Our scientists on the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List for 2025

Developed jointly by Stanford University and Elsevier, the list includes the top 2% of scientists worldwide based on standard citation metrics. This prestigious list recognizes the world’s leading scientists who have had a significant impact on their fields through their research and publications. Publications are an essential source of evidence-based information. They allow scientific excellence to be assessed and the latest scientific achievements to be tracked, which is particularly important in times of increasing misinformation.

Single Year Data: 2025 | Top SCINET – Top 2% Scientists:

prof. Carsten Carlberg
Main Field: Biomedical Research
Sub Field: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rank in the SubField: 154.0
H-index: 14, Hm-index: 10

prof. dr hab. Ryszard Amarowicz
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Food Science
Rank in the SubField: 97.0
H-index: 21, Hm-index: 9

dr Małgorzata Starowicz
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Food Science
Rank in the SubField: 586.0
H-index: 13, Hm-index: 6

prof. dr hab. Henryk Zieliński
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Food Science
Rank in the SubField: 1288.0
H-index: 12, Hm-index: 6

prof. dr hab. Andrzej Ciereszko
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Fisheries
Rank in the SubField: 861.0 H-index: 7, Hm-index: 4

Career Data: 2025 | Top SCINET – Top 2% Scientists:

prof. Carsten Carlberg
Main Field: Biomedical Research
Sub Field: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rank in the SubField: 454.0
H-index: 67, Hm-index: 42
Top 2% Listed Year(s): 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

prof. dr hab. Ryszard Amarowicz
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Food Science
Rank in the SubField: 85.0
H-index: 67, Hm-index: 32
Top 2% Listed Year(s): 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

prof. dr hab. Henryk Zieliński
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Food Science
Rank in the SubField: 626.0
H-index: 40, Hm-index: 19
Top 2% Listed Year(s): 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

prof. dr hab. Mariusz Piskuła
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Food Science
Rank in the SubField: 963.0
H-index: 40, Hm-index: 15
Top 2% Listed Year(s): 2025, 2023, 2022, 2021

prof. dr hab. Adam Zięcik, professor emeritus
Main Field: Clinical Medicine
Sub Field: Dairy & Animal Science
Rank in the SubField: 558.0
H-index: 32, Hm-index: 17
Top 2% Listed Year(s): 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

dr hab. inż. Magdalena Karamać
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Food Science
Rank in the SubField: 1307.0
H-index: 30, Hm-index: 14
Top 2% Listed Year(s): 2025, 2024, 2023

prof. dr hab. Andrzej Ciereszko
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Fisheries
Rank in the SubField: 811.0
H-index: 40, Hm-index: 22
Top 2% Listed Year(s): 2025, 2024

prof. dr hab. Zenon Zduńczyk, professor emeritus
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Dairy & Animal Science
Rank in the SubField: 900.0
H-index: 36, Hm-index: 19
Top 2% Listed Year(s): 2025, 2022, 2021

prof. dr hab. Jan Kotwica, professor emeritus
Main Field: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry
Sub Field: Dairy & Animal Science
Rank in the SubField: 871.0
H-index: 29, Hm-index: 18
Top 2% Listed Year(s): 2025, 2022

Congratulations!

More information about the list of leading minds in science and the methodology used in the ranking can be found here.

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Technologist/specialist in the Cell Analysis Laboratory

Scope of duties:

  • Organization and supervision of the proper functioning of the histology laboratory;
  • Maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment and coordination of service and maintenance work;
  • Implementation of modern research techniques and methods in line with the laboratory’s business profile;
  • Providing technical and substantive support to researchers in planning and implementing research;
  • Maintaining records of reagents, consumables and fixed assets;
  • Preparing and updating laboratory documentation and preparing periodic reports;
  • Developing procurement plans and ordering materials necessary for the ongoing operation of the laboratory;
  • Organization and management of chemical and biological waste generated in the laboratory.

Requirements:

  • Higher education (biological sciences or related);
  • Practical knowledge of basic histological techniques (e.g. preparation of histological preparations, staining and labeling of histological preparations);
  • Good knowledge of MS Office;
  • English – at least B2 level;
  • Highly developed interpersonal skills;
  • Very good work organization;
  • Independence and meticulousness in carrying out assigned tasks;
  • Ability to work in a team;
  • Knowledge of microscopic techniques and/or basic work in an in vitro culture laboratory will be an additional advantage.

