The ATAM & MASCA 2024 Conference registration is now open

Łukasiewicz – PORT and the Materials Engineering Committee of the Wrocław Branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences invite you to the joint conference ATAM & MASCA 2024 (Conference on Advanced Technologies and Materials & Materials Science Conference on Advanced Functional Materials).

The registration of the participants has already started. Plan your participation in the event dedicated to advanced materials and technologies, which will take place on June 5-7, 2024, in Łukasiewicz – PORT!

The combination of two events: the ATAM conference (Symposium on Advanced Technologies and Materials), organized for the third time by Łukasiewicz – PORT, and the first edition of the MASCA conference (Materials Science Conference on Advanced Functional Materials), initiated by the Materials Engineering Committee of the Wrocław Branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences will allow to exchange knowledge and share the latest research results in the field of materials engineering.

Conference topics include 2D materials, energy materials, light-emitting materials, liquid crystals, magnetic materials, nanomaterials, photonic materials, polymers, semiconductors, superconductors, thermoelectrics, and other advanced functional materials.

The ATAM & MASCA 2024  joint conference will bring together in one event many outstanding scientists, as well as a wide group of recipients interested in the development of advanced technologies applicable in many industries.

We believe that the atmosphere of the event will allow participants to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of new concepts, fresh ideas, and innovations!

We are waiting for you at ATAM & MASCA 2024!

Date: 5-7/06/2024

Place: Łukasiewicz – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, 147 Stabłowicka Street, Wrocław

For more information and registration: https://atam.port.org.pl/.

The language at the conference will be English.

Huntington’s disease in the spotlight of researchers of Łukasiewicz – PORT

Scientists from the Life Science and Biotechnology Center at Łukasiewicz – PORT work every day on therapies that may contribute to a breakthrough in the treatment of serious diseases. On Rare Disease Day, celebrated every year on the last day of February, we present the latest approach to the treatment of Huntington’s disease, which is the subject of research by Dr. Agnieszka Krzyżosiak and her Research Group on the Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration at our Institute.

Huntington’s disease is a rare genetic neurodegenerative disease that is estimated to affect 5 in 100,000 people. As the disease progresses, its most serious symptoms include uncoordinated, involuntary movements, motor problems, emotional symptoms such as depression, and cognitive impairment.

It is the most common neurodegenerative disease for which only one genetic factor is responsible. The direct cause of the disease is the expansion of the polyglutamine chain in the huntingtin protein, which leads to the aggregation of this protein and, consequently, a number of cell dysfunctions, deregulation of cellular proteostasis and, ultimately, cell death, i.e. death of neurons in the brain.

Among the greatest risk factors for the disease is age (35-50 years).

In our research we investigate the molecular bases of Huntington’s disease, we focus primarily on the mechanisms of protein quality control to better understand the processes of huntingtin accumulation in the cell”, explains Dr. Agnieszka Krzyżosiak, leader of the Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration Research Group at Łukasiewicz – PORT. “Our previous studies confirmed that the pharmacological strengthening of cell proteostasis can better cope with the processes of aggregation of pathogenic proteins. Knowing that this approach, i.e. targeting protein quality control processes, is effective, we are currently looking for new therapeutic targets”, adds Dr. Agnieszka Krzyżosiak.

Innovation in research

What is innovative in research on Huntington’s disease at Łukasiewicz – PORT is the implementation of human models derived from patients as an alternative to animal models. The research method, which is based on reprogramming of disease-free cells (e.g. fibroblasts in the skin) into neurons, was developed by Dr. Andrew Yoo (USA). The innovative nature of this method is demonstrated by the fact that it allows cells to be reprogrammed to reflect both the genetic and epigenetic background of the disease.

With the latest research tools and methods on board, as well as scientists who have gained knowledge about this disease in international research centers, we hope to get closer to developing new standards in the treatment of Huntington’s disease.

The role of astrocytes and their impact on the development of depression

In Poland, according to the National Health Fund (NFZ), approximately 1.2 million people suffer from depression*. In the world it is over 280 million (WHO data**)! Despite the adopted treatment regimens, physicians and scientists are still looking for answers to the questions:

  • what impact do genes have on the development of this disease, and how much does it depend on environmental factors?
  • as a result of what biochemical processes does this disease develop in the body? Thanks to the research work of Dr. Michał Ślęzak and his Biology of Astrocytes Research Group at Łukasiewicz – PORT, we are getting closer to finding the answers to these questions.

