Prof. Andrzej Jajszczyk, the first Director of the National Science Centre has been elected as the new Vice President of the European Research Council (ERC) that funds pioneering basic research. Prof. Jajszczyk will be in charge of Physical and Engineering Sciences and will start take up his duties on 1 January 2021.

Prof. Jajszczyk will be one of the three Vice Presidents alongside Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis in charge of Life Sciences and current Vice President Eveline Crone in charge of Social Sciences and Humanities who will continue her mandate.  

Prof. Jajszczyk has been a member of the ERC Scientific Council since 2017 and professor at the Department of Telecommunications at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland. Between 2011-2015, prof. Jajsczyk was the Director of the National Science Centre.

For more information, go here.

We are pleased to announce that one of our Council members, dr. hab. Justyna Olko from the Faculty of “Artes Liberales” of the Warsaw University, is one of the winners of the Falling Walls 2020 award presented during the World Science Summit/Berlin Science Week organised by the Walls Foundation.

The Polish researcher was awarded in the area of Social Sciences and Humanities for “breaking the walls between the academy and local communities in favour of linguistic diversity”. She received the title of the “Breakthrough of the Year” in her category alongside nine other researchers selected among over 900 nominees all over the world pursuant to a decision of the ERC jury chaired by Helga Nowotny (former President of the European Research Council). Justyna Olko connects scientific research and engaged community work to promote multilingualism, language revitalisation and ethnic minority empowerment. As she herself says: “Every three months one language disappears from the earth. We need to look for solutions.” Through her research she provides that the use of local heritage languages protects against historical trauma and decolonises our world. She has discussed her breakthrough work during the World Science Summit which, due to the epidemiological situation, was held online 1 and 10 November.

Dear Justyna! Congratulations! 

Photo by Michał Łepecki

All life on earth is almost uniquely powered by solar energy, but many organisms, including humans, do not have the ability to use sunlight directly to fuel the biochemical reactions that underlie their vital processes. Photosynthesis is a process that converts solar energy into the energy of chemical bonds and thus puts it into circulation in our biosphere. The by-product of this energy conversion in many photosynthesising organisms, such as plants, is molecular oxygen, released into the atmosphere and commonly used for breathing. These facts only go to underscore how important photosynthesis is for life on our planet.

A fascinating aspect of photosynthesis has to do with the mechanisms that occur in the photosynthetic apparatus at the level of individual molecules, both those related to energy conversion, and those responsible for the regulatory activity that ensures the safety of the process. The issue of safety becomes particularly important when the intensity of light is so high that it exceeds the capacity of photochemical reactions, increasing the risk of the photooxidation of structures specialized for photon absorption, right at the site where molecular oxygen is produced. The research project investigates the mechanisms related to this regulatory activity in greater detail, relying on experiments with various molecular spectroscopy techniques and the imaging of whole leaves, individual chloroplasts and isolated pigment-protein complexes. The results of the project – those already obtained and those still expected – address issues such as the regulation of excitation energy flows in the photosynthetic apparatus of plants. As shown by experience, having an accurate grasp of the phenomenon may help increase the efficiency of biomass production in photosynthesis, which is of key importance for ensuring food safety in the context of the dynamic human population growth on earth.

Photo by Michał Łepecki

One of the studies carried out within the framework of the project demonstrated the activity of carotenoid pigments, violaxanthin and zeaxanthin, in inducing and stabilising supramolecular structures formed by light-harvesting pigment-protein complexes LHCII (Light-harvesting complex of Photosystem II). Zeaxanthin was shown to promote protein structures that quench excitations, while violaxanthin induces formation of structures that prevent energy dissipation. In the photosynthetic apparatus of plants, violaxanthin, which is present in low-light conditions, is converted into zeaxanthin under intense light, which suggests that the phenomenon serves as a regulatory mechanism to adapt the photosynthetic apparatus, and especially its excitation energy levels, to the intensity of sunlight. The mechanism plays an important photoprotective role, keeping in mind that any excess excitation could be used to generate degradation-inducing reactive forms of oxygen.

Other experiments helped uncover a mechanism at play in the photosynthetic apparatus of plants, by which some of the energy harvested by light absorption and dissipated into the environment as heat, is recycled: this thermal energy is reabsorbed and used in photochemical reactions. The process not only increases the energy yield of photosynthesis, but also plays a key role in Photosystem II, responsible, among other things, for molecular oxygen evolution.

