{"id":92795,"date":"2025-08-20T07:40:19","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T05:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/port.lukasiewicz.gov.pl\/?p=92795"},"modified":"2026-01-08T10:48:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T09:48:31","slug":"why-we-need-neuroscience-the-17th-international-congress-of-the-polish-society-for-neuroscience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/port.lukasiewicz.gov.pl\/en\/why-we-need-neuroscience-the-17th-international-congress-of-the-polish-society-for-neuroscience\/","title":{"rendered":"Why We Need Neuroscience: The 17th International Congress of the Polish Society for Neuroscience"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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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\u2019s capabilities\u2014making it extraordinary, yet incredibly difficult to study.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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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\u2019s capabilities\u2014making it extraordinary, yet incredibly difficult to study.<\/p>

Statistics underscore how urgent it is to understand the brain and the mechanisms underlying its disorders. Today, 179 million Europeans live with brain diseases<\/strong>, both neurological and psychiatric. This is equivalent to the combined populations of Germany, France and half of Poland. These conditions generate \u20ac800 billion<\/strong> in annual costs\u201445% of all European healthcare spending\u2014and are now considered civilisation diseases, driven by modern lifestyles. The challenge is compounded by demographic trends: as societies age, the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s continues to grow.<\/p>

These issues will be at the heart of discussions among more than 300 researchers during the 17th International Congress of the Polish Society for Neuroscience (PTBUN)<\/strong>, which opens on 2 September at the Wroc\u0142aw University of Science and Technology Conference Centre. After thirty years since the first edition, the congress will finally take place in Wroc\u0142aw\u2014thanks to the strong involvement of the city\u2019s neuroscience community.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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From cancer pain to transgenerational memory<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Neuroscience is not an abstract academic pursuit\u2014it is a discipline of immediate need that already shapes the quality of life for one in four Europeans.<\/p>

At \u0141ukasiewicz \u2013 PORT, researchers investigating the brain focus on concrete health challenges directly affecting patients\u2019 lives. They study the mechanisms driving cancer pain, depression, stress-related disorders and neurodegeneration. Their work integrates molecular biology, artificial intelligence, epigenetics and neuroimaging. The goal is not only to deepen our understanding of brain function, but to develop new therapeutic strategies.<\/p>

Dr Mateusz Kucharczyk<\/strong>, Head of the Cancer Neurophysiology Research Group<\/a><\/strong>, investigates cancer pain\u2014one of the most debilitating experiences for patients. At \u0141ukasiewicz \u2013 PORT, his team explores mechanisms that could relieve pain without the risk of addiction or the side effects associated with opioids. \u201cPain is not merely a symptom. It is its own disease\u2014one that destroys the psyche, relationships and daily life. Our goal is to develop therapies that are both effective and safe,\u201d he explains.<\/p>

Dr Bartosz Zglinicki<\/strong> of the Astrocyte Biology Research Group<\/a><\/strong> uses artificial intelligence to study the effects of antidepressant drugs. Advanced algorithms allow him to analyse how specific compounds influence the activity of defined brain regions\u2014with a level of precision previously unattainable. AI helps visualise what the human eye cannot detect, bringing us closer to personalised medicine and tailored treatments.<\/p>

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Research led by Dr Ali Jawaid<\/strong> reveals how profoundly traumatic stress can affect not only individuals, but also their children. By analysing childhood neglect in Poland and Pakistan and studying families affected by the Srebrenica massacre, his team has demonstrated that the consequences of trauma can be transmitted biologically across generations. This insight reshapes our understanding of the rising prevalence of mental health disorders in Europe and supports preventive and therapeutic innovations.<\/p>

\u201cPsychological trauma does not end with the individual experience. It remains in the body, in cells, in the brain\u2014and it can influence children who were never directly exposed to the trauma,\u201d says Dr Jawaid, Head of the Translational Neuropsychiatry Research Group<\/a><\/strong>. \u201cTrauma is not just a risk factor\u2014it is an inheritance.\u201d<\/p>

Researchers from \u0141ukasiewicz \u2013 PORT will present their findings during the PTBUN International Congress.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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World leaders in neuroscience to gather in Wroc\u0142aw<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u201cThe congress will host leading brain researchers from across the globe\u2014recognised figures in world neuroscience,\u201d says Dr Micha\u0142 \u015al\u0119zak<\/strong>, scientist at \u0141ukasiewicz \u2013 PORT, Vice President of the Society and Chair of the Organising Committee.<\/p>

Speakers will include:<\/p>