The Independent Department P4Health – Center of Excellence for Precision Phenotyping and BioDataBanking – has been established within the Institute’s structure to focus on the strategic P4Health project. Its goal is to create in Poland a center that sets standards for modern, translational biomedical research. At the beginning of December, Prof. Bastian Hengerer took up the position of Center Director, having previously served as Director of Neurodegeneration Research at Boehringer Ingelheim.
The development of personalized medicine is currently one of the key directions in global biomedical research. This model is based on the integration of advanced computational technologies, artificial intelligence, and large datasets, enabling precise patient phenotyping and the design of personalized therapeutic strategies. In Central and Eastern Europe, cooperation between science, clinical practice, and the private sector remains insufficient. P4Health is being established to fill this gap and build in Poland a center capable of conducting comprehensive translational biomedical research of both national and European significance.
The appointment of Prof. Bastian Hengerer strengthens the implementation of this strategy. He has over 34 years of experience in global R&D and more than 190 scientific publications. He is a recognized expert in neurobiology, neurodegenerative diseases, and translational disease models. At Boehringer Ingelheim, he was responsible for research on diseases of the nervous system.
The Professor has already had the opportunity to collaborate with Łukasiewicz – PORT research groups working on neurodegenerative diseases. He has visited the institute several times, including during a seminar organized within the SAME-NeuroID project, where he delivered a lecture on the mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders and their translation into experimental models.
“Our goal is to create in Poland a center that will set standards for personalized medicine. Prof. Hengerer has a unique ability to integrate the worlds of science, clinical practice, and industry – and this is precisely the perspective we need today. His leadership will allow us to accelerate the implementation of key objectives and strengthen the position of Łukasiewicz – PORT on the European scientific map,” emphasizes Dr. hab. Joanna Cybińska, R&D Director at Łukasiewicz – PORT.
Prof. Hengerer brings to the Wrocław institute experience in leading complex translational projects, expertise in regulatory and commercialization processes, and competencies in building interdisciplinary research teams. His presence also strengthens the position of Łukasiewicz – PORT as a partner for European pharmaceutical companies and R&D centers.
“Joining the P4Health Center marks an exciting new chapter for me. I am pleased to become part of an institution with such a strong commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and real-world impact”, says Prof. Hengerer. “Łukasiewicz – PORT is an ideal environment for advancing breakthrough research that can genuinely improve people’s quality of life, and I am eager to bring in my long experience from the pharmaceutical industry. I believe this combination will allow us to build strong partnerships with industry, academia, and the healthcare sector, transforming scientific discoveries into practical solutions.”
The newly established center will play a key role in shaping the future of biomedical research in Poland. P4Health has the potential to become a regional reference center for precision phenotyping, biobanking, AI-based diagnostics, and innovative therapeutic strategies.
