goals.
In an online appearance, Shima Barakat – founder and European coordinator of WE Lead Food emphasized – We know our food system is not as good as it could be. It can be healthier, more sustainable. And women are not the problem – women are creating the solutions. WE Lead Food backs female leaders to shake the system and build a more sustainable food model.”
The day concluded with a networking session and presentations of startups founded by women. Kamila Knap and Agnieszka Lepka, founders of Shroom, showcased their functional wellness beverages made from mushroom and plant extracts. Daria Latała, founder of Kombucha Baddi, also presented her health-focused drink brand.
What did the participants – leaders, organizers, and experts, have to say?
Agnieszka Jankowska, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
– The Ministry supports initiatives that network women, develop female farmers, and help them acquire knowledge and introduce innovation in their farms. That’s why such workshops are incredibly valuable – they offer knowledge, skill-building, and the chance to expand your network.
Bożena Bochenek, Agricultural Attaché, French Embassy
– The Embassy strongly supports empowering women in cultural, social, and economic life. What’s fantastic about WE Lead Food is how it brings together women across the agri-food spectrum – scientists, startup founders, restaurateurs, farmers. And it includes diplomacy too. We, as female diplomats, strive to connect and support.
Aleksandra Okońska-Jaruga, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute
– An incredibly inspiring event that shows there are no limits to what women can achieve – not only in science but also in the kinds of mutually beneficial relationships they can create with business.
Kamila Knap, startup Shroom
– Such initiatives are vital to developing the food startup ecosystem in Poland, which is still growing. There are still too few women in agri-food business. Let’s connect, let’s meet -who knows what great projects may come out of it!.
Agnieszka Tokarz, Nice to Fit You
– I came here for motivation and the support we women often lack. I want to surround myself with the strength of women. I loved the expert panel – I heard about struggles we all face as women. Together, we can support each other.
Marta Kaczmarek, EIT
– For the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, gender mainstreaming is crucial – not just in food. We strive to ensure women leaders have the skills and visibility to showcase their achievements and thrive in the job market. That’s why the initiatives run by the Institute in Olsztyn are so vital.
Event Partners
Embassy of France in Poland, Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Agro Women Foundation.
The training is part of the #WELeadFood project, funded by EIT Food – the European Knowledge and Innovation Community in the field of food. Join the expert network and register now for the 8-week main program starting this autumn: SIGN UP
Over 9 million PLN from NCN for Researchers at our Institute
Four research projects led by female scientists from our Institute have received a total funding of PLN 9,492,259 as part of the OPUS 28 and SONATA 20 calls announced by the National Science Centre (NCN).
The grant recipients include:
Dr. Sylwia Judycka with the project: CRYO-LARVA: A multi-species exploration of molecular, developmental and transgenerational consequences of sperm cryoselection in fish larvae
Awarded funding: PLN 2,483,407
The aim of the project is to analyze the impact of sperm cryopreservation on larval development and identify potential transgenerational effects. The research will help understand how freezing sperm influences gene expression, phenotype, and inheritance in fish, which is important for both aquaculture and species conservation.
Prof. Agnieszka Wacławik, PhD, DSc – A three-dimensional in vitro endometrium model for studying hypoxia-induced changes and maternal-embryo interactions
Awarded funding: PLN 2,273,714
This research will replicate maternal-embryo interactions and the implantation process under laboratory conditions. The project aims to develop a realistic 3D endometrium model that enables analysis of hypoxia effects and trophoblast signaling during the earliest stages of life.
Dr. Katarzyna Piotrowska-Tomala, DVM – Can fibroblast senescence and resistance to apoptosis contribute to endometrial fibrosis in equine endometrosis?
Awarded funding: PLN 2,736,460
The project will examine whether aging fibroblasts and their resistance to apoptosis affect the development of endometrial fibrosis. The results may contribute to new anti-fibrotic therapies, relevant not only in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Karolina Wołodko, EngD – Delayed embryonic development in obese mothers: the link between leptin and mTOR signaling pathways
Awarded funding: PLN 1,998,678
This research focuses on the relationship between leptin levels, mTOR pathway activity, and the pace of embryo development. The aim is to understand how obesity affects fertility and embryo quality and to explore potential ways to support embryo development through IGF1.
Read more about the projects here.
We congratulate our researchers and wish them success in carrying out their projects!
We take patronage over a class at I LO in Olsztyn
Starting in September, students of the biology-chemistry class at the Adam Mickiewicz 1st High School in Olsztyn will be expanding their knowledge under the guidance of scientists from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, as part of a newly established patronage class. On Tuesday, May 20, the directors of both institutions – Prof. Monika M. Kaczmarek and Mr. Wojciech Boryszewski – officially signed the cooperation agreement.
This is the first high school class under the patronage of our Institute. Through this collaboration, students will participate in additional educational activities, workshops, lectures, and meetings with scientists. The Institute will open its laboratories to the students, provide access to educational platforms, and organize study visits.
As emphasized by Prof. Monika M. Kaczmarek, Director of the Institute, our goal is to promote science and inspire young people to explore and pursue their own passions. We aim to spark scientific curiosity in them – the beginning of every journey toward understanding the world. By showing the behind-the-scenes of our research, we want to encourage students to ask questions and seek answers – even the most difficult ones. Among them may be future scientists – or perhaps simply conscious, responsible citizens who understand how to collaborate with the scientific community.