Welcome:

  • Experience in laboratory work;
  • Knowledge of the principles of good laboratory practice.

We offer:

  • Remuneration depends on experience and skills;
  • Improving qualifications, including participation in training on techniques used in the histology laboratory and good laboratory practice;
  • A stable working environment in a leading research center;
  • Benefits from the Company Social Benefits Fund;
  • Access to an English learning platform for an employee and family member.

Application documents required from candidates:

  • CV;
  • cover letter;
  • references (if the candidate has any).

Competition entries should be sent to the following email address: m.cieslik@pan.olsztyn.pl. In the subject line of the message, please enter: „Competition for the position of technologist/specialist at LAK”

or to the following address:

Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
Human Resources Development Section,
Trylińskiego 18,

10-683 Olsztyn

With the note „Competition for the position of technologist/specialist at LAK”.

The deadline for submitting documents is October 24, 2025.

After initial analysis of the submitted applications, we will contact selected candidates to conduct further stages of the recruitment process.

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. Providing the data contained in the recruitment documents is not obligatory, but it is a necessary condition for participating in the recruitment process.
  2. 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.
  3. Contact with the personal data protection officer is possible at: iodo@pan.olsztyn.pl.
  4. 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).
  5. The data subject has the right to withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

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fartuch laboratoryjny

Oath ceremony of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences

We cordially invite PhD students, scientific supervisors and all employees of the Institute to the PhD students Oath ceremony of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School of Agricultural Sciences.

The inauguration of the academic year will be marked by a lecture from Dr. Radosław Kowalski:

Why is animal welfare important to scientists?

The event will take place on September 30, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. in the SKANDA seminar room.

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Physical fitness as the key to longevity. Can it be replaced by pharmacology?

We are living in an era of a global obesity epidemic, closely tied to poor dietary choices and insufficient physical activity. Scientific studies show that regular exercise reduces both morbidity and mortality, and that physical fitness is one of the keys to longevity. For people who cannot be motivated to engage in physical activity, pharmacological support in the form of exercise mimetics may offer an alternative.

– Physical activity affects whole-body homeostasis and significantly contributes to the prevention of non-communicable diseases. It is also a key factor in supporting healthy aging, – emphasizes Prof. Carsten Carlberg from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, a researcher specializing in nutrigenomics – the study of interactions between genes, nutrition, and health.

He lists the wide-ranging effects of physical activity: starting with the brain (e.g. improved cognitive function and antidepressant effects), cardiovascular system (enhanced heart performance), immune system (increased immunocompetence), gastrointestinal tract (healthier gut microbiota balance and improved intestinal function), skeletal muscles (muscle strength), metabolism (improved glucose metabolism and influence on body weight), reproductive system (fertility), and even bones (greater bone strength).

As Prof. Carlberg explains, this is largely due to the increased production and release of myokines – proteins secreted by muscles in response to exercise, which affect other parts of the body.

Pharmacological Support

Prof. Carlberg encourages incorporating physical activity into daily routines – and this doesn’t mean just going to the gym, but also everyday movements like walking or cycling. Ideally, these activities should last at least 10 minutes each time.

For those who cannot be persuaded to exercise, pharmacological support in the form of exercise mimetics may be a possible option.

– Mimetics are substances or molecules that mimic the action of natural molecules. In this case, these molecules can simulate the effects of exercise by acting as key components of muscle adaptation to physical exertion – such as mitochondrial remodeling and bioenergetics, – says Prof. Carlberg.

At the same time, he cautions that while the potential of exercise mimetics to prevent or treat obesity is promising, there is also a risk that these compounds could be misused as doping agents by endurance athletes.

Nothing but Benefits

Physical activity not only affects whole-body homeostasis – it also directly influences the epigenome (a collection of changes to our DNA that determine which genes are “switched on” or “off,” without altering the genetic code itself) of muscle cells. This has particular significance in the prevention of metabolic diseases, which involve disruptions in how the body processes energy and nutrients. Exercise increases energy expenditure by burning fat that would otherwise accumulate, thus helping to prevent conditions like type 1 and type 2 diabetes or obesity.

What’s more, physical activity reduces the presence of active compounds in the body that can trigger inflammation.

– In this way – primarily by reducing systemic chronic inflammation – physical activity also improves immunocompetence, i.e. the immune system’s ability to respond to pathogens, – the scientist points out.