The Biology of Astrocytes Research Group has been conducting research for 3 years on determining the role of astrocytes–a type of cells in the brain–in the mechanisms of neural network disorders related to depression.

The role of astrocytes and their impact on the development of depression has been underestimated so far. However, our research indicates an important role of these cells in mediating the central effects of “stress hormones”, i.e. glucocorticoids, which regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in our body. The results of our work indicate that stress-induced disorders of glucocorticoid signaling lead to impairment of many astrocyte functions, which may ultimately lead to incorrect operation of neurons in brain centers responsible for e.g. emotions or social behavior”, explains Dr. Michał Ślęzak.

Currently, in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich and the Paris Institute for Brain Research, as part of the #SAMENeuro-ID project, we are conducting research aimed at translating our existing knowledge into new strategies for depression therapy. In particular, we examine how specific genes regulate stress-induced changes in social behavior. At the molecular level: we generate human nerve cells (such as astrocytes and neurons) to observe how specific variants of genes related to the stress response change the biochemical parameters of these cells”.

Most scientists focus on different types of neurons and neurotransmitters in their research. At Łukasiewicz – PORT, we take a closer look at cells whose impact on the development of depression has not yet been studied, believing that this will expand general knowledge about this disease and will also lead to a significant breakthrough in its treatment.

* Link to 2023 data: http://tinyurl.com/tpd33xf5.

**2022 Report: http://tinyurl.com/2rbyxny6.

INDICATO – THE FIRST START-UP AT ŁUKASIEWICZ – PORT

In June 2023, the INDICATO project won one of three grand prizes at the Łukasiewicz Accelerator Demo Day. A few months later, a start-up of the same name was created on the basis of this project. This is the first such venture at our Institute. Its goal is to commercialize the technology developed at Łukasiewicz – PORT by Magdalena Wilk-Kozubek, PhD, and Bartłomiej Potaniec, PhD.

The INDICATO technology developed by researchers at the Advanced Materials Synthesis Group from Materials Science & Engineering Center at Łukasiewicz – PORT makes it possible to monitor the storage and transportation conditions of products that require maintaining a constant and specific temperature. The research team has designed easy-to-apply, robust visual indicators of temperature change, which are the only ones on the market that do their job at low temperatures.

What makes our technology unique is the fact that it is used in the production of frozen food and thermolabile medical products, i.e. wherever low temperatures are required to maintain product quality. INDICATO makes it possible to control temperature from -30 to +10°C, which is an exception on the market. Until now, this was only possible for high temperatures“, says Magdalena Wilk-Kozubek, PhD, leader of the project team.

If the cold supply chain is interrupted, the indicator printed on the packaging will change irreversibly from blue to red. This is possible as a result of the polymerization of active ingredients that are activated when a specific threshold temperature is exceeded. Adding a thermochromic compound to the printing ink makes marking packages less difficult, and the indicator is an integral part of the package. Thanks to INDICATO, new possibilities open up for the food, catering and pharmaceutical industries in terms of controlling the storage and transport conditions of food products, vaccines or medicines.

Work is currently underway to develop the technology so that from the indicator on the packaging it will be possible to find out not only that the permitted temperature has been exceeded, but also how long the product has been exposed to the elevated temperature.

At the same time, we are looking for implementation partners interested in commercializing the technology and using it in their products. If you are interested in cooperation, write to magdalena@indicato.pl or bartlomiej@indicato.pl.

Your 1.5%, a joint investment in education

The Polish Center for Technology Development Foundation was established in 2019 as an entity supporting scientific, educational, and science-popularizing activities. Over 2,600 children took part in free workshops in 2023, which were held with the support of the Foundation! Every zloty donated to the Foundation in the annual tax return is a chance for more events and activities to be organized and for more people to benefit from them.

