BRAINCITY Continues Its Activities – A Center of Excellence with a New Development Perspective

We are pleased to announce that the BRAINCITY Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, operating at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences and led by Prof. Leszek Kaczmarek, will continue its activities thanks to new funding awarded under the MAB FENG International Research Agendas Programme of the Foundation for Polish Science (nearly PLN 30 million for the period from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029). This marks an important step forward in the further development of interdisciplinary research on brain function and the search for modern therapies for psychiatric and neurological disorders.

BRAINCITY is a world-class research center established in collaboration with the renowned European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). Its mission is to deepen our understanding of neuronal and synaptic plasticity, which plays a key role in learning, memory, adaptation to new conditions, and brain regeneration after injury. The Centre focuses on applying this knowledge to the treatment of disorders such as depression, epilepsy, addiction, and autism.

BRAINCITY comprises four specialized research laboratories conducting experiments at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels:

• Laboratory of Neurobiology (Prof. Leszek Kaczmarek) – investigates mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and gene regulation;
• Laboratory of Neurobiology of Emotions (Prof. Ewelina Knapska) – analyzes the impact of neuroplasticity on social behavior and emotions;
• Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity (Dr. Anna Beroun) – focuses on memory-related plasticity and its disturbances in the context of addiction;
• Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Mind (Dr. Jan Kamiński) – studies the mechanisms underlying cognitive functions in the human brain.

In recent years, BRAINCITY teams have published groundbreaking findings on the mechanisms of brain plasticity in the context of addiction, autism, depression, and cognitive functions. These discoveries include the identification of new therapeutic targets, the characterization of silent synapses as a common mechanism of plasticity, and the demonstration of the importance of social learning in adaptive behaviors.

Thanks to the new funding, the Centre plans to establish a platform for testing brain stimulation methods and compounds that activate neuroplasticity, with potential applications in the treatment of depression, epilepsy, and addiction. BRAINCITY will continue to strengthen its collaboration with clinical centers and the biotechnology industry, enhancing the translational potential of its research.

BRAINCITY is also a space for the development of young scientists. PhD students, early stage scientists and postdoctoral researchers have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research projects, publish in prestigious journals, and take part in international training courses and workshops organized by EMBL and the Nencki Institute.

More information about BRAINCITY’s activities can be found on the website: www

Project Title: Centre of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders: BRAINCITY; Partnership between the Nencki Institute and EMBL

Source of Funding: European Funds / Foundation for Polish Science – International Research Agendas (MAB FENG) Programme

Project Tasks: development of research on neuroplasticity, testing innovative therapies and diagnostic tools, development of young researchers

Target Groups: scientists, clinicians, biomedical industry, patients

Project Objectives: deepening knowledge of brain plasticity, translating research results into clinical practice

Project Outcomes: new therapeutic methods, stronger science–industry links, publications, patents, training

Total Project Value: PLN 29,998,750

EU Contribution: PLN 29,998,750