The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce the results of its international competition for the position of Research Group Leader. As a result of this process, three outstanding scientists have been selected to establish three new research groups at the Institute, opening new scientific directions and contributing to the Institute’s long-term scientific development.

The newly appointed Research Group Leaders are:

Dr Swarupa Panda - Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway,

Dr Kai Ling Liang - Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium,

Dr Paweł Trzaskoma - National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, USA.

The competition attracted very strong international interest, with 65 applications received from leading research institutions worldwide. The multi-stage recruitment process included assessment of scientific excellence, the quality and innovation of research programs, success in securing research funding, and alignment of the proposed research with the Institute’s long-term development strategy.

The recruitment process was conducted by the Recruitment Committee, chaired by Prof. Urszula Wojda, with the participation of members of an International Advisory Board composed of distinguished scientists. The close cooperation between the Committee and the Advisory Board enabled the competition to be conducted in accordance with the highest international standards, the principles of the European Charter for Researchers, and the HR Excellence in Research guidelines, ensuring a high scientific level, transparency and objectivity of the entire process.

The final stage of the competition — public scientific presentations and individual interviews — took place on 15–16 October 2025 at the Nencki Institute in Warsaw.

“This year’s competition was a true celebration of science — the quality of applications and scientific visions was exceptional, and the selected candidates demonstrate a very high level of scientific excellence as well as ambitious and innovative research programs,” said Prof. Urszula Wojda.

The establishment of the three new research groups will lead to a lasting strengthening of the Nencki Institute’s research potential and further development of research in molecular biology, biomedical sciences and translational studies.