Thanks to the cooperation of the PORT Foundation with OSRAM, a modern educational laboratory was created at the Łukasiewicz – PORT Institute in 2022, enabling classes in fields such as photonics and material chemistry. The year 2023 was marked by the development of the workshop offer and other educational forms consistent with the implementation of the mission of social responsibility of science by Łukasiewicz – PORT and Gardens of Experiences. This mission was a success – in just the second year of operation, the Gardens of Experiences team organized over 900 workshops for nearly 8,400 children! Thanks to the Foundation’s support, some of the events were held free of charge.

The institutions with which the PORT Foundation has signed a cooperation agreement include the District Authority Office in Środa Śląska and the Municipal Office in Miękinia. As part of these agreements, as well as thanks to the financial support of the Foundation, up to several thousand children a year can benefit from free workshops, events, and activities encouraging young people to explore the fascinating world of science”, says Paweł Kurant, member of the management board of the Polish Center for Technology Development Foundation. “Selected events, such as participation in the Lower Silesian Science Festival and some workshops, are held with the financial support of the Foundation. The amount of financing depends on the pool of funds provided by donors, therefore, as every year, we strongly encourage you to donate 1.5% to the PORT Foundation”, adds Paweł Kurant.

The funds obtained will be entirely allocated to the implementation of the Foundation’s statutory objectives. In addition to supporting scientific and educational activities, they also include supporting young talents, implementing pro-ecological projects, and, among others, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Every year, in cooperation with the Łukasiewicz – PORT Foundation, a Science Picnic is also organized – an event aimed at the local community, during which the campus in Pracze Odrzańskie opens up to the public. Participants then have a unique opportunity to talk to scientists, take part in numerous lectures, workshops, and scientific activities, as well as visit laboratories where researchers work on a daily basis.

By donating 1.5% to the PORT Foundation, you provide access to creative forms of knowledge acquisition for children from different backgrounds and support the development of young talents and competencies that will have a direct impact on the quality of life of future generations.

The Polish Center for Technology Development Foundation
147 Stabłowicka Street
54-066 Wrocław
KRS: 0000787023
www.fundacja.port.org.pl

Join us for educational workshops! New offer starts in March

Registration for educational workshops conducted by the Gardens of Experiences team from March to June 2024 has begun. The latest offer addressed to organized groups includes six workshops to choose from. Each one is memorable and can become an incentive to further explore the secrets of knowledge about the world.

Colors dominate the latest offer of Gardens of Experiences. All thanks to the workshops titled: “Colorful experiments”, “What shall swim, shall not down” and “Getting to know the pH”, during which participants can learn, among others, whether color can be separated and how the environment affects the color of household substances.

Physics enthusiasts will be in their element at the workshops titled: “Hardness scale” and “Amazing weather”, while for people who love getting to the essence of things, Gardens of Experiences has prepared classes “See the DNA”.

The project is subsidized by state budget funds granted by the Minister of Education and Science within the framework of the “Social Responsibility of Science II” program.

How long do classes last?

From 60 to 240 minutes, depending on the topic of the workshop.

Who can take part in the workshops?

Children from 5 years of age.

The classes are intended for groups of various age categories (preschoolers, grades I-III, grades IV-VIII, high school students).

How can you sign up for classes?

Through the form available on the website https://port.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/en/gardens-of-experiences/ in the “Reservation” tab.

More information about the offer: https://port.lukasiewicz.gov.pl/en/gardens-of-experiences/.

We invite you to sign up!

SAME-NeuroID project: lecture by Professor Bastian Hengerer

We cordially invite you to the upcoming SAME-NeuroID scientific seminar featuring Professor Bastian Hengerer, Director of CNS Diseases Research at Boehringer Ingelheim. Professor Hengerer will present the key findings of his research.

Date: 1st February 2024.

Time: 2:00 PM.

Venue: Łukasiewicz – PORT, Assembly Hall, Building A (1st floor).

You can attend it stationary at Łukasiewicz – PORT (147 Stabłowicka Street, Wrocław) or on-line via SAME-Match-Treat platform: SAME-NeuroID Seminar with Prof. Bastian Hengerer | SAME-Match-Treat (b2match.com)

We encourage you to active participation in the Q&A session and post-lecture meeting for Young Investigators from 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Attendance is mandatory for PhD students.

