Anna Świątkowska , PhD

Anna Świątkowska studied biotechnology at the Medical University of Bydgoszcz and the University of Warsaw, then obtained her education in biochemistry and cell biology, and her PhD at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology. After a short stint in the world of nanoparticles with Nanothea Radiopharmaceuticals, she returned to the Nencki Institute as a post-doc to participate in a project on protein palmitoylation and signaling lipid's turnover. When she completed this challenge she joined the Host - Microbiota Interactions Lab from it's very beginnings. For entertainment, she enjoys reading romances and crime novels, and watching anime recommended by her teenage daughter.

Edyta Bulanda , MSc

Edyta completed her bachelor's studies in the Cracow University of Technology and her master studies in the Warsaw University of Technology in Biotechnology. Then she joined Nencki Institute as a PhD student. Her research focused on understanding the intricate relationship between microbiota and brain autoimmunology disorders. She has extensive experience in confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, with a strong focus on applying these techniques in brain research settings. Besides science, she likes to spend her free time hiking, traveling and yoga.

Agata Jabłońska , MSc

a.jablonska@nencki.edu.pl

Agata Jabłońska is a promising young scientist whose interests focus on food microbiology and research on gut microbiota. As part of her research at the Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Agata focuses on identifying and thoroughly studying the properties of selected strains of bacteria that may have potential probiotic applications. Her work focuses on understanding how gut microbiota affects the functioning of the human body, which is an important direction for her future scientific career. Agata is a co-author of an article published in the scientific journal „FOOD. Science. Technology, Quality”, which concerns the usefulness of fermented kombucha tea in the production of low-alcohol beverages. Additionally, she actively participates in various scientific conferences, where she has the opportunity to present the results of her research and establish new contacts in the academic community.

Selected publications:

1. Jabłońska, A., Kruk, M., Pochylski, S., & Neffe-Skocińska, K. (2023), THE USEFULNESS OF FERMENTED KOMBUCHA TEA FOR THE PRODUCTION OF LOW-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS. Zywnosc, 30(3). DOI: 10.15193/zntj/2023/136/462.
   

Ajeet Kumar , MSc

a.kumar@nencki.edu.pl

Ajeet Kumar is a doctoral candidate at the Nencki Microbiome Lab, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland. His research focus on microbiome-based strategies for alleviating asthma. He investigates how interactions between antibodies and the microbiota affect gut colonization and contribute to asthma improvement in animal models. He holds an MSc in Biotechnology from the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, India. During his master's thesis, he explored the role of temperature in drug tolerance and fungal pathogenesis. He has 1.5 years of research experience as a Project Associate following his master's studies. He brings strong experience in microbiology, animal experiments, and cellular biology techniques. He is highly passionate about decoding host-microbe interactions to develop novel therapeutic solutions for human diseases.He enjoys tutoring biotechnology modules to school students and has been awarded the Super Tutor Gold Medal by EdTech institutions for his efforts. Passionate about science communication, he actively participates in and volunteers at conferences, while also creating videos to explain complex scientific topics to the general public.

Selected publications:

1. A Kumar, A Francis, S Hans, A Thakur - Recent Advances in Human Fungal Diseases... (2024), Unravelling Drug Resistance in Candida Species: Genetic, Biofilm, Transcriptional, and Epigenetic Perspectives, 10.1007/978-981-97-4909-6_8
   https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-97-4909-6_8

Prizes and awards:

Award for the short talk entitled “Microbiota-derived metabolite improves lung inflammation by modulating the metabolism of alveolar macrophages” at the 8th International PhD Conference, Nencki Institute, Warsaw (Poland)

Selected publications:

1. Wolska, M., Wypych, T.P. and Rodríguez-Viso, P. (2024), The Influence of Premature Birth on the Development of Pulmonary Diseases: Focus on the Microbiome. Metabolites,
   https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14070382
2. Losol, P., Wolska, M., Wypych, T.P., Yao, L., O'Mahony, L. and Sokolowska, M. (2024), A cross talk between microbial metabolites and host immunity: Its relevance for allergic diseases. Clinical and Translational Allergy,
   https://doi.org/10.1002/clt2.12339
3. Radke, K., Hansson, K., Sjölund, J., Wolska, M., Karlsson, J., Esfandyari, J., Pietras, K., Aaltonen, K., Gisselsson, D. and Bexell, D. (2021), Anti-tumor effects of rigosertib in high-risk neuroblastoma. Translational Oncology,
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101149

Malwina Iwańska, MA

Malwina Iwańska is a Warsaw-based professional with over 13 years of experience in brand management, product marketing, and client relationship development. She holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Warsaw. Her career has centered on developing and executing strategic marketing and branding initiatives—from briefing analysis and project timing to cost estimation, content production, and international campaign coordination. She has organized numerous photo shoots, workshops, and castings, while managing teams and liaising with both Polish and international clients and agencies. Malwina is highly skilled in contract negotiation, crisis management, and building personal brands, including long-term career planning and public image strategy. She also has experience running social media channels and supervising administrative and accounting operations. With a blend of strategic thinking, creativity, diplomacy, and analytical insight, she excels at understanding client needs, solving problems, and motivating teams.