The Institute at the National Congress „Science for Business”

Kongres Nauka dla biznesu stoisko

The National Congress “Science for Business”, organised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, is one of the most important events in Poland bringing together the scientific community, innovative projects and the economy. Our Institute was present at the joint booth of the Polish Academy of Sciences, showcasing research results and solutions that address market needs.

For two days, representatives of the Institute met with partners, entrepreneurs and institutions, demonstrating how science can meaningfully support the development of technologies and new products. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about selected patents, projects and examples of cooperation with the economic sector.

Kongres Nauka dla biznesu rozmowy
(photo: Polish Academy of Sciences)
Kongres Nauka dla biznesu rozmowy
(photo: Polish Academy of Sciences)

Our Institute was represented by:

  • Anna Bednarska-Barcz – responsible for industry cooperation at InLife,
  • Dr Anna Ogrodowczyk – facilitator of the EIT Food Consumer Engagement Labs 2024 project,
  • Dr Eng. Przemysław Zduńczyk – head of the most modern Animal Facility in Poland,
  • Dr Marek Bogacki – head of the Cell Analysis Laboratory.

At the PAN booth, visitors could also taste yoghurt co-created with consumers as part of the EIT Food Consumer Engagement Labs project. Its presentation was made possible thanks to the courtesy of Mlekpol.

We would like to thank the Polish Academy of Sciences for co-organising the booth, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Łukasiewicz Research Network and the National Centre for Research and Development for creating a space for meetings and discussions that genuinely bring the worlds of science and business closer together.

More about the event

The National Congress “Science for Business” took place on 19–21 November 2025 in Warsaw. It is the first event in Poland of such scale, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the scientific community, business and public administration. The event was held under state patronage and coordinated by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education together with the Łukasiewicz Research Network.

The Congress brought together scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovation leaders and representatives of public administration – thousands of people interested in building a knowledge-based economy, technology transfer and modern solutions. The programme included panels and presentations devoted to key directions of national development: from science–industry cooperation and technology transfer, through the implementation of innovations and digitalisation, to technological security, defence technologies and the role of research institutions in building a competitive economy.

The Congress was not only panels and debates — it was also an exhibition area, networking opportunities, and a platform for presenting research projects and products developed through science–business collaboration. The goal is to shorten the path from idea to industry, turning research and technologies into solutions ready for real economic application.

Kongres Nauka dla biznesu stoisko

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Assistant professor in the Food Immunology and Microbiology Team

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 Food Immunology and Microbiology Team

Working hours: full-time position

Place of work: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Trylińskiego 18 Street, Olsztyn

Job description:

  • planning and implementation of experiments using cellular and animal models,
  • research related to the in vitro culture of human cells using transcriptomic and proteomic methodologies,
  • research related to the search for markers of cell quality in inflammation,
  • studies of the mechanisms determining cell activation in vitro and in vivo,
  • studying the effect of food components on the immune system of the gastrointestinal tract, microbiota and its metabolic activity,
  • study of the impact of technological processes on changes in the allergenic potential of food ingredients,
  • preparation of projects and scientific publications,
  • participation in educational and science popularization activities (workshops, events, meetings with young people).

Qualifications required:

  • doctoral degree (agricultural or related sciences),
  • co-authorship in scientific papers published in international journals (appearing in the Web of Knowledge database),
  • experience confirmed by scientific achievements in the field of the influence of nutrients on the immune system and the microbiota of the digestive tract,
  • proven experience in planning and conducting model experiments,
  • experience in the use of molecular biology techniques, including real- time PCR analysis and molecular typing of microorganisms, electrophoretic techniques, Western Blot , and classical and anaerobic microbiology,
  • managing at least one research project financed from external funds,
  • managing at least one project or task in an international project implemented in the unit,
  • completed foreign internships and training (at least a two-month scientific internship outside the candidate’s home country),
  • participation in international networking or coordination projects supporting cooperation between scientific units,
  • very good knowledge of computer hardware and programs necessary for the analysis of scientific results,
  • active participation in scientific conferences,
  • active participation in international projects,
  • good knowledge of English, spoken and written.

