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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.

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EIT Food Privacy Policy: Our privacy policy – EIT Food

EIT Food Education Terms and Conditions: Education Terms & Conditions – EIT Food

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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.

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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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