Photo byMichał Łepecki

Prof. Dr hab. Wiesław I. Gruszecki

Professor Gruszecki graduated from the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin in 1984. Since 1983, he has been employed at the Institute of Physics of the same university, where he currently serves as the head of the Department of Biophysics. He earned his PhD degree in 1986, his habilitation in 1993, and the title of professor in 1999. He has completed long-term research fellowships in Canada, Switzerland, Germany and the US. His research interests centre on the biophysical mechanisms of photosynthesis, as well as the activity of carotenoids and polyene antibiotics in biomembranes.

Date of publication: 6^th Nov 2020

Over the past few decades, multilateralism has become the basis for international cooperation, widely extending its geographical reach after the end of the Cold War. Multilateralism describes a process in which relations between states are organised on the basis of generalized principles of conduct, without regard to particularistic interests of individual players. At present, however, more and more states seem to be disappointed in the functioning of the system. Superpowers view unilateral and bilateral strategies as more effective ways to manage international affairs. Smaller states, on the other hand, point out the low effectiveness of current structures in bringing about the achievement of their goals.

Photo by Michał Łepecki

The crisis of multilateralism is also apparent in the area of international trade. More frequently than ever, states resort to unilateral actions, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is largely paralysed, and trade wars have become an instrument of foreign policy. Does this spell a return to the protectionism of the interwar period or will a new model of cooperation emerge and, if so, what will it be like? What are the causes of the crisis? Does it stem from changes in American trade policy, deeper geopolitical reconfigurations or existing dysfunctions? How should it be tackled?

These questions set out the general direction of the research project funded under the OPUS 16 scheme. In this context, four more specific research areas were defined: (i) changes in American trade policy and their impact on the functioning of the multilateral model, (ii) crisis in the WTO dispute settlement system, (iii) the adequacy of the role of the WTO in the current geopolitical situation, (iv) relationships between the multilateral system and regional trade agreements.

The project addresses issues of fundamental importance both for international law and international relations. Multilateralism, after all, is an idea that has significantly shaped both disciplines and continues to set the ideological framework for the current global order. This also applies to the international trade system, with the WTO at its centre. Understanding the nature of the changes underway today will help predict future trends and design targeted solutions to boost or weaken the tendencies at play.

One of the most important results of the project thus far has to do with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the international trade system. The pandemic seems to have reinforced existing trends, which may lead to structural transformations such as a shift from the relatively free flow of goods and services based on WTO regulations towards a greater protection of internal markets (both in terms of trade and investment), fiercer technological competition, mutual relations dominated by policy at the expense of the law and scattered/selective liberalising initiatives. A central role in the new system will be played by competing regional economic and trading blocs rather than global international organisations.

Photo by Michał Łepecki

Dr hab. Łukasz Gruszczyński

Dr hab. Gruszczyński conducts his research at the Kozminski University. He earned his PhD from the European University Institute in Florence (2008) and completed his habilitation at the Institute of Legal Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences (2016). He has completed many foreign research fellowships at institutions such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Michigan, and authored numerous articles on international trade law and risk regulation in leading academic journals. His publication record also includes two titles published by Oxford University Press.

Date of publication: 6^th Nov 2020

Photo by Michał Łepecki

Entitled Functional Grading by Key Doping in Catalytic Electrodes for Proton Ceramic Cells (FunKeyCat), the project aims to develop new ceramic materials for fuel cell electrodes, which will allow electric power to be produced from hydrogen fuel. Another possible application would be to build steam electrolysers, i.e. machines that use electric power to split water vapour into pure hydrogen and oxygen. Both these devices are key elements of so-called hydrogen technologies which, together with renewable energy, contributes to creating self-sufficient power systems. Using steam electrolysers and renewable energy to produce hydrogen enables energy storage, and fuel cells can convert hydrogen into electric power whenever and wherever it is needed. The objective of the FunKeyCat project is to look for new solutions in the area of electrode materials, which could make these devices more efficient and speed up their commercialization.

The main limitation of high-temperature cells and electrolysers with a ceramic proton conductor is the lack of appropriate materials for positrodes, i.e. electrodes with a positive electric potential. The requirements are difficult to meet: the materials must exhibit mechanical strength and resistance to high temperatures and water vapour, act as good conductors for as many as three charge carriers: electrons, oxygen ions and protons, as well as show thermomechanical compatibility with other elements of the cell. As it happens, no materials that meet all of these requirements have thus far been developed. However, there are many that meet most of the criteria. The strategy in the project is to design a positrode that would undergo a gradient change in chemical composition. This is to ensure that different parts of the electrode will have different properties and play different functions. In this case, a single material does not need to meet all the requirements – they will be met by the gradient electrode as a whole.