More than welcome:

  • the ability to convey knowledge at the scientific and popular science level,
  • communicativeness,
  • ability to work in a team,
  • independence in planning and conducting research,
  • organizational skills and experience in organizing international workshops and scientific conferences.

Information about working conditions and career development prospects:

Conducting research in immunology and microbiology will broaden the candidate’s knowledge and analytical experience. While working in the Immunology and Food Microbiology Team, the candidate will have the opportunity to participate in internships abroad and learn new research and analytical methods. Research at the Immunology and Food Microbiology Team will enable the development of skills and competencies in basic science, applied research, and implementation.

We offer:

  • employment in a renowned scientific unit of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
  • a friendly working atmosphere and support from an experienced, interdisciplinary team,
  • professional administrative support in the implementation of research projects,
  • opportunities for scientific development and improvement of qualifications, including participation in international conferences and training,
  • access to modern research infrastructure and bioinformatics facilities,
  • access to the Institute’s social benefits (ZFŚS), the possibility of joining group insurance on preferential terms and co-financing of the MultiSport card.

Required documents:

  • Scientific CV with a list of publications and achievements,
  • cover letter,
  • copy of the diploma confirming the obtaining of a doctoral degree,
  • letters of reference confirming qualifications and skills,
  • certificate confirming knowledge of English (optional),
  • a certificate authorizing you to work with laboratory animals (optional),
  • other documents that may be relevant when assessing your application.

Deadline and method of submitting offers:

Please send your documents by November 30, 2025 (12:00 CET) to the following e-mail address: rekrutacja@pan.olsztyn.pl with the note „Adjunct ZIMŻ” in the title of the message.

GDPR

Please include in your CV a clause consenting to the processing of your personal data by us during 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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Długi weekend w Instytucie

Day Off at the Institute – 10 November

We would like to inform you that Monday, 10 November 2025, will be a day off at our Institute.

We’re heading into a few days of rest as we celebrate Poland’s Independence Day, which falls on Tuesday, 11 November. The Institute will reopen on Wednesday, 12 November.

We wish everyone taking this time off a peaceful break and plenty of good energy for the days ahead.

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Assistant professor in the Hormonal Action Mechanisms Team

Director of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn announces an open call for the position of:

Assistant professor in the Hormonal Action Mechanisms Team

Employment type: full-time position

Place of work: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Hormonal Action Mechanisms Team, ul. Trylińskiego 18, Olsztyn, Poland

Job description:

  • conducting scientific research in the field of reproductive biology of farm animals, with particular emphasis on endocrine, molecular, and epigenetic mechanisms regulating the functions of the uterus, placenta, and ovary, as well as early embryo development in the domestic pig,
  • Conducting research in the area of animal and human reproductive health.

Information about working conditions and career development prospects:

The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn is recognized as one of the best research centers in the field of agricultural sciences and is a leading institution in the broadly defined life sciences. Its researchers conduct interdisciplinary research explaining the mechanisms of environmental impact on human quality of life and animal welfare, with a clear focus on reproductive biology and food and nutrition technology.

Participation in the research detailed above will significantly enhance the candidate’s scientific competence in conducting research on the mechanisms regulating mammalian reproduction. The candidate will have the opportunity to develop skills and competencies in conducting research using in vivo and in vitro models as well as molecular biology techniques, with particular emphasis on transcriptomics and epigenetics.

Expectations:

  • motivation for scientific work,
  • focusing on the implementation and development of research interests,
  • applying for research projects,
  • preparing publications for scientific journals,
  • improving qualifications through participation in specialized training and courses,
  • developing methodological skills in cell and tissue culture, multi-omics analyses and microscopic techniques,
  • expanding the competencies necessary to prepare grant applications and manage projects,
  • domestic and international cooperation and establishing new scientific contacts,
  • communication skills and good work organization.

We offer:

  • stable employment in a renowned scientific unit of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
  • scientific work without the need to conduct classes with students,
  • opportunities for professional development and qualification improvement,
  • access to modern research infrastructure,
  • friendly atmosphere and support of an experienced team.

