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Institute with Erasmus Charter for higher education

The Institute has received the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education – ERASMUS CHARTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION 2021-2027 (ECHE), and thus the opportunity to participate in international educational mobility and cooperation programs for innovation and exchange of good practices.

The ECHE Charter is a confirmation of the Institute’s compliance with the quality standards required for the organization of student and university staff mobility and the implementation of international educational projects.

ECHE entitles the Institute to apply for funds to implement all international activities under the Erasmus+ program. It defines an institution’s basic principles when organizing and implementing high-quality mobility and cooperation. It specifies the conditions the institution agrees to meet to ensure high-quality services and procedures and provide reliable and transparent information.

By applying for ECHE, the Institute has taken on the obligation to follow the principles referred to in the Erasmus Charter’s contents and implement the developed Erasmus Policy Statement.

First Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND program fellow at the Institute

Dr. Taina Rocha de Almeida is the first fellow of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND program at the Institute.

Taina is the winner of the PACIFIC scholarship competition administered by the Polish Academy of Sciences and co-funded by the H2020 Program „Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Co-funding of regional, national and international programs” and the Ministry of Education and Science.

Taina came to the Institute from Brazil, and her research supervisor is Dr. Daniel Żarski from the Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology. The fellow’s research aims to determine to what extent non-genetic inheritance factors affect the adaptability of offspring (from embryo to juvenile stages) to breeding conditions. The study will be conducted on three Polish rainbow trout breeding lines.

The prestigious scholarship of the PACIFIC MSCA COFUND program was awarded to 49 candidates from 60 countries worldwide. The competition was fierce – there were about ten candidates per place. To select the winning proposals, evaluators assessed them in three main categories – excellence, impact, and feasibility. Each project also had to pass an ethical evaluation.

The scholarship was awarded for a period of 24 months.

Welcome to the Institute, and congratulations to the scholarship winner and the research supervisor on this prestigious award.

Prof. Marta Siemieniuch on the Main Board of PEFTA

Prof. Marta Siemieniuch was elected to the Main Board of the Polish Equine Facilitated Therapy Association (PEFTA)! This is a great honor for Prof. Siemieniuch, who also heads the breeding of Polish Konik horses at the Research Station of our Institute in Popielno.

During the reporting and election assembly of the Polish Equine Facilitated Therapy Association (PEFTA), which took place on October 1, 2022, in Warsaw, in a secret ballot, the Main Board and the Audit Committee were elected for the term 2022-2026. Prof. Marta Siemieniuch from the Department of Immunology and Reproductive Pathology of our Institute, who also manages the breeding of Polish Konik horses at the Research Station in Popielno, became a member of the Board.

The mission of PEFTA and the honorable function of Prof. Siemieniuch

Polish Equine Facilitated Therapy Association (PEFTA), which brings together Polish specialists interested in hippotherapy: doctors, rehabilitators, psychologists, educators, riding instructors, and horse breeders, was founded in 1992 as Polish Hippotherapeutical Association (PHA). The society aims to promote hippotherapy as a rehabilitation method for selected disorders of children, adolescents, and adults, to improve the skills of hippotherapists, and to provide its members with access to professional literature and information on the progress of hippotherapy abroad.

PEFTA cooperates with doctors of various specialties, rehabilitation therapists, and experienced riders to develop a methodology and training program for hippotherapy specialists. The Society also strives to recognize hippotherapy as an official method of specialized rehabilitation and reacts to any deviation from the principles of the art of hippotherapy.

Prof. Marta Siemieniuch is an experienced expert who has devoted most of her professional career to research and work with horses. At the Research Station in Popielno, which has been part of our Institute since 2016, she manages the breeding of the Polish horse, a native breed of primitive horses covered by the biodiversity protection program. Joining PEFTA Main Board is another distinction for prof. Siemieniuch in recent months – in August, she was awarded the silver union badge of the Polish Horse Breeders Association.

For more information about the Polish Equine Facilitated Therapy Association (PEFTA), we refer you to its official website.

EIT Food Post-Harvest School

The eighth edition of the International Workshop on the Biology of Fish Gametes – conference summary

The eighth edition of the International Workshop on the Biology of Fish Gametes is over. One of the most important European conferences on reproductive biology this time took place in Gdansk.

The International Workshop on the Biology of Fish Gametes’ eighth edition lasted from September 20-23, 2022. This time the best scientists interested in gametes and reproductive technologies of aquatic organisms in the world were hosted in Gdansk, and our Institute was responsible for the organization.

