On May 8, 2026, at 10:30, the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS will host the Nencki Award ceremony. The Nencki Award is a distinction granted by the Institute, honoring outstanding scientists and their achievements in the biological sciences who have also made particularly distinguished contributions to the Institute.

This year’s laureate is Prof. Andrea Cossarizza, from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. His research focuses, among others, on the role of the immune system in various pathological conditions, including HIV/AIDS, SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, sepsis, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, role of immunosenescence in physiology and disease, and immunotherapies. He has also significant contributions and experience in the development and application of new flow cytometry methods in immunological and cell biology research.

Professor Cossarizza has collaborated with and actively supported the Nencki Institute for many years. This particularly applies to areas related to research on the role of the immune system in cancer and the long-term response to SARS-CoV-2 infections, immunosenescence, functional analysis of metabolism and mitochondria as well as supporting the development of advanced cytometry at the Nencki Institute.

A key aspect of this collaboration included the implementation of joint research projects and bilateral grant projects, the organization of training sessions and courses, study visits by Institute staff, the preparation of joint publications, as well as expert support and the consistent enhancement of the Institute’s scientific visibility and recognition. 

The event will take place in the CN Lecture Hall at the Nencki Institute.