We are pleased to announce that BRAINCITY -  the Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, led by Prof. Leszek Kaczmarek – will continue its operations thanks to a new grant from the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) under the International Research Agendas Programme (IRAP FENG). Nearly PLN 30 million has been awarded for the period from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2029.

This marks an important step forward for interdisciplinary research into brain function and the development of innovative treatments for mental and neurological disorders.

BRAINCITY, established in collaboration with the prestigious European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), is a world-class research center dedicated to understanding neuronal and synaptic plasticity - key mechanisms behind learning, memory, adaptation, and brain recovery after injury. Its research aims to translate this knowledge into new therapies for conditions such as depression, epilepsy, addiction, and autism.

The Center brings together four specialized laboratories, each conducting experiments at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels:

• Laboratory of Neurobiology (Prof. Leszek Kaczmarek): Investigates the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and gene regulation.
• Laboratory of Emotions Neurobiology (Prof. Ewelina Knapska): Studies how neuroplasticity shapes social behavior and emotional processing.
• Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity (Dr. Anna Beroun): Focuses on memory-related plasticity and its disruption in addiction.
• Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Mind (Dr. Jan Kamiński): Explores the neural basis of human cognitive functions. 

In recent years, BRAINCITY researchers have published groundbreaking studies on brain plasticity in the context of addiction, autism, depression, and cognition. These include the identification of novel therapeutic targets, the discovery of silent synapses as a shared mechanism of plasticity, and new insights into the role of social learning in adaptive behavior.

With the new funding, BRAINCITY plans to develop a platform for testing brain stimulation techniques and neuroplasticity-enhancing compounds, with potential applications in treating depression, addiction, and epilepsy. The Center will also deepen its collaboration with clinical institutions and the biotech sector, increasing the translational impact of its work.

BRAINCITY is also committed to training the next generation of neuroscientists. PhD students, postdocs, and undergraduates engage in cutting-edge research, contribute to high-impact publications, and take part in international workshops and courses co-organized with EMBL.

More information about BRAINCITY can be found at: https://braincity.nencki.edu.pl