Candidate Qualification Requirements:

  • PhD in agricultural or related sciences,
  • specialist knowledge in the field of reproductive biology documented in the form of a defended doctoral dissertation, publications from the Philadelphia list and presentation of results at scientific conferences, including:
    • co-authorship of at least 20 scientific publications indexed in the Journal Citation Reports , of which the candidate is the first or corresponding author in at least 8 publications,
    • co-authorship of at least 5 scientific publications in which the supervisor of the candidate’s doctoral dissertation does not appear,
    • active participation in national and international scientific conferences, including at least 5 oral presentations,
  • significant scientific achievements after obtaining a doctoral degree, documented in the form of publications in journals from the Philadelphia list,
  • over 12 months of postdoctoral internship at a renowned foreign research center,
  • acting as a principal investigator in at least two basic research projects related to the topic of farm animal reproduction, financed from external sources (national or international research funding agencies),
  • participation in the implementation of at least 3 projects financed from external sources (national or international research funding agencies), confirmed by co-authorship of scientific publications,
  • experience confirmed by scientific achievements in the field of:
    • conducting research using animal models and in vitro tissue and cell cultures obtained from the reproductive system, including primary cell cultures (endometrium, conceptus trophoblast, placenta and ovary) and cell lines,
    • conducting experiments using the cell transfection method using RNA interference techniques ( siRNA and miRNA mimic / miRNA inhibitor), functional analyses such as cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle, angiogenesis, migration, secretory activity, and oxidative stress,
    • functional analyses such as cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle, angiogenesis, migration, secretory activity, and oxidative stress,
    • knowledge of laboratory techniques related to the analysis of mRNA, microRNA, DNA and protein expression, including RNA- seq and ChIP,
  • skillful use of databases such as STRING, miRBase , miRTarBase , miRWalk , TargetScan , Ensemble genome browser and statistical programs (e.g. GraphPad Prism ),
  • very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written,
  • ability to operate computer and laboratory equipment.

More than welcome:

  • participation in workshops and training courses organized by prestigious international organizations, i.e. European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) and other,
  • popularization activities and activity in scientific life, including reviewing activities for indexed international journals,
  • awards and distinctions for scientific and research work.

Required documents:

  • copy of the PhD diploma,
  • academic CV including: (1) education, (2) research achievements including publications and conference communications, (3) accomplishments from scientific research, fellowships, awards, workshops and/or training, participation in research projects, and (4) a list of laboratory techniques used,
  • motivation letter,
  • reference letters confirming the candidate’s qualifications and competencies,
  • document confirming a research internship abroad,
  • summary of the PhD thesis,
  • certificate of English proficiency (optional),
  • certificate authorizing work with laboratory animals (optional),
  • other documents relevant for application assessment.

Application deadline and submission:

Please send your application via email to: rekrutacja@pan.olsztyn.pl.

(Subject line: „Application for Assistant Professor position Hormonal Action Mechanisms Team„).

The application deadline is November 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon, CET).

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. The results will be published on the Institute’s website.

GDPR

In the submitted documents, please include 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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Assistant Professor (Postdoctoral Researcher) in the Programming of Fertility and Development Team

Director of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn announces an open call for the position of:

Assistant Professor (Postdoctoral Researcher) in the Programming of Fertility and Development Team

Employment type: full-time position

Place of work: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Programming of Fertility and Development Team, ul. Trylińskiego 18, Olsztyn, Poland

Job description:

  • conducting research in the areas of reproductive biology, epigenetics and metabolism in the context of metabolic disorders and nutritional programming,
  • designing and performing in vivo and in vitro experiments, including work with gametes and embryos using mouse models,
  • preparing and submitting applications for national and international research grants (e.g., NCN, NAWA, Horizon Europe),
  • participating in ongoing research projects carried out within the team,
  • preparing scientific publications,
  • representing the Institute at national and international conferences,
  • collaborating within the research team as well as conducting independent research,
  • mentoring junior researchers and PhD students,
  • participating in educational and outreach activities (workshops, public events, meetings with students).