School Principal Wojciech Boryszewski highlighted the many benefits this cooperation will bring to the school. Students in the biology-chemistry class will be able to expand their school-acquired knowledge through practical activities under the supervision of experts, in modern, well-equipped laboratories. The planned initiatives will be an exciting complement to traditional school education and will support students in better mastering the curriculum. Moreover, students will gain insight into the realities of scientific work, which may help them in choosing their future career paths.
Importantly, the Institute’s researchers will also support teachers in enriching the biology and chemistry curriculum with up-to-date research topics and modern teaching methods.
The aim of the patronage is to support students in developing their interests and deepening their knowledge in the natural sciences, while also helping them make informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.
The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn is a leading scientific institution in Poland, holding the highest scientific category – A+. Our research focuses on the essence of life – food, animal and human reproduction, and health.
The Adam Mickiewicz 1st High School in Olsztyn is a renowned secondary school, known for its high academic standards, numerous student achievements in subject competitions, and rich educational tradition. This year, the school celebrates its 80th anniversary.
Conference: The brain under pressure – the impact of habits and environment on its functioning
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body – responsible for essential life processes and mental functions. When it malfunctions, it can significantly reduce quality of life and contribute to the development of many diseases.
Join us online on May 22–23 for a conference where experts and researchers will present the latest findings on how lifestyle and environmental factors affect brain health and performance. Topics will include the impact of physical activity, sleep, stress, diet, stimulants, genetic predispositions, pollution, and even the gut microbiota on brain function. Neurological conditions and disorders will be discussed, including depression, memory disorders, brain aging processes, brain injuries, autoimmune brain diseases, and eating disorders with psychological causes.
Participation is free! Registration is required.
Day 1: REGISTER
Day 2: REGISTER
WE Lead Food Poland – join a unique women’s collaboration network!
From scientific research and innovative start-ups, through the boards of international companies and signature restaurants, to influencing policy and social activism — women in Poland continue to shape the future of a sustainable food system. WE Lead Food is a space created with them in mind — leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Here, they share knowledge, build relationships, and inspire one another, forming a remarkable network of collaboration. The next WE Lead Food meeting will take place on May 28 at the French Embassy in Warsaw.
WE Lead Food is a flagship and one of the most prestigious initiatives for women within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Food program. These meetings are held across several European countries. In Poland, the event will take place for the fourth time and is organized by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, a strategic partner of the EIT Food network.
-The workshops organized by our Institute aim to create a nationwide community of female leaders who support one another and work together for a healthy, safe, and sustainable food sector. We give the floor to experts who are open to collaboration, eager to share their knowledge, experience, and the challenges they face – says Iwona Kieda from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research PAS in Olsztyn, coordinator of the WE Lead Food project in Poland.
The next WE Lead Food workshop will take place on May 28 at the French Embassy, located at ul. Piękna 1 in Warsaw.
-This year, we are once again partnering with institutions and organizations that prioritize the role of women in transforming food system by supporting their leadership, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Among them are the French Embassy in Poland, the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IRWiR PAN), and the AgroWomen Network, – adds Marta Kopcewicz, co-organizer of the event.
The program will feature sessions focused on inspiration, skill development, and building cooperation. We will explore the motivations behind women’s entrepreneurship and the challenges it entails. Participants will hear inspiring stories of women who are changing the game, building strong teams, and leading with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to growth. These are leaders driven by a passion for creating a better, healthier, and more sustainable food system.
Among the featured speakers are: Dr. Katarzyna Pala, (CEO of Food4Future Technologies), Renata Krysiak, founder of the start-up VegeLIO and Tatiana Fremond, (restaurateur and owner of La Môme).
With the support of mentors, attendees will set personal goals and explore new opportunities that come with being part of a unique collaborative network. A dedicated networking session will offer time for building valuable connections, engaging in inspiring conversations, and discovering promising Polish women-led start-ups, including Shroom4You and Baddi Kombucha.
The workshops are free of charge. The number of spots is limited, so registration is required:
*** REGISTRATION FORM ***
Program
Date: May 28
Location: French Embassy, Piękna St 1, Warsaw
10:30 – 11:00 – Registration, Welcome
11:00 – 11:30 – Let’s get to know each other – icebreaker
11:30 – 11:45 – WE Lead Food, Shima Barakat, Programme Leader
11:45 – 13:00 – Get inspired! – panel session with experts
13:00 – 13:30 – Lunch
13:30 – 15:20 – Plan and achieve your goals! – training session
15:20 – 15:30 – Coffee break
15:30 – 15:45 – WE Lead Food, Shima Barakat
15:45 – 16:45 – Broaden your horizons! – networking session 16:45 – 17:00 – Closing
The workshop will be held in Polish.
See how it was at the last workshop:
Event partners:
French Embassy in Poland, Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Agro Women Foundation.
The training is part of the #WELeadFood project funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT Food).
Join the network of experts and take part in the 8-week main programme starting this autumn: SIGN UP.
—
EIT Food Privacy Policy: Our privacy policy – EIT Food
EIT Food Education Terms and Conditions: Education Terms & Conditions – EIT Food
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.
