Welcome Address

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

We have the honor to invite you to the celebration of 70th Anniversary of the Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences (IP PAS) and the inauguration of the international scientific symposium which will take place on December 2-3, 2024, in Kraków.

Over the past seven decades, IP PAS has established itself as a leading research institution in Poland, specializing in neuropsychopharmacology. Our scientific pursuits, carried out in 14 departments and state-of-the-art research facilities, focus on understanding the mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and developing novel bioactive substances for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological conditions. The upcoming symposium is designed to highlight the institute’s contributions to the field, both past and present, and to showcase the cutting-edge research currently being conducted. We are honored to host a distinguished lineup of plenary speakers which will offer deep insights into the key milestones in neuropharmacology, assess the current state of research, and share innovative strategies for developing effective and safe psychotropic medications.

Among the notable talks, Dr. Phil Skolnick (USA) will discuss the development of glutamate-based antidepressants, while Professor Mart Saarma (Finland) will present groundbreaking research on novel mechanisms of neuroprotection. Additionally, Professor Micaela Morelli (Italy) will explore the profound impact of international collaborations on neuropharmacology, and Prof. Christian P. Müller (Germany) will shed light on the pharmacotherapy of drug substance disorders.

In addition to plenary lectures, we are excited to provide a platform for the next generation of researchers at IP PAS. Our young scientists will present their findings, offering fresh perspectives on topics such as neurodegeneration, rapid-acting antidepressants, and the role of serotonin receptors in synaptic plasticity. The symposium will also feature poster sessions, offering a glimpse into the diverse research carried out across the institute and beyond. We are confident that this symposium will foster fruitful discussions, inspire new collaborations, and contribute to the ongoing advancement of neuropharmacology. We invite researchers, clinicians, and scholars from around the world to join us in celebrating this special occasion and to be part of the vibrant exchange of ideas that will shape the future of our field.

We view this occasion not only as an opportunity to present scientific advancements but also as a gathering of the IP PAS family, where we can collectively honor the legacy of those who came before us. Your presence will be an essential part of this celebration, as we acknowledge and cherish the work of the scientific minds and staff whose dedication, over many decades, has helped us reach this important milestone.

We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating our rich history, engaging with the latest discoveries, and exploring the exciting future of our institute and the field of neuropharmacology.

Sincerely,
The Organizing Committee

 

Summary of the Scientific Symposium: Neuropharmacology Towards Neuroplasticity: A Journey from Historical Roots to Future Innovations

On December 2–3, 2024, the city of Kraków hosted the scientific symposium Neuropharmacology Towards Neuroplasticity: A Journey from Historical Roots to Future Innovations, organized to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences.

The event brought together 279 participants, including numerous distinguished representatives from science and medicine.

The symposium was honored by the presence of prominent guests, including:

  • Prof. Natalia Sobczak, Vice President of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
  • Prof. Marek Krawczyk, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences V, Polish Academy of Sciences,
  • Dr. Anna Okońska-Walkowicz, Advisor to the Mayor of Kraków for Senior Policy.

The event also welcomed members of the Polish Academy of Sciences, representatives of PAN institutes, eminent scientists from Polish and international universities, as well as corporate partners. Participants had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Institute’s Center for Preclinical Research and Development of Innovative Therapies for Central Nervous System Disorders (CEPHARES).


Key Highlights of the Program

 

Prof. Małgorzata Filip, Director of the Institute, and Prof. Jan Rodriguez Parkitna, Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs, presented an overview of the Institute’s history and scientific achievements. They emphasized that over the past seven decades, the Institute has become a leading research institution in Poland, specializing in neuropsychopharmacology. The symposium aimed to highlight the Institute’s contributions to this field, historically and in contemporary contexts, while showcasing cutting-edge research conducted in its 14 Departments, 8 laboratories, and 2 specialized teams.