Physical activity also has a positive effect on disorders not directly related to energy metabolism, such as cancer, mental health conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases.

– These examples show that physical activity-induced restoration or maintenance of whole-body metabolism and bioenergetics changes homeostatic signaling, influencing nutrient absorption and the availability of growth factors across various tissues – both in health and in disease, – says Prof. Carlberg.

The information in this article comes from the book “Aging. How Science Works”, published by Springer. The authors are researchers: Carsten Carlberg, Stine M. Ulven (University of Oslo, Norway), and Eunike Velleuer (University of Düsseldorf, Germany).

The article originally appeared on the science news portal Pulsar.

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Society for Low Temperature Biology 2026

Fertility and biodiversity in the spotlight of international scientists

The preservation of human fertility and the protection of animal biodiversity were the two main topics of the 61st meeting of the Society for Low Temperature Biology (SLTB) – an international scientific society that studies the effects of low temperatures on living organisms. For the first time in its history, the event was held in Poland, with scientists from our Institute acting as organizers.

The meeting brought together researchers from around the world who specialize in cell, tissue and organ cryopreservation, biobanking, fertility preservation, protection of endangered species, and food preservation.

It was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, build international collaborations, and explore innovative solutions in preserving human and animal fertility. The conference also highlighted the global importance of cryobiology and the leading role of the InLife Institute in developing this field to serve science, medicine, industry, and environmental protection.

Founded in 1964 in the United Kingdom, SLTB promotes research on the effects of cryopreservation – a method of long-term storage of living cells, tissues, and even entire organisms at ultra-low temperatures, usually below –150°C.

The outcomes of this research are widely used in biology, medicine, biotechnology, and biodiversity conservation.

Protecting living organisms by freezing

The conference opened at the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) in Olsztyn with welcome addresses by Prof. Birgit Glasmacher, Chair of SLTB, and Dr. Taisiia Yurchuk, SLTB member, currently conducting research at our Institute.

On the first day, three major sessions were held, focusing on reproductive cryobiology, biobanking, and modern imaging, thawing, and whole-organ preservation techniques.

On the second day, the conference took place at the InLife Institute and was expanded with a session dedicated to the cryopreservation of aquatic organisms. This method involves freezing cells, tissues, and even entire embryos so that they can be safely stored for a long time, then thawed and reused – for example, in breeding, treatment, or the conservation of endangered species. A lecture on this topic was delivered by Dr. hab. Radosław Kowalski, professor at the institute. Meanwhile, Dr. Tomasz Jeliński spoke about the cryopreservation of plants, emphasizing the importance of this method for the food industry and sustainable development.

On the third day, the conference continued at the UWM. It began with a session on avian biodiversity conservation, including a keynote lecture by Dr. Mariola Słowińska. Dr. Ewa Sosin, Secretary of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP), presented on the preservation of animal genetic resources and building effective conservation systems.

Collaboration among European experts

A working meeting of the Board of the European Genebank Network (EUGENA) and the Working Group on ex situ Conservation of the European Regional Focal Point for Animal Genetic Resources (ERFP) also took place during the conference. These expert groups focus on preserving the genetic diversity of farm animals.

Members of both networks actively participated in the scientific sessions, presenting challenges and strategies for biodiversity protection, with particular emphasis on cryopreservation. They also visited the Institute’s Gene Bank, laboratories, Research Station in Popielno, and learned about the work of our Biodiversity Conservation Team.

Awards

As part of the SLTB tradition, a scientific poster competition for early-career researchers was held. Winners of the Audrey Smith Travel Awards were also announced.

A special distinction – the SLTB Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cryobiology and the Society’s Development – was presented to Dr. Pavel Meřička, responsible for the tissue bank at the University Hospital in Hradec Králové.

The program also included a photo competition titled “Low temperatures through the lens”. One of the awards went to Karolina Łukasik from our Institute.

Conference Organizers

On behalf of the InLife Institute, the conference was organized by the Team of Reproductive Pathology and Translational Medicine. The key coordinators of the 61st Annual SLTB Meeting were: Prof. dr hab Dariusz Skarżyński, Dr. Taisiia Yurchuk, Karolina Łukasik, Dr. Paweł Likszo, and Dr. hab. Beenu M. Jalali.

The next SLTB meeting will be held in 2026 in Czech Republic.

Follow the information on the SLTB page.