Qualifications required:

  • PhD degree in biology, medical, veterinary or related sciences,
  • scientific achievements confirmed by publications in journals indexed in Web of Science or equivalent databases,
  • completion of a research internship in a foreign research institution,
  • participation in at least one externally funded research project,
  • research experience in reproductive biology, confirmed by publications and conference presentations,
  • experience in working with animal models (experience with mouse models of obesity and metabolic disorders will be an advantage),
  • ability to design and perform experiments using molecular biology and microscopy techniques (e.g., RNA-seq, real-time PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence),
  • practical knowledge of superovulation protocols, in vitro fertilization techniques, and in vitro culture of cells, tissues, and embryos,
  • proficiency in bioinformatic and statistical software,
  • very good command of English (spoken and written), enabling preparation of scientific manuscripts and presentation of results at international conferences,
  • laboratory animal handling authorization (certificate) will be an asset.

We offer:

  • employment in a renowned research institution of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
  • a friendly and collaborative working environment within an experienced interdisciplinary team,
  • professional administrative support in project management,
  • opportunities for professional and scientific development, including participation in international conferences and training,
  • access to modern research infrastructure and bioinformatics facilities,
  • access to the Institute’s social benefits (Social Benefit Fund), possibility to join group insurance on preferential terms, and co-financing of a MultiSport card.

Required documents:

  • copy of the PhD diploma,
  • academic CV including: (1) education, (2) research achievements including publications and conference communications, (3) accomplishments from scientific research, fellowships, awards, workshops and/or training, participation in research projects, and (4) a list of laboratory techniques used,
  • motivation letter,
  • reference letters confirming the candidate’s qualifications and competencies,
  • document confirming a research internship abroad,
  • summary of the PhD thesis,
  • certificate of English proficiency (optional),
  • certificate authorizing work with laboratory animals (optional),
  • other documents relevant for application assessment.

Application deadline and submission:

Please send your application via email to: rekrutacja@pan.olsztyn.pl.

(Subject line: „Application for Assistant Professor position Programming of Fertility and Development Team„).

The application deadline is November 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (noon, CET).

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. The results will be published on the Institute’s website.

GDPR

In the submitted documents, please include 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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Inauguracja doktorantów 2025

Academic Year 2025/2026 inaugurated at the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences

At the end of September, our Institute hosted the inauguration ceremony of the 2025/2026 academic year of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences. The event, led by the Institute’s Director Prof. Monika Kaczmarek, was an opportunity to welcome new PhD candidates, who were officially introduced to the academic community by the students’ representative, Maciej Cieślik.

During the ceremony, five doctoral students took the official oath and received their student index books and welcome gifts from Prof. Kaczmarek and Dr hab. Wiesław Wiczkowski, Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs, thus symbolically beginning their research journey at our Institute.

The event was highlighted by an inspiring inaugural lecture by Dr hab. Radosław Kowalski, titled “Why animal welfare matters to scientists”, which perfectly reflected the Institute’s mission, connecting animal welfare, human health, and sustainable development.

A speech was also delivered by Prof. Aneta Andronowska, Director of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences: “Every new PhD student is not only a future scientist but also someone who brings fresh perspectives and energy to our Institute. The doctoral school is a place of learning, but it is also a space for discovering oneself, both as a researcher and as a person.”

The new doctoral candidates will conduct their research within the leading scientific teams of the Institute, under the supervision of experienced mentors:

  1. Karolina Osiecka, Team of Molecular Basis of Horse Reproduction, supervisor: Dr Agnieszka Sadowska
  2. Arleta Janysz, Nutrigenomics Team, supervisor: Prof. Carsten Carlberg
  3. Agnieszka Bachmura, Regenerative Biology Team, supervisor: Dr hab. Joanna Wiśniewska
  4. Sandra Brygida Mirończuk, Team of Biological Functions of Food, supervisor: Dr hab. Adam Jurgoński
  5. Piotr Lekowski, Nutrigenomics Team, supervisor: Prof. Carsten Carlberg

The Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences is run jointly by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn (serving as the Lead Institution), the Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences in Lublin, and the National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy.

The School began its activity on October 1, 2020, and educates PhD candidates in four scientific disciplines: animal science and fisheries, food technology and nutrition, veterinary medicine, and agriculture and horticulture.