Photo by Michał Łepecki

Another challenge is to boost the catalytic activity (i.e. the ability to “speed up” chemical reactions, which directly determines the performance of the device) of cells and electrolysers. The FunKeyCat project will involve “decorating” the surface of electrodes with highly active oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles will be produced by exsolution, i.e. directly precipitated from the electrode material. The method allows the number and size of resultant nanoparticles to be controlled, which are also strongly anchored to prevent degradation. In addition, when degraded, nanoparticles created through exsolution can be regenerated, which is why electrodes that contain them are often referred to as smart or self-healing materials.

FunKeyCat will be carried out by researchers from four different institutions based in three countries: the University of Oslo and SINTEF in Norway, the Research Institute of the Spanish National Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, CSIC) in Valencia, Spain, and the Gdańsk University of Technology. It will last three years and receive funding within the framework of the European research network, M-ERA.NET, members of which include institutions such as, e.g. the National Science Centre.

Photo by Michał Łepecki

Dr inż. Sebastian Wachowski

Dr Wachowski graduated in Technical Physics: Nanotechnology from the Gdańsk University of Technology and, following his MSc thesis defence in 2012, went on to complete a PhD programme at the same university. In this period, he completed two research fellowships at the University of Oslo and finally earned his PhD degree in 2017. Since 2016, he has been employed at the Gdańsk University of Technology. In his academic career, Wachowski places a strong emphasis on cooperation, especially on an international and interdisciplinary scale. Ongoing since 2014, his collaboration with the University of Oslo has now led to the second joint project funded under the M-ERA.NET initiative.

Date of publication: 6^th Nov 2020

Today, the decisions will be served concerning proposals that fail the eligibility check in the MAESTRO 12, SONATA BIS 10 and DAINA 2 calls.

The decisions of the NCN Director in an electronic format are served to the applicant’s electronic address specified in the proposal.

• If the applicant is an institution specified in Article 27 (1) - (7) and Article 27 (1) (9) of the NCN Act, the decision of the NCN Director will be served to the Electronic Correspondence Register (ESP ePUAP) address.
• If a natural person acting as the applicant specifies an ePUAP address in his/her proposal, the decision will be served to that address.
• If an applicant (natural person) does not specify his/her ePUAP address, he/she will receive a message to the e-mail address specified in the proposal with the electronic address from which the decision of the NCN Director can be downloaded.
• If no decision is received, it is recommended to check whether the electronic (ESP, ePUAP, e-mail) address specified in the proposal is correct.
• If an incorrect address has been provided, contact the NCN Program Officer in charge of the proposal specified in the ZSUN/OSF system. 

Pursuant to NCN Council Resolution No 104/2020 of 30 September 2020, the call for NCN proposals submitted under the CEUS-UNISONO call will be closed on 31 December 2020, 4 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Proposals can be submitted to ARRS acting as a  lead agency between 11 December 2020 and 12 February 2021. If, however, a joint proposal is submitted to ARRS as the lead agency, NCN proposals must be submitted to ZSUN  by 31 December 2020, 4 p.m., after which date it will not be possible to submit proposals under the CEUS-UNISONO call to the NCN.

Cooperation between NCN, FWF, GAČR and ARRS aimed at funding  bilateral and trilateral research projects in all academic disciplines carried out jointly by research teams from Poland, Austria, Slovenia and the Czech Republic will be continued in the framework of the lead agency procedure from the beginning of 2021. More information on the new framework of cooperation will be available on the NCN website in December 2020.

We are pleased to announce the third ranking list in the MOZART international bilateral call for Polish-Austrian research projects, organised in partnership with the Austrian Science Fund (Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung, FWF). Our new winner is Dr Krzysztof Szade from the Jagiellonian University.

Ranking list

Dr Krzysztof Szade will receive a total of 1,596,300 PLN in funding for his research project devoted to Identifying the Niches of Hematopoietic and Leukaemic Stem Cells. The objective is to explore and describe the bone marrow niches of hematopoietic and leukaemic stem cells, which will allow potential new treatment targets against leukaemic stem cells to be identified. More about the project: here.

To find out more about our previous winners, Professor Jerzy Kochanowski, Dr Tomasz Goliński, and Dr hab. Karol Nartowski, go here and here.

Grants awarded under the scheme can go towards the costs of remuneration for the research team, including scholarships for under- and post-graduate students, the purchase or manufacturing of research equipment and for other costs crucial to the research project. With a total budget of 5.5 million PLN, the call was targeted at Polish research teams working with Austrian partners. To qualify as a principal investigator in the Polish team, applicants need to hold at least a PhD degree; the project must take 24 or 36 months to complete. The merit-based evaluation of submitted proposals is based on guidelines adopted by the FWF. The terms and conditions of the call set by the FWF can be found in the documents of the “Stand-Alone Projects” programme and, for clinical trials, in “Programme Clinical Research” (KLIF).

