Semiconductors are the foundation of modern technology—from computers and smartphones to electric vehicles, renewable energy, and medical devices. Global demand for them continues to rise, as does the scope of their potential applications.

Modern medicine cannot advance without close collaboration with patients. They are the ones who best understand the difficulties they face every day. This is why Łukasiewicz – PORT has launched a dialogue with patient organizations: to ensure that the solutions developed at the institute are genuinely aligned with patients’ needs.

Psychiatric diagnostics still relies primarily on conversations with a physician—but this may soon change. As part of the SAME-NeuroID project, researchers have developed unified research protocols (SOPs) that enable modeling of mental disorders at both the cellular and behavioral levels. This is a step toward objective diagnostic tests that could transform the treatment of depression, schizophrenia, or PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most serious challenges in modern psychiatry. It affects approximately 4% of the global population, and its prevalence continues to rise due to ongoing worldwide conflicts. Trauma profoundly reduces quality of life for those affected. Developing effective therapies is the focus of Dr. Mykhailo Batiuk, a neurobiologist and molecular biologist and recipient of a prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant, who has chosen to carry out his project at Łukasiewicz – PORT.

Radiation in the deep ultraviolet (UV-C) range has a unique ability to inactivate bacteria and viruses, making it essential for disinfection and sterilization—from water purification and medical-equipment sterilization to air-sanitization systems in buildings. Demand for fast and safe methods of eliminating biological threats is steadily increasing, and the deep-UV emitter market is expanding rapidly. Analysts estimate that the UV-lamp market will grow by USD 3.25 billion between 2023 and 2027.

The paradox of modern times is that we can extend life expectancy, yet the brain does not always keep pace with maintaining its functional capacity. Societies are ageing, and with advancing age the risk of neurodegenerative diseases increases. Projections are alarming: the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to double by 2050. “This is a civilisation-level problem that is growing exponentially,” says Dr Agnieszka Krzyżosiak, Head of the Neurodegeneration Mechanisms Research Group at Łukasiewicz – PORT.

The human brain contains 86 billion neurons and an equal number of glial cells responsible for support, nourishment and protection. Each neuron can form connections with thousands of others, creating a network of trillions of synapses. These connections determine the brain’s capabilities—making it extraordinary, yet incredibly difficult to study.

Perovskites—found both in nature and produced synthetically—have the potential to transform technologies such as low-cost, high-efficiency solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Scientists worldwide are working to improve their durability and performance, while also exploring new fields of application.

This October, Łukasiewicz – PORT will welcome young brain researchers from around the world to Wrocław, Poland. The five-day ISN-PORT Neuroscience School will focus on the role of metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases, combining expert lectures, hands-on workshops, and personalized mentoring. Applications are open until September 17, 2025.

Professor Paul Schulz – a world-renowned neurologist from McGovern Medical School (University of Texas) – and Dr Ali Jawaid – a translational neuroscientist researching intergenerational trauma at Łukasiewicz – PORT – meet for an exceptional conversation about science, life, and the relationships that shape a scientific career. Their long-standing mentor–mentee relationship, now transformed into a partnership, reflects a shared dedication to understanding the brain and neurodegenerative diseases.