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31st Autumn Agricultural Fair: Institute award for popular science activities

Sensory analysis in food testing and engaging students in food system phenomena, hibernating cells for breeding and a sustainable food system, biodiversity and conservation breeding for the protection of genetic resources – for bringing visitors to the agricultural fair closer to knowledge in these areas, scientists from the Institute and experts from our Research Station in Popielno were awarded the “HIT OF THE FAIR” statuette.

– This award proves how important it is for science to be present in the public consciousness. Farmers are the target audience of the activities carried out as part of the EIT Food GROW project, so we are all the more pleased that it is agroWARMA2025 that has recognized our efforts. – says Dr. Tomasz Jeliński, the Institute’s project coordinator.

In addition to agriculture, education was also a prominent theme during the fair. – Visitors to our stand gratefully emphasized the importance of conveying knowledge in a friendly and interesting way, seeing that their children were eager to listen to scientists, look through microscopes, and engage their noses and hands while learning about the senses in food testing. The way we convey knowledge is a priority in our EIT Food FoodEducators project, and we are happy when we can reach a wider audience with our activities. – summarizes Justyna Banasiak, the Institute’s project coordinator.

The institute’s stand also featured topics inextricably linked to the Research Station in Popielno: Brutus the hybrid, a long-time resident of the Station, who was taxidermied as a memento of his uniqueness and now serves as a museum exhibit, Polish konik horses, and other activities aimed at protecting biological diversity. The full repertoire of activities prepared for guests of the 31st Autumn Agricultural Fair by the Institute’s staff has been described here.

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Postdoctoral Positions in Epigenetics and Vitamin D Research

Position 1

Impact of Vitamin D on Epigenetic Programming of CD34⁺ Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells

Project: Impact of vitamin D on the epigenetic programming of CD34⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from human cord blood

Funding: NCN OPUS 27

Principal Investigator: Prof. Carsten Carlberg

Key Responsibilities:

  • Isolation of CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from cord blood donors for in vitro studies;
  • Preparation of RNA and chromatin libraries for NGS (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIPmentation);
  • Analysis and integration of high-throughput sequencing data.

Position 2

Epigenetic Memory in Immune Cell Responses to Vitamin D

Project: Research on epigenetic memory mechanisms based on the response of human immune cells to vitamin D

Funding: NCN OPUS 25

Principal Investigator: Prof. Carsten Carlberg

Key Responsibilities:

  • Isolation of human immune cells from blood donors for immediate use and cell culture;
  • Preparation of RNA and chromatin libraries for NGS (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIPmentation);
  • Analysis and integration of high-throughput sequencing data.

Requirements (for both positions)

  • PhD in Biosciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology; Bioinformatics).
  • Proven experience in molecular and/or cell biology techniques.
  • Experience in high-throughput data analysis (omics).
  • Demonstrated scientific achievements, including:
    • Co-authorship of publications indexed in Journal Citation Reports (at least two as first author).
    • Experience in at least one externally funded research project.
    • Research internship(s) abroad.
  • Experience in high-throughput data analysis (omics).
  • Proficiency in methods such as:
    • Cell culture
    • RNA and chromatin isolation
    • NGS library preparation
  • High precision in laboratory techniques (e.g., pipetting).

Additional Skills

  • Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Proactive, organized, and self-driven work ethic.
  • Excellent English skills (spoken and written).
  • Strong scientific writing and presentation abilities.

Recruitment Process

  • Applications will be evaluated according to NCN regulations for research projects.
  • Only online applications will be considered.
  • Top candidates will be invited for an interview (onsite or online).
  • During the interview, candidates will deliver a 10-minute presentation summarizing their PhD work and research interests.
  • Results will be published on the IAR&FR PAS website within 10 days of the final decision.

Required Documents

  • Copy of PhD diploma.
  • Academic CV, including:
    • Education history
    • Research achievements (publications, conference presentations)
    • Fellowships, awards, internships, training, and project participation
    • List of laboratory and computational techniques mastered
  • Motivation letter.
  • Reference letter from PhD supervisor or current employer.
  • Proof of research internship(s) abroad.
  • Summary of the PhD thesis.
  • Any other documents relevant for assessment.

