On May 9–10, 2025, the Research Station of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS in Mikołajki hosted the European Funds Days – an event organized as part of the Intelligent Development Operational Programme. Over two days, our scientists shared their knowledge, experience, and passion for science with children, adolescents, and adults.

On the first day, we organized a series of lectures aimed at primary and secondary school students. Participants had the opportunity to attend inspiring talks on brain function, healthy lifestyles, and spatial orientation and take part in hands-on workshops at several thematic stations.

The second day was open to all interested visitors. Guests toured the laboratories, explored the research facilities, and spoke with scientists. The event attracted considerable interest from the local community.

The event was met with great enthusiasm—hundreds of people visited us, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and scientific curiosity. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who organized this event.

Organizers:

Prof. Agnieszka Dobrzyń, PhD, DSc – Director of the Nencki Institute PAS

Dr. Kinga Szydłowska, Dr. Tomasz Janecki' Dominika Janecka, Beata Kuźniarska

Lectures:

“Secrets of the Brain” – Dr. Kinga Szydłowska

“Neuroscience and Neuro-nonsense” – Dr. Paweł Boguszewski

“Why Does My Body Need a Healthy Diet?” – Dr. Magdalena Lebiedzińska-Arciszewska

“Obesity from a Scientist’s Perspective – Causes and Consequences” – Prof. Mariusz Więckowski, PhD, DSc

“How Not to Get Lost in Your City (and in Your Life)?” – Dr. Rafał Czajkowski, DSc

Workshops:

Brain under the Microscope

Mitochondria – The Cell’s Powerhouses

What Lives in Lakes?

Who Lives in the Nencki Institute’s Animal Facility?

Workshop Team:

Mariusz Więckowski, Magdalena Lebiedzińska-Arciszewska, Paweł Boguszewski, Rafał Czajkowski, Kinga Szydłowska, Kinga Kosyl-Dzik, Katarzyna Jaślan, Weronika Ficerman, Marta Gawor, Olena Karatsai, Liliia Lehka, Dominika Malińska, Jolanta Nowak, Dominika Wojton, Tomasz Janecki, Dominika Janecka, Karolina Wegner.