Population Diagnostics Center
Animal Lab
The Animal Facility Laboratory is a facility with modern technical resources for in vitro and in vivo studies.
The laboratory specializes in the maintenance, breeding, and experimental use of mouse research models. We ensure high standards of animal care and full compliance with European and national legal and ethical regulations regarding the protection of laboratory animals.
Our infrastructure enables research both under conventional conditions and SPF (specific pathogen free)conditions, and a team of specialists oversees animal welfare. We carry out the breeding of mouse lines – both wild-type and genetically modified.. The laboratory employs a qualified staff with experience in animal care.
. Currently, more than 50 projects approved by the Local Ethics Committee are being carried out in various fields.
The Łukasiewicz – PORT Animal Facility operates in accordance with:
- the Act of 15 January 2015 on the protection of animals used for scientific or educational purposes,
- Directive 2010/63/EU,
- the guidelines of FELASA (Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations).
- the principles of 3R (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement).
The laboratory is listed in the register of breeders (item 020) and users (item 0012) of the Minister of Science and Higher Education.
Team members
Anna Morgunowicz
Anna is an experienced specialist in animal facility management. She is an expert in organizing animal units, ensuring compliance with legal regulations (UK and EU), enhancing the quality of scientific research, and implementing biosecurity principles. She has extensive experience gained at renowned research institutions, including the Royal Veterinary College in London (2011–2017) and King’s College London (2017–2021), where she specialized in ethical animal model research, biosafety, and the implementation of international animal care standards.
Certified Animal Welfare Officer (Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer).
Recipient of the Marjorie Whittingham Prize for a publication on studies of spontaneous epilepsy symptoms in laboratory mice housed in IVC systems.
At Łukasiewicz – PORT, since 2022 she has been managing the Animal Facility as a laboratory manager, maintaining a high standard of animal welfare while enabling comprehensive research on animal models. She collaborates with scientists and partners, supporting the implementation of advanced research projects (Max Planck Institute in Dresden, Boehringer Ingelheim).
She is a pioneer in promoting the biobanking of animal tissues in Poland, developing this field as a key element of modern scientific research. Thanks to her initiatives, animal tissue biobanking is becoming an important tool supporting the advancement of research, increasing its efficiency and compliance with international standards.
Anna Zajączkowska
Anna is a graduate of the University of Wrocław, where she studied microbiology, gaining expertise in the research and identification of various microorganisms, as well as in microbiological analysis and environmental and biological material control.
She is currently employed as a Senior Specialist at the Animal Facility, overseeing the implementation of procedures and the daily functioning of the Animal Facility, coordinating the team’s work and ensuring that activities comply with applicable standards.
She has both theoretical and practical experience in caring for laboratory animals and ensuring high welfare standards, which she shares during the training sessions she conducts. She also serves as the Chair of the Animal Welfare Body, ensuring high standards of animal care and proper conduct of research procedures within the institution. She manages purchasing, documentation, and cooperation with administrative teams, ensuring smooth progress of research and organizational stability. Additionally, she is involved in the animal adoption process.
Magdalena Porębska
Magdalena earned her degree in biotechnology at the University of Wrocław. Specializing in medical biotechnology, she gained knowledge of biotechnology applications in diagnostics and therapy.
At the Łukasiewicz – PORT Animal Facility, she holds a specialist position. She is responsible for coordinating daily activities involving animals, including supervising compliance with procedures and hygiene standards. She conducts training on workplace standards in the Animal Facility and also supports the organization of purchases and documentation management. She ensures the smooth and compliant operation of the laboratory.
Zofia Młodożeniec
Zofia holds a higher education degree in applied biology obtained at the University of Life Sciences in Poznań, with a specialization in experimental biology. She gained practical skills in applying biological sciences in various scientific and industrial fields.
At the Animal Facility, she works as a specialist responsible for coordinating daily animal-handling activities, maintaining hygiene standards, and organizing facility operations. She supports the technical and scientific team, manages purchases and documentation, ensuring the efficient functioning of the laboratory.
Joanna Sułkowska
Joanna is a graduate of the University of Wrocław. She obtained a master’s degree in biotechnology with a specialization in molecular biology.
As a junior specialist, she is responsible for the daily care of laboratory animals and monitoring their health. To ensure high standards of animal husbandry, she performs regular cleaning and inspections of housing and breeding rooms. As a result, she ensures stable experimental conditions, which are essential for conducting reliable scientific research.
She manages the adoption process of laboratory animals as the Animal Adoption Coordinator. She is responsible for supervising and carrying out activities related to the qualification, preparation, and transfer of animals for adoption, in accordance with the applicable legal regulations and the internal procedures of the institution.
Dariusz Basa
Dariusz completed his studies in biology at the University of Białystok, specializing in molecular and experimental biology, where he gained experience in conducting laboratory research.
He is responsible for the daily functioning of the animal facility and for the welfare of the animals through regular health monitoring as a junior specialist. He is also responsible for maintaining hygiene in the animal rooms, monitoring environmental conditions, and ensuring stable experimental settings, which directly impact the quality and reproducibility of scientific research.
Alona Sobolieva
Alona is a graduate of the Poltava University of Economics and Trade, where she completed a degree in management.
She currently works as a technical assistant, responsible for maintaining appropriate sanitary conditions in the animal facility and preparing all necessary materials for the work of animal technicians and research teams. She supports the team in technical tasks, ensuring the smooth functioning of the research area and facilities.
Tetiana Holubnycha
Tetiana graduated from the Medical Vocational School in Kryvyi Rih, specializing as a medical laboratory technician. Since 2007, she has gained professional experience at the Zhovtovodska Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Ukraine and later in a microbiological laboratory.
At Łukasiewicz – PORT, she works as a technical assistant,
ensuring optimal sanitary conditions necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the animal facility. She supports the team in daily operational tasks, being responsible for key technical background processes.