We warmly congratulate all newly admitted doctoral students and wish them inspiring discoveries and success on their scientific path!

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FLICKandGO – a new solution for cattle breeding with SMART funding

FLICKandGO

The Embryo Biology Team, composed of Prof. Izabela Wocławek-Potocka, Dr Ilona Kowalczyk-Zięba, Dr Dorota Boruszewska, and Dr Agnieszka Jończyk, will develop an innovative FLICKandGO kit – a solution enabling safe and simple freezing and thawing of bovine embryos.

The project has received funding under the SMART path of the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) programme, which supports the most innovative initiatives with strong implementation potential.

Project goal – practical support for veterinarians

The aim of the project is to develop a technology that will allow field veterinarians to independently and effectively perform embryo transfers, without the need for specialised laboratories. This solution can increase the efficiency of cattle reproduction, reduce breeding costs, and improve animal welfare.

The importance of embryo transfer in breeding

Embryo transfer makes it possible to obtain several calves from a single cow, accelerates genetic progress, supports the preservation of valuable cattle breeds, and facilitates the international exchange of genetic material. The development and implementation of the FLICKandGO kit aim to make this technology more accessible and widely used – both in Poland and across the European market.

Science and business working hand in hand

The project “FLICKandGO – a unique kit for frozen embryo transfer”, with a total value exceeding PLN 5.18 million, is implemented under Priority I “Support for Entrepreneurs” of the FENG programme. It is an excellent example of effective cooperation between science and business, directly addressing the needs of the agricultural and biotechnological sectors.

The initiative will be carried out in a consortium with the Veterinary Clinic “ESKULAP”, led by Dr Kamil Kossakowski, who serves as the project leader.

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Prof. Bożena Kamińska: OPEN SEMINAR – New advances in glioma treatment

Prof. Bożena Kamińska from the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, will be the guest of the upcoming Open Seminar organized within the WELCOME2 ERA Chair project.

Seminar Title: Dissecting brain tumor microenvironment at a single-cell resolution reveals new targets and immune biomarkers
Date & Time: 31 October, 10:00 AM
Place: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research PAS in Olsztyn, 18 Trylińskiego St., Conference Room “SKANDA”

We look forward to seeing you there!

Abstract of the presentation:

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays important role in tumor endurance and response to therapies. TME of malignant brain tumors (gliomas) is characterized by a large diversity of different cell types, including endothelial cells, neurons, astrocytes, and a variety of immune cells such as microglia, tumor-associated macrophages, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and various non-cellular components.

Advancements of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics provide powerful means to systemically profile the TME at a single-cell resolution, revealing the phenotypes and functionalities of disease-specific cell populations. Human tumors have different genetic alterations and consequences of those alterations on the immune TME and host immunity are poorly known. We used Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-seq) to identify cells/functionalities in experimental gliomas with various genetic alterations: the mutated NRAS or overexpression of PDGFB and different IDH1 status (wild type of mutated). IDH1 mutations are among the initial events in tumorigenesis and mutant IDH1 enzymes via the production of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglatarate (2-HG) exert pronounced effects on the immune composition of TME. Computational analysis revealed the presence of 34 immune cell clusters in tumors and various abundance of specific cells/states in TME of gliomas with distinct genetic alterations. IDH1 mutant gliomas have less cytotoxic T lymphocytes than wild type gliomas, and we noticed the inhibition of cell cycle processes in T cells suggesting deeper immunosuppression in those gliomas. The observed differences were validated by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. The experimental tumor models revealed mechanisms of immune dysregulation and defined new targets for immunotherapies. We found that tumor-secreted SPP1 (secreted phosphoprotein 1) a ligand of integrins drives reprogramming of immune cells, formation of aberrant tumor vasculature and a “cold” TME. We had developed synthetic peptides that block SPP1-integrin interactions and reprogramming of myeloid cells. The 7aaRGD peptide efficiently blocked microglia-dependent invasion of glioma cells in vitro, prevented the emergence of protumoral myeloid cells and normalized peritumoral vasculature. Combining 7aaRGD with anti-PD-1 antibody reduced tumor growth, expanded proliferating, interferon-ɣ producing CD8+T cells and reduced T regulatory cells. Transcriptomic profiles of myeloid cells after the combined treatment suggested the emergence of the “hot” inflammatory TME and augmented immune responses. Intratumorally delivered 7aaRGD similarly modified the TME of human U87MG gliomas in immunocompromised mice. We developed a series of humanized SPP1-integrin blocking peptides that reduced invasion of glioma cells in vitro. The leading candidate I49 blocked glioma growth in vivo when delivered intratumorally. We propose that combining the integrin blockade with immune checkpoint inhibitors would improve immunotherapy outcomes in brain tumors and other cancers.