Seminar Title:

“Studying the Circuit Biology of Social Behavior: Backtranslation of the Findings of a Transdiagnostic Clinical Study”

Abstract:

“PRISM (Psychiatric Ratings using Intermediate Stratified Markers), a EU wide consortium of academic and industry partners, identified a novel transdiagnostic and pathophysiological link between quantitative measures of neural integrity within the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN) and social dysfunctioning. Significant relationships of measures of daily social functioning with quantitative neuroimaging measures of DMN activity and DMN connectivity were observed irrespective of the initial clinical diagnosis. These findings are providing a novel neurobiological, quantitative, and transdiagnostic framework for further validation.

To enrich our understanding of the fundamental biology underlying the new hypotheses and to test the causality between the quantitative variation in DMN integrity and social dysfunction in preclinical models, the team modulated DMN activity experimentally and developed a novel setup for automated analysis of social behavior in groups of mice.”

Short Bio:

Professor Bastian Hengerer has more than 34 years’ experience in pharmaceutical industry. Currently the Director of CNS Diseases Research at Boehringer Ingelheim, he joined Boehringer Ingelheim in 2003, heading the preclinical Parkinson’s disease research group and now being responsible for scientific partnering in the field of CNS Diseases.

This seminar is part of the SAME-NeuroID project funded by the Horizon Europe program.

We look forward to your presence.

SAME-NeuroID project: lecture by Prof. Marco Rust

On January 11, at Łukasiewicz – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development we will host Prof. Marco Rust from the Molecular Neurobiology Group at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Biochemical-Pharmacological Center (BPC), University of Marburg, who will deliver a lecture titled “Cyclase-associated protein (CAP): a novel CAPt’n of neuronal actin dynamics”.

Date: 11th January 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Venue: Conference Hall build. A (1st floor)

You can attend it stationary at Łukasiewicz – PORT (147 Stabłowicka Street, Wrocław) or on-line via SAME-Match-Treat platform: SAME-NeuroID Seminar with Marco Rust | SAME-Match-Treat (b2match.com)

Session will be followed by the Q&A session dedicated for Young Researchers, when they will be able to inquire our guest on tips how to accelerate a research career and how to avoid traps and bottlenecks. Post-lecture meeting with Young Investigators: from 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM.

Abstract:

Research in Prof. Rust’s lab focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanisms controlling neuronal actin dynamics and understanding the relevance of actin regulators in the development and function of the mammalian brain. Prof. Rust’s team has identified actin-depolymerizing proteins of the ADF/cofilin family as pivotal regulators in neurons, impacting the morphology and function of excitatory synapses. Their exploration extends to understanding the role of cyclase-associated protein (CAP), which recent studies suggest may collaborate with ADF/cofilin in neuronal functions. By investigating CAP1 and CAP2 in the brain, particularly in dendritic spines, the team has revealed their involvement in regulating actin dynamics and their interdependence with cofilin1, along with their roles in controlling dendritic spine maturation.

About Prof. Marco Rust:

Prof. Marco Rust completed his Diploma in Biology at the University of Bielefeld in 2000, followed by his PhD at the Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University of Hamburg, from 2000 to 2004. He then pursued postdoctoral fellowships at the ZMNH (2004-2005) and the European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL) in Rome, Italy (2005-2007). Afterward, he was Independent Group Leader for Neurobiology at the University of Kaiserslautern from 2008 to 2014. Since 2014, Prof. Rust has held the position of Professor for Molecular Neurobiology at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Marburg, Germany.

The meeting is organized as part of the SAME-NeuroID project financed by the Horizon Europe program.

Year 2023 at Łukasiewicz – PORT

In 2023, Łukasiewicz – PORT achieved significant milestones, acquiring 17 projects, establishing four new research groups and first start-up. The year was marked by numerous scientific events hosted by the Institute. Let’s remind the key highlights from the past year.

New Institute Director

In February 2023, Ph. D., Eng. Alicja Bachmatiuk took up the position of Institute Director of Łukasiewicz – PORT, replacing Phd. Andrzej Dybczyński, who was appointed as the president of the Łukasiewicz Research Network. Phd. Bachmatiuk continues the mission of developing the Institute as a dynamically acting scientific research center in this part of Europe, bridging the gap between science and industry.