The inaugural lecture, Development of Glutamate-Based Antidepressants: Looking Back and to the Future, was delivered by Dr. Phil Skolnick (Indivior Inc., Midlothian Turnpike, N. Chesterfield, USA). Dr. Skolnick, a long-term collaborator with IF PAN researchers, has facilitated extended research visits for the Institute’s scientists in the United States. Over the years, he has worked with renowned figures such as Prof. Jerzy Maj, Prof. Jerzy Vetulani, Prof. Gabriel Nowak, and Prof. Piotr Popik. Dr. Skolnick is a prolific contributor to the study of antidepressant drugs and strategies for their discovery. He has been honored with the Anna Monica Award for his significant contributions to antidepressant research.

 

Plenary Lectures

 

  • Prof. Mart Saarma (Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Finland) delivered a groundbreaking lecture titled Cell Stress Regulating CDNF Protein Protects Neurons by a Novel Mechanism, presenting innovative research on neuroprotection mechanisms:
  • Prof. Micaela Morelli (University of Cagliari, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy) in her lecture How Scientific and Cultural International Collaborations Uplift Knowledge on Neuropharmacology Research and Impact on New Generations: Value and Future Perspectives highlighted the importance of international collaborations in advancing neuropharmacology,
  • Prof. Christian P. Müller (University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany) presented The Pharmacotherapy of Drug Use Disorders – Past, Present and Future, discussing innovative approaches to the pharmacotherapy of substance use disorders.

 

Young Researchers' Contributions

 

The Institute’s research potential was showcased by emerging scientists: Dr. Piotr Chmielarz, Dr. Barbara Chruścicka-Smaga, and Dr. Katarzyna Popiołek-Barczyk. Their presentations highlighted significant achievements and ongoing research on topics such as Alzheimer’s disease, the role of the glutamatergic system in antidepressant activity, the role of the H3 receptor in neuropathic pain, and synaptic plasticity.

Poster Session and Publications

During the two-day poster session, 28 posters were presented. Additionally, the symposium website published the Book of Abstracts, which includes summaries of all lectures and conference contributions: https://70ifpan.conference.pl/en.

A commemorative book detailing the history of research and the evolution of the Institute’s scientific teams is under preparation. This publication, enriched with photographs, will place particular emphasis on the Institute’s developments over the past two decades.

 

Recognitions and Awards

The event featured the presentation of national honors to distinguished Institute employees:

  • Bronze Cross of Merit:
  • Dr. Agnieszka Chocyk, Dr. Agata Faron-Górecka (Prof. IF PAN), Dr. Małgorzata Frankowska, Dr. Grzegorz Kreiner, Dr. Agnieszka Pałucha-Poniewiera (Prof. IF PAN), Prof. Rafał Ryguła, Dr. Joanna Wierońska (Prof. IF PAN).
  • Silver Cross of Merit:
  • Prof. Anna Stojakowska.
  • Gold Medal for Long Service:
  • Prof. Krystyna Gołembiowska.

Employees celebrating career anniversaries were also honored:

  • 45, 50, and 55 years of service: Prof. Ryszard Przewłocki, Dr. Zofia Rogóż, Prof. Maria Śmiałowska, Krzysztof Czepiec.
  • 30 and 35 years of service: Prof. Agnieszka Basta-Kaim, Prof. Małgorzata Filip, Prof. Joanna Mika, Dr. Barbara Ziółkowska, Dr. Wiktor Bilecki, Aneta Kozioł.
  • 20 and 25 years of service: Dr. Bartosz Bobula, Dr. Ryszard Bugno, Prof. Agnieszka Nikiforuk, Magdalena Łasoń, Agata Suder.

 

Gratitude

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants. Your presence, engagement, and valuable contributions lent this event its exceptional significance and made it truly remarkable.

Each presentation, discussion, and shared moment was a source of inspiration and motivation for further scientific endeavors. Your dedication to the topics discussed reaffirms the relevance and urgency of the challenges facing contemporary pharmacology.

Thank you for celebrating our anniversary with us. We look forward to future scientific initiatives and hope to meet again. We are confident that the positive atmosphere of our jubilee will remain a cherished memory.

 

Funding Acknowledgment

The project Neuropharmacology Towards Neuroplasticity: A Journey from Historical Roots to Future Innovations was co-financed by the Ministry of Education and Science under the program Excellent Science (project number: KONF/SP/0256/2024/02).

  • Funding amount: 152,538.20 PLN
  • Total project value: 205,551.20 PLN