Additional Information

Location: Olsztyn, Poland

Institution: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences (IAR&FR PAS)

Start date: Open until filled

Application deadline: October 10, 2025, 23:59 (CET)

Duration: 36 months

Salary: ~PLN 9,700 gross/month

Number of positions: 1 per project

Application method: e-mail

Application address: c.carlberg@pan.olsztyn.pl

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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The „Scientist’s Compass” educational project for students from Warmia and Mazury is launched

Plakat projektu edukacyjnego Kompas Naukowca

Workshops in laboratories, experiments in schools, meetings with scientists, and a competition for young researchers are just some of the attractions awaiting participants in the Scientist’s Compass project. Over 1,300 students from Warmia and Mazury will benefit from it. The project is funded by the Ministry of National Education. The leader of the project is the Educational Association “Erudycja,” and the Institute is a strategic partner.

The planned activities will benefit primary and secondary school students, but also the youngest children – those in kindergarten and early school age.

The main task is to support education through modern technologies and innovative teaching methods. Promoting science, especially among children and young people, emphasizing the importance of science (natural sciences, engineering, technology, mathematics), as well as popularizing the achievements of Polish science and scientists.

Students will benefit from a rich educational offer.

 – We are planning meetings with scientists in schools. They will talk about their career paths and research, and show how fascinating the life of a researcher can be – says Iwona Kieda, leader of the Communication and International Cooperation Section.  – In our specialized laboratories, students will have the opportunity to participate in engaging workshops. We will show them that science is a fascinating field in which the senses, precision, and curiosity play a key role. There will also be off-site workshops in schools and career days at the Research Station in Popielno – she adds.

The workshops and meetings will focus on healthy eating, food safety, technological innovations, and conscious consumer choices. The workshops will be an opportunity to promote research careers in the field of food technology and nutrition.

The project leader is the Educational Association “Erudycja” from Olsztyn, which has been implementing projects related to the promotion of education, health care, and prevention for over twenty years.

– Educational support aimed at children and young people is, in our opinion, the best investment. Inviting children into the surprising world of science and introducing them to research career paths has the potential to significantly influence their future, says Elżbieta Bartołd, president of the Erudycja association. – Such an early impulse can not only stimulate curiosity and motivation to acquire knowledge, but also help young people better understand how many opportunities there are to pursue their passions and achieve success in adult life – she adds.

– We are very happy to be working with the Institute. It is a great pleasure to be able to collaborate with such a renowned institution, which has been conducting pioneering research for years that has a real impact on the development of science and the improvement of quality of life. We have a lot of rewarding work ahead of us – she concludes.

The Scientist Compass project is co-financed by the State Budget.

The project will run until the end of December 2025.

You can read more about the project HERE.

Logo Ministra Edukacji
Logo Stowarzyszenia Erudycja

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POLISH KONIK: FREEDOM IN THE WOODS – Celebrating 70 years of reserve breeding in Popielno

With its characteristic mouse-colored coat, stocky build, short stature, and incredible intelligence and endurance, the Polish Konik horse, whose history is linked to the wild tarpan, is a true miracle of nature. In Popielno, in the heart of Masuria, the Research Station of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn has been breeding it in a reserve for 70 years. On this occasion, anniversary celebrations will be held in Popielno on September 5–6 this year. The event is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the Polish horse and the unique history of its breeding.

– The 70th anniversary of breeding Polish Konik horses in conditions as close to natural as possible is a celebration for breeders, foresters, scientists, and all nature lovers – emphasizes Dr. Mamadou Moussa Bah, head of the station.

The anniversary celebrations are organized by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, together with the Research Station in Popielno and the Chancellery of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

– The event gained exceptional prestige thanks to the honorary patronage of Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, Minister of Climate and Environment, Stefan Krajewski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. This is a clear signal that caring for this native breed is not only a matter of science and breeding, but also a matter of culture, national identity, and responsibility for nature – adds Dr. Bah.

THE HISTORY OF POLISH KONIK

The history of the Polish Konik horse in Popielno has its roots in the pioneering research of Professor Tadeusz Vetulani, who, in 1936, wanting to prove the forest origins of the breed, established the first breeding reserve in the Białowieża Forest. The experiment was interrupted by World War II, and after the professor’s death, in order not to waste his achievements, a decision was made to continue the breeding reserve. Thanks to the efforts of Professor Witold Pruski, in 1955 the stud farm in Popielno was taken over by the Polish Academy of Sciences, becoming a scientific institution of the PAS. In the same year, the first herd was released into the forest area of the peninsula – the stallion Gordij and eight mares brought from Białowieża, which gave rise to the breeding that continues to this day. The reserve was gradually enlarged, providing the horses with optimal, natural living conditions. For over 70 years, the population has grown, and Popielno has established its leading, unquestionable position as the most important center, which not only saved the native breed, but also became a genetic reserve and source of breeding material for the whole of Poland.