– Organizing the conference was a significant challenge for us, given the uniqueness of this event for the scientific community. Uncertain times make it even more challenging to arrange face-to-face meetings. Still, the positive response from interested scientific teams from the beginning gave us plenty of motivation to create an exceptional event despite the adversities, the success of which we can conclude from the very positive response from the participants – says Dr. Daniel Żarski, head of the conference organizing committee.

This year’s edition was exceptionally successful, as the organizers received as many as 91 abstracts from 14 countries, 40 of which were selected for oral presentations. The event was divided into six thematic sections, focusing on biotechnology and biotech, gametogenesis, gamete quality, gamete biology, fertilization and development, gamete storage, and cryopreservation.

– As organizers, we achieved our goal – to create a highly productive and friendly atmosphere to discuss science and consolidate and develop valuable relationships between participants. And this is the success of our entire team, who worked hard to make this goal a reality – adds Dr. Żarski.

International Workshop on the Biology of Fish Gametes – what kind of conference is this?

The first edition of the International Workshop on the Biology of Fish Gametes was held in 2007 in Vodňany, the Czech Republic. Since then, it has been organized every two years in various European locations, including Valencia, Faro, Budapest, Ancona, and Rennes. The organization of the eighth iteration was entrusted to the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the campus of the University of Gdansk was chosen as the venue. Initially, it was to be held in 2021, but due to the global situation, it was decided to start in September 2022.

This year’s conference was attended by distinguished scientists from around the world, including Prof. Katsutoshi Arai of Hokkaido University, who has been involved in the Fish Gametes workshop since its inception, Prof. Ibon Cancio of the University of the Basque Country, and Dr. Audrey Laurent of INRAE LPGP. The level of the conference itself was very high, as mentioned by Prof. Andrzej Ciereszko, head of the scientific committee.

– The papers and materials presented in the posters were characterized by a high scientific level, both in the primary and applied sciences. Among other things, significant progress was made in embryonic and stem cell transplantation, clarifying the role of ribosomes in oocyte function and implementing molecular tools for fish sterilization. Research on endocrine regulatory mechanisms has been deepened, including the role of kisspeptin in reaching maturity and the regulation of stem cell proliferation by FSH and chronic stress – Prof. Ciereszko explained.

The eighth installment of the International Workshop on the Biology of Fish Gametes is now a thing of the past, and all concerned – organizers and participants – highly rate it. This is a great success not only for our Institute but also for the Polish scientific world.

Nutrition Winter School 2023: partnership with NuGO facilitates application

Do you want to spend a week in snowy Finland filled with scientific debates while deepening your knowledge in nutrition science? Nutrition Winter School 2023 is the proposal for you! You still have a chance to become one of the participants in this event, but there is not much time left.

7th Nutrition Winter School will happen the last week of January 2023! This meeting will be held in the town of Saariselkä in Lapland, Finland. The theme, „The Saga of the Gut,” will lead participants to understand the various roles of the gut in health and disease.

NuGO facilitates registration

European Organization of Nutrigenomics NuGO is a prestigious international association of universities and research institutes focusing on the joint development of the research areas of molecular nutrition, personalized nutrition, nutrigenomics and nutritional systems biology. Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research is part of NuGO and thus our employees have access to discounts for registration to NWS2023.

All PhD students and postdocs from NuGO member organizations have a chance to win one of 3 grants in the amount of 500 €, which covers part of the Early Bird registration fees at NWS2023. The deadline for requesting financial support from NuGO is October 1, 2022. The request for financial aid should be addressed to nugo@wur.nl. For more information on the grant, go to the NuGO website.

What is Nutrition Winter School 2023?

The organizers of the Nutrition Winter School have set themselves the goal of bringing together the most talented scientists in the early stages of their careers and experienced educators from different backgrounds to exchange ideas and differing points of view. During NWS2023, numerous lectures and scientific sessions will inspire young scientists to do new research projects.

The program is designed to touch on intestinal health from different sides. The latest developments in the field of nutrition – from a molecular, experimental, and clinical point of view – will be presented. During the lectures, participants will learn how nutrients are absorbed and transported in the gastrointestinal tract, how the microbiome is formed, and whether the gut affects our immune and neurological systems. Scientists will also discuss the latest diagnostic advances that may already have clinical applications and consider the role of genes in healthy gut function. The whole program for the Nutrition Winter School 2023 you can find here.

During NWS2023, participants will have the opportunity to exchange views with world-renowned experts. Sessions will feature speakers such as: Prof. Magnus Simren from University of Gothenburg; Prof. Michael Müller from University of East Anglia; Prof. Michael Schemann from Technical University of Münich and many more.

NWS2023 is a unique opportunity for any scientist who wants to improve their competence in the field of nutritional sciences, and at the same time spend time in an extraordinary, picturesque place.

