On October 8 and 9, 2024, the 8th International PhD Students Conference took place at the Nencki Institute. This year’s event was organized by Dominika Malińska, Beata Siemiątkowska, Anna Beroun, Justyna Janikiewicz, and Prof. Joanna Szczepanowska - Head of the Warsaw-4-PhD School.

As in previous years, the Nencki Institute's International PhD Students Conference provided an exceptional platform for participants to learn about cutting-edge research projects, refine their presentation skills, and expand their professional networks.

During the two intense days of the Conference, attendees had the opportunity to listen to 15 long scientific presentations ("long talks") and 21 short scientific presentations ("speed talks"). In addition, colleagues presented their research findings in the form of scientific posters, fostering vibrant discussions and collaborations.

A highlight of the event was the keynote speeches delivered by Prof. Bożena Kamińska-Kaczmarek (Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute) and Prof. Marcin Drąg (Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wrocław University of Science and Technology). Their insightful talks inspired participants and provided valuable perspectives on their respective fields.

The conference also featured a special session, “Next Generation Scientists – Perspectives, Opportunities, and Challenges,” where invited speakers shared their experiences and insights from outside academia. The speakers included Prof. Paulo Oliveira (University of Coimbra and Mitotag, Cantanhede, Portugal), Dr. Marta Klak (Polbionica, Warsaw, Poland), and Agata Qanadilo (AstraZeneca, Poland), offering unique perspectives on career paths and challenges in the industry.

The event concluded with a social gathering, where students could form new connections and continue the stimulating conversations initiated during the scientific sessions.

Each year, we recognize outstanding contributions made during the Conference. Here is the list of this year’s award winners:

Long Talk Winners:

1. Elise Wing Sze Tse (Laboratory of Cell Biophysics)
2. Monika Dźwigońska (Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology)
3. Julia Sepielak-Świderska (Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behaviour)

Short Talk Winners:

1. Daniela Rosendo-Silva (University of Coimbra)
2. Agata Wydrych (Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism)
3. Magdalena Wolska (Laboratory of Host-Microbiome Interactions)

Poster Presentation Winners:

1. Monika Puchalska (Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behaviour)
2. Dawid Stępnik (Laboratory of Cytometry)
3. Oksana Okhrymovych (Laboratory of Spatial Epigenetics)

We welcome you to the 9th International PhD Conference in 2025. Until then, we wish you a productive and inspiring year full of scientific discoveries!