Researchers from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn have been awarded funding in Poland’s highly competitive National Science Centre (NCN) grant programmes OPUS 30 and SONATA 21. Six UWM scientists secured support for ambitious research projects spanning plant biology, medicine, environmental science, biotechnology and veterinary research, reinforcing the University’s strong position in interdisciplinary scientific excellence.
Four projects received funding through the OPUS 30 programme. Prof. Jakub Sawicki will investigate the evolution of chemical communication in liverworts, exploring how these ancient plants use signalling mechanisms during reproduction. Dr Beata Plitta-Michalak will study DNA repair processes in short-lived seeds, aiming to develop innovative methods for preserving plant genetic resources and protecting biodiversity. Dr Kamil Dobrzyń will examine the role of metabolic hormones in the earliest stages of pregnancy, while Prof. Monika Harnisz will lead research on removing emerging contaminants and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from wastewater, supporting public health and the implementation of new European environmental regulations.
Two additional UWM researchers were successful in the SONATA 21 competition. Dr Karol Mierzejewski will investigate how nano- and microplastics affect the cardiovascular system, addressing one of today’s most pressing environmental and health challenges. Dr Dominika Gołubczyk will focus on the inflammatory mechanisms involved in ischaemic stroke, using advanced translational research models to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients.
The funded projects demonstrate the breadth of research conducted at UWM and its commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative science. From biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental management to reproductive biology, cardiovascular health and neuroscience, these grants will strengthen international collaboration and contribute to scientific advances with real-world impact.