For all willing participants registration is still open! Registration fees are 750 € (until 15.10.2022) and 850 € (last call, valid until 9.12.2022). The registration fee includes the right to attend lectures, workshops, seminar material, social programs, lunches, coffee, and dinners. The fee does not include breakfast, travel, or accommodation.

Weekend with Polish Konik horses and Tarpaniada 2022

The end of August was very busy for Polish Konik horses from Popielno. On August 19-20, 2022, in Popielno the breeding event „Weekend with Polish Konik Horses” took place, followed a week later by Tarpaniada 2022 in Sieraków Wielkopolski, where animals from our breeding presented themselves remarkably well.

On the first day of the „Weekend with Polish Konik Horses,” performance tests of Polish Konik horses were conducted, which were entered by a total of 7 horses – including two from the breeding of the Research Station in Popielno. The mares that entered the harness trial – DAWKA P and WIECHLINA – finished it with good and excellent marks. Five mares entered the dressage trial, one of which was withdrawn during the test due to insufficient fitness preparation.

A committee composed of the director of the Warmia-Mazury Horse Breeders’ Association, Adam Domzala, the director of the District Horse Breeders’ Association in Bialystok, Marek Niewinski, and the chairman of the Stud Book Commission for Polish Horses, Jan Slominski, conducted the licensing (i.e., an entry in the stud books) of one stallion and three mares, as well as the verification of a 5-year-old stallion and a 5-year-old mare. During the warranty, the stallion bred from Popielno – TOJAD P – received 82 points, while GWIAZDNICA P collected 80 points. A maximum of 100 bonus points can be collected, but this rarely happens – stallions with scores above 80 points are considered very good, and mares rated at 80 points are elite animals.

Horses from Popielno for the exhibition were prepared and presented by youngsters (Marika Frost, Martyna Hapka, and Zuzia Pejsak), who also prepared horses for the XX All-Around Polish Konik Competition, which took place on 22-23.08.2022 at the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Niedbalski in Wojnowo.

On the second day of the „Weekend with the Polish Konik,” the premium of foals took place. Fourteen foals were placed in the catalog: 10 bred from Popielno and four foals belonging to area breeders. The commission composed of: Jan Slomiany, Adam Domzala, and Kamila Bejar, an inspector of the Warmia-Mazury Horse Breeders Association in Olsztyn, awarded the title of a champion to the filly LEGENDA M and the title of vice-champion to the filly BABA JAGA P (from Popielno).

In turn, the mare JUNA P (from Popielno) was awarded the title of vice-champion of the XXI National Polish Horse Show in Sierakow Wielkopolski (Tarpaniada), which took place on August 26-27, 2022.

The Judging Panel, consisting of Zbigniew Jaworski – Chairman, Jaroslaw Szymoniak (Director of the Association of Breeders of Polish Horses of Greater Poland), and Marek Zulawski (member of the KKn Stud Book Commission), evaluated the horses on the grounds of the Sierakow Stallion Stud on the second day of Tarpaniada. Before the start of the evaluation, WZHK Director Jaroslaw Szymoniak presented Marta Siemieniuch. She heads the breeding of Polish Konik horses at the IARFR Research Station of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Popielno, with a silver union badge from the Polish Horse Breeders Association.

During the plate evaluation, the judging panel awarded the highest number of points to the mare HENARA D (43.65 points), while slightly lower marks were given to JUNA P (42.65 points). 10 of the 11 mares scored above 40 points, confirming that the level was even this year. Traditionally, breeders and owners of the best mares, in addition to cups funded by the Polish Horse Breeders Association, will receive monetary prizes awarded by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Institute as a leading research center in Poland

We have learned the results of a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of the activities of scientific units for the years 2017-2021 carried out by the Ministry of Education and Science. 1,145 units from all over the country were assessed. The Institute obtained the highest position (category A +) in the discipline of food technology and nutrition and a very good position (category A) in the discipline of animal sciences and fisheries. The first was granted to only 3 scientific institutions in Poland. Thus, we are among the 6% of the most outstanding research centers in the country, whose activities are distinguished by the highest quality, and whose achievements are comparable to that of leading European research units.

The quality of the activity of scientific units for the years 2017-2021 was assessed by the Science Evaluation Committee (KEN). Pursuant to the Act on Higher Education and Science of 2018, also known as the „Constitution for Science” or „Act 2.0”, the evaluation covered newly defined scientific disciplines within the entire unit and the individual achievements of all employees conducting research activities in a given discipline. The new evaluation model comprised also new evaluation criteria covering three key areas:

Scientific or artistic level of the conducted activity (assessed on the basis of scientific publications and granted patents),
Financial results of scientific research and development works (the funds obtained for research projects obtained under international and national competitions, commercialization of research results and commissioned scientific works),
The impact of scientific activity on the society and economy (impact of scientific research results on the socio-economic development: implementation of the research results into the market and contact with society).

