On 14–15 October 2025, the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, hosted an exceptional event that combined the official inauguration of two major initiatives - BRAINCITY MAB FENG and EMERALD - with the international NENCKI-BRAINCITY-DANDRITE Symposium.

The EMERALD project is carried out under the Special Task of the Minister of Science and Higher Education entitled “Increasing Polish presence in EMBL and EMBC, in particular through the establishment of a new EMBL branch in Poland, at the Nencki Institute PAS.”

Following the official part, which presented the objectives and assumptions of both projects, participants had the opportunity to visit selected laboratories at BRAINCITY and the Nencki Institute, after which the academic part began, comprising lecture sessions with the participation of distinguished scientists from the Nencki Institute, EMBL, DANDRITE, and BRAINCITY.

The second day of the symposium was dedicated to further scientific presentations and thematic discussions, providing an inspiring platform for the exchange of experiences and the establishment of new research collaborations.

Both projects inaugurated during the event - BRAINCITY MAB FENG and EMERALD - represent important directions in strengthening the Nencki Institute’s research potential and scientific infrastructure.

This joint initiative of the Nencki Institute, BRAINCITY, EMBL, and DANDRITE marks an important step toward strengthening international scientific networks. The event also provided a unique opportunity to showcase effective cross-sector cooperation between science, administration, and international institutions.

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants and partners of the event for their active participation, inspiring discussions, and commitment.

EMERALD is supported by the Ministry of Science of the Republic of Poland grant no. MNiSW/2024/DWM/272.

BRAINCITY is supported by the European Funds for Smart Economy 2021-2027 grant no. FENG.02.01-IP.05-0010/24.