About the speaker – prof. Bożena Kamińska

Prof. Bożena Kamińska is a distinguished neuroscientist and molecular biologist, internationally recognized for her research on brain tumors and immune responses in the central nervous system.

She is head of the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, Poland. She obtained her PhD in biochemistry at the Nencki Institute in 1991 and after postdoctoral training at the Mc Gill University in Montreal, Canada, she become a full professor in 2003. From 2009 to 2023 she was the director of the Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw. She was a visiting researcher at the Brain Research Institute at UCLA in Los Angeles, USA (2001-2002) and the Nanshan Scholar visiting professor at the Medical University of Guangzhou, China (2019-2022). She is an elected member of the Polish Academy of Sciences (since 2016) and European Molecular Biology Organization (since 2022).

She received a prestigious Foundation for Polish Science Award 2021 in life sciences, the Prime Minister Award for scientific achievements (2022) and was nominated by NCN for AcademiaNet – Expert Database for Outstanding Female Scientists and Scholars.

She specializes in molecular neurobiology, tumor immunology, neuro-oncology and neuroimmunology, with focus on functions of myeloid cells in pathological processes. Prof. Kaminska’s lab employs multidisciplinary approaches combining in vivo experiments in rodent models of human pathologies and in vitro experiments in primary cultures, brain slices and human induced pluripotent stem cell organoids. She has pioneered single-cell omics studies of brain tumor microenvironment in experimental gliomas. In recent years her group has been exploring transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms in microglia in response to environmental exposures and experience.

She promoted 38 PhD students and 15 Master students.

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CROSSPATHS workshop

Laboratory management and animal testing: CROSSPATHS international workshop

Laboratory management and animal testing were the topics discussed by experts from Poland, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Estonia, creating a unique space for the exchange of valuable experiences and good practices. On September 23-24, our Institute hosted an international workshop organized as part of the CROSSPATHS project, which is a program focused on developing international cooperation between scientific units to make better use of investments financed by Regional Operational Programs and to create innovations in the fields of food, health, and bioeconomy.

LAB MANAGEMENT: CHALLENGES

On the first day, participants focused on the challenges facing laboratory managers. After visiting our laboratories, representatives from the Catholic University of Portugal (UCP), the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMU), and our Institute opened a discussion in which they sought to identify key problem areas faced by laboratory managers. The key challenges include limited budgets, staff shortages, and overuse of equipment. Strategies to address these challenges included strengthening cooperation, improving data management, and defining the unique characteristics of each institution’s offerings. The day concluded with a lecture by Inna Dimova (Innotrope), who introduced participants to the complexities of intellectual property rights in European research projects.

ABOVE ALL, ETHICS

The second day was dedicated to animal welfare. Our experts, Prof. Jerzy Juśkiewicz, who conducts research involving animal testing, and Dr. Radosław Kowalski, Chairman of the Polish National Ethics Committee for Animal Experiments, discussed the ethical aspects of research, alternative methods of in vivo experiments, and the Polish legal framework. Representatives of Wageningen University (WUR) presented innovative projects in the field of sustainable agriculture. The second day was concluded with a study visit to the Institute’s animal facility.

THE 3R PRINCIPLE

The jointly identified laboratory challenges require joint solutions, based on standardization, training, and partnership between institutions. The workshop confirmed the need for participants to continue close cooperation and knowledge sharing, especially within European projects. The discussion on animal testing highlighted the key importance of transparency, ethics, and the application of the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) for obtaining reliable scientific results and social acceptance.

Read more about the CROSSPATHS project here.

GALLERY

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