On the basis of the points awarded for individual criteria, as well as sets of reference values, the research units were awarded scientific categories in individual disciplines: A +, A, B +, B or C. These categories determine, among others, the possibility of awarding academic degrees, educating doctoral students in doctoral schools in individual disciplines and the amount of subsidies, i.e. funds from the state budget, allocated to the maintenance of research potential, development of young staff and teaching activities.

The prestigious A + category was awarded only to a few units from among those included in the A research category, distinguished by a particularly high level of research and developmental works. Selecting the best-of-the-best entities required additional evaluation, carried out by 2 experts, including one of the leading European research center in a given discipline.

We are proud of the result achieved, especially the fact that we were awarded the A + category as a result of two positive expert assessments. This is a proof that it is possible to conduct highest quality research in smaller research centers, to which Olsztyn undoubtedly belongs. The Institute’s finding itself among the elite group of the country’s leading research units honors the last 5 years of our intense work, for which I thank all employees who have diligently worked for the success of their disciplines. We are satisfied that experts appreciated both the high scientific level and financial results of our research, as well as the scale of impact our activities have on the socio-economic environment. Nevertheless, we believe that also in the animal sciences and fisheries discipline, we present the level qualifying us to the A + category, and we will make efforts to increase the scientific category by applying for expert re-evaluation – said the director of the Institute, Prof. Mariusz Piskuła.

The evaluation of activity of research units according to the new rules covered the period 2017-2021 and began on January 1, 2022. The results are not final yet. Research units have one month for appeals. The awarded category remain valid for the next 4 years.

List of scientific categories 2022

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Dr. Katarzyna Walendzik awarded NCN SONATINA grant

Dr. Katarzyna Walendzik from the Regenerative Biology Team received a prestigious grant from the National Science Center SONATINA, which gives young scientists the opportunity to conduct research and carry out internships in prestigious foreign centers:

„The effect of age and diet on dWAT lipid metabolism in mouse model”

Budget: PLN 1,394,035

Dr. Walendzik’s research project will show that age-related and diet-dependent changes in metabolism and dermal White Adipose Tissue (dWAT) properties affect homeostasis and the healing process of skin injuries. Thanks to the application of the in vivo model, the cumulative effect of age and diet on skin lipid turnover in intact and post wounded skin will be determined. On the other hand, in vitro experiments will unravel the molecular regulation of dWAT lipid metabolism. Recognition of these mechanisms may contribute to the development of new methods of prevention and treatment of chronic / non-healing wounds resulting from diseases related to overweight, obesity and progressive age.

The SONATINA competition is addressed to researchers who have obtained a doctoral degree within 3 years before the year of submitting the application. The awarded grant covers the costs of employing the laureates in Polish research units, carrying out basic research and research and implementation work, as well as 3 to 6-month internships abroad. After the completion of the grants, scientists can apply for funding for projects in the SONATA competition for more experienced researchers, or the SONATA BIS call, which enables the creation of a new team.

Ranking list

Dr. Ewelina Goryszewska-Szczurek with the scientific award of the Society for Reproductive Biology

Dr. Ewelina Goryszewska-Szczurek from the Department of Hormone Action Mechanisms is the laureate of the Scientific Award of the Society for Reproductive Biology for the best scientific work in the field of reproductive biology in 2021.

The awarded publication „Prokineticin 1 – prokineticin receptor 1 signaling in trophoblast promotes embryo implantation and placenta development” by Ewelina Goryszewska-Szczurek, Monika Baryła, Piotr Kaczyński and Agnieszka Wacławik appeared in the journal Scientific reports 11, 13715 (2021); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93102-1. The publication is part of the doctoral dissertation of Dr. Goryszewska-Szczurek, conducted under the supervision of Prof. Agnieszka Wacławik.

Dr. Goryszewska-Szczurek et al. (2021) described a new mechanism involved in the process of placental development involving prokineticin 1 and its receptor PROKR1 in the porcine embryo trophoblast. The results of the research, described in the award-winning article, will bring us closer to understanding the processes involved in the molecular dialogue between the developing embryo and the mother’s organism.

The TBR Scientific Award is awarded for scientific work in the field of reproductive biology published in a national or foreign journal to scientists who are under 35 years of age and are the first or corresponding author of the work.

More information here.