New Research Groups

In 2023, Life Science and Biotechnology Center at Łukasiewicz – PORT expanded with the addition of four new research groups. These include the Research Group on Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration (led by Ph. D. Agnieszka Krzyżosiak), Innate Immunity Research Group (led by Ph. D. Marek Wagner), Cancer Neurophysiology Research Group (led by Ph. D. Mateusz Kucharczyk) and Immunotherapy Research Group (led by Ph. D. Grzegorz Chodaczek).

Prestigious Scientific Projects

In 2023, Łukasiewicz – PORT acquired 17 projects, individually and in consortiums, with a total value exceeding PLN 122 million. The Institute received over PLN 50 million in funding. One of the notable grants was the SAUFEX project (Secured Automated Unified Framework for Exchange), funded under the Horizon Europe program. The project, aimed at countering foreign manipulation and informational interference, will be conducted in collaboration with institutions from Finland, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Poland.

Researchers at Łukasiewicz – PORT were successful in competitions announced by the National Science Center, by winning grants as OPUS 24 ( Ph. D. Patrycja Gazińska, Ph. D. Muhmmad Danang Birowosuto) and SONATA BIS 12 (Ph. D. Heng-Chang Chen, Ph. D., Marek Wagner, Ph. D. Łukasz Krzysztof Janicki). The Biobank Research Group, as part of consortium, received two grants from the Medical Research Agency (ABM) totaling nearly 60 million PLN. These projects involve collaboration with other research units, including 4th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic in Wrocław and University Teaching Hospital in Opole. More informations about ABM grants.

First start-up at Łukasiewicz – PORT

The past year was also successful for the team of Magdalena Wilk-Kozubek, Ph. D., Eng. and Bartłomiej Potaniec, Ph. D., Eng., who received a major award from the Łukasiewicz Accelerator for their INDICATO project in the field of Material Engineering. On the basis of this project, scientists founded a start-up focused on commercializing their technology based on visual thawing indicators. They enable monitoring conditons of storage and transportation for products requiring specific temperatures.

Three Scientific Conferences

In 2023, Łukasiewicz – PORT organized three international conferences, which have become a platform for exchanging knowledge in the fields of neurobiology and bioinformatics. These conferences were: PORT for Health: Neuroscience 2023, IB 2023 and ISBRA 2023. In total, nearly 330 participants took part in these three conferences, both on-site and online.

Third WIB Competition – 380 Million for Polish Science

On July 10, 2023, the third competition of the Virtual Research Institute was announced. Its aim is to fund innovative research projects with high commercialization potential in the field of medical biotechnology. 5 applications were submitted in the competition for a total amount over PLN 223 million. Substantive evaluation of applications is ongoing. The winners will be announced in March 2024. Łukasiewicz – PORT is the managing entity of the WIB program.

Active Industry Contact Point

In 2023, the team from the Industry Contact Point for Medical Technologies and Health participated in over 20 events, organizing six of them independently. Their efforts aimed to familiarize attendees with the opportunities for obtaining funds from European Partnerships in the health and medical technology sector, fostering relationships with entrepreneurs, scientists, and representatives of public and private institutions. A highlight of 2023 was the co-organization of Horizon4Poland`23—the largest matchmaking event in Poland.

Social Responsibility of Science

An important area of Łukasiewicz – PORT activity is the popularization of science. In 2023, the Gardens of Experience team organized 901 workshops for children and youth in the Lower Silesia region, engaging nearly 8,400 participants of various age groups. Additionally, the Gardens of Experience implemented the project “Future Competencies as the Key to Technological Development of Poland,” funded by the Ministry of Education and Science. This project, targeting teachers, representatives of local government units, and organizations involved in active youth education, aimed to introduce participants to the latest methods for developing creativity, soft skills, and motivation for learning.

Another intense and exciting year lies ahead of us. We invite you to observe our activities!

Merry Christmas!

May Christmas make time slow down for a while,
the presence and smile of your loved ones bring peace and be a source of joy,
and the coming year will be full of inspiration, discoveries, and exciting projects!
Have a healthy Christmas and a happy New Year!