70 YEARS OF RESERVE BREEDING

The reserve breeding program run by the Research Station of the Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn is unique in Europe, mainly due to the exceptional conditions of Popielno. It is here that wild horses have over 1,600 hectares of forest at their disposal. The vast area is also used for ecological activities and biodiversity conservation.

– We run our breeding program in order to protect and utilize the potential of the native horse breed, which is considered a unique natural and breeding relic, testifying to our Polish material culture and the contribution we have made to the world’s breeding culture and science – says Dr. Mamadou Bah.

The station makes every effort to share the results of its work not only with professionals – breeders and scientists – but also with schools and tourists, who are particularly keen to visit Popielno in the summer.

BREEDERS (NOT) ONLY

This year’s celebrations are planned for two days, and in addition to the breeding section, guests will be able to take part in numerous popular science shows that will introduce them to topics such as biodiversity conservation, agriculture, food, and forestry.

The event will begin on September 5 with a field test of Polish Konik horses for riding and pulling carts. From the morning, guests will be able to enjoy a regional breakfast feast called “Smaki Popielna” (Flavors of Popielno), hosted by the regional Rural Housewives’ Association. With families and individuals who would like to learn more about the profile of the organizers and partners in mind, an information and popular science zone has been created, where interesting experiments, demonstrations, competitions, and other engaging activities will await. The afternoon has been reserved for the entry of young stallions and mares into the stud book of Polish Konik horses.

On the second day, September 6, the event will begin with a foal championship under their mothers. This is one of the favorite parts of the program – watching young horses, which often already at this stage are able to show their unique character. In addition to the breakfast and popular science sections, there will also be lectures and presentations providing key information about Polish Konik breeding in Poland.

FRIENDLY LEARNING

– Experts from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the Masurian Landscape Park, the State Forests, the Warmia-Masuria Agricultural Assistance Center, the National Agricultural Assistance Agency, and other event partners will make every effort to engage the youngest guests of the event. We are delighted that the 70th anniversary of the Polish konik horse breeding reserve in Popielno will also be an opportunity to learn about the biodiversity, flora, and fauna of our region, as well as to present organizations that are friends of the station, summarizes Dr. Mamadou Bah.

IN A NUTSHELL

POLISH KONIK: FREEDOM IN THE WOODS – Celebrating 70 years of reserve breeding in Popielno

Date: September 5–6, 2025,

Venue: Research Station in Popielno, Popielno 25, Poland

Organizers: Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Research Station in Popielno, Polish Academy of Sciences

Honorary patrons: Minister of Science and Higher Education, Minister of Climate and Environment, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Senate – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Partners: Agencja Restrukturyzacji i Modernizacji Rolnictwa, Krajowy Ośrodek Wsparcia Rolnictwa Oddział Terenowy w Olsztynie, Skłodowscy Sp. z o.o., Warmińsko-Mazurski Ośrodek Doradztwa Rolniczego w Olsztynie, Mazurski Park Krajobrazowy, Nadleśnictwo Maskulińskie, Spółdzielnia Mleczarska „Mlekpol” – oddział ZPM Mrągowo, Print.gg, Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich w Łupkach, Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich w Jeżach, Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich „Wojnowiaki” w Wojnowie, Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich „Ładnopolanki” w Ładnym Polu, Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich „Babeczki” w Osiniaku-Piotrowie

Patronage and media coverage: TVP3 Olsztyn, Radio Olsztyn

AGENDA

September 5, 2025 (Friday)

9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Field performance test for Polish horses

10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Regional breakfast feast “Flavors of Popielno”

10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Partners’ Zone and popular science shows

12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Entry of young stallions and mares into the Polish Konik stud book

1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Welcome of guests and honorary speeches

1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Outdoor lunch

September 6, 2025 (Saturday)

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Polish Konik foal championship under their mothers

10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Regional breakfast feast “Flavors of Popielno”

10:00–15:00 Partners’ Zone and popular science shows

12:00–13:00 Lectures (Popielno Research Station, Borki Forest District, Biebrza National Park) 13:30–15:00 Outdoor lunch

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