The MOZART call was held in accordance with the Lead Agency Procedure (“LAP”) and proposals were accepted on an ongoing basis until 21 February 2020. The results are announced within 12 months from the submission of the domestic proposal, which means that successive ranking lists will be gradually published here.

Dr hab. n. med. Wojciech Fendler from the Medical University of Łódź, Dr hab. Jakub Growiec from the Warsaw School of Economics and Dr hab. Michał Tomza from the University of Warsaw are the winners of the eighth edition of the NCN awards. Each will receive a prize of 50,000 PLN.

Just like every year, the prestigious distinction was awarded to three outstanding young researchers who made significant discoveries in basic research conducted at Polish host institutions. The award was handed out in three fields: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences and Engineering. Due to the epidemiological situation, the traditional October gala in the Gallery of 19^th-century Polish Art in Sukiennice had to be cancelled and our winners will be presented with their award statuettes at another time.

The NCN Award 2020 for Life Sciences went to Dr hab. n. med. Wojciech Fendler from the Medical University of Łódź in recognition of his research into microRNAs as biomarkers of accidental exposure to ionising radiation and the side effects of radiotherapy. Fendler showed that certain microRNA molecules circulating in the blood serum may indicate the presence of irreversible radiation-induced damage to the bone marrow.

“My research is aimed at detecting exposure to ionising radiation and predicting its adverse side effects. The purpose is to develop a diagnostic test that would allow exposure to a potentially lethal dose of radiation to be identified and speed up the selection of exposed patients who need a life-saving bone marrow transplant,” explains Dr hab. n. med. Wojciech Fendler, “Having completed wide-scale research on the mechanisms that regulate the production of radiation-dependent micro-RNAs and the application of microRNA-based diagnostic tests to monitor the side effects of radiotherapy, we are now entering the implementation phase”, he adds.

Dr Fendler initially studied to be a medical doctor. Following graduation, he began to investigate the causes of rare types of diabetes, their epidemiology and the tools that could facilitate their diagnosis. After his habilitation in 2013, he turned his attention to the use of microRNAs as biomarkers, conducting his research in cooperation with scientists from the Harvard Medical School.

Professor Jakub Growiec from the Warsaw School of Economics carried the day in the field of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, winning the award for his advanced research into economic growth, with a special emphasis on the role of technological progress and human capital.

”Long-term economic growth depends on technological advancement and investment in capital and education, as well as, from the 1980s onwards, the rate of automation”, says Dr hab. Jakub Growiec, “In my research, I try to pin down the mechanisms that make new technologies translate into growth and change the income distribution, both within societies and between different countries. I hope my work will help us understand the future a bit better. For example, it can let us know if we are headed for a long-term slowdown in growth or should expect it to accelerate until the point of so-called technological singularity.”

Jakub Growiec is a professor and Head of the Department of Quantitative Economics at the Warsaw School of Economics, as well as an economic advisor to the National Bank of Poland. He boasts an impressive publication record and many awards, while his contribution to research on economic growth is widely considered as unique in the field.

In Physical Sciences and Engineering, the award for went to Dr hab. Michał Tomza from the University of Warsaw for his theoretical description of interactions between ultra-cold atoms, ions and molecules.

“In my work, I study the properties, dynamics and potential applications of matter at ultra-low temperatures. Ultra-cold matter consists of atoms, ions or particles at temperatures close to absolute zero. Under such conditions the quantum nature of our world manifests itself very strongly. On the microscale, on the atomic level, the entire world around us can be described by the laws of quantum physics, and a number of currently used devices, such as lasers, tomographs, or the GPS would not exist if it weren’t for quantum effects”, explains Dr hab. Michał Tomza. “My goal is to develop concepts and theoretical methods to identify and offer a quantum description of the properties of matter at ultra-low temperatures, although my results are also used for new experiments on the borderline between physics and chemistry and contribute to the development of new quantum technologies.” he adds.

Michał Tomza is a theoretical physicist and chemist associated with the Department of Theoretical Physics at the Faculty of Physics of the Warsaw University. On a daily basis, he cooperates closely with the world’s leading theorists and experimental teams from Amsterdam, Basel, Stuttgart and Freiburg. His research results may allow us to better understand the nature of the world on the microscale, which is of essential importance for all areas of physics and chemistry, as well as for the development of new technologies.

An important aspect of the award is the remuneration designed to support winners financially in their further career and research growth, which would not be possible without the involvement of sponsors: Polish businesses and foundations that wish to actively work to strengthen the position of Polish science on the international arena. This year’s awards for Physical Sciences and Engineering and Life Sciences were funded, respectively, by KGHM Polska Miedź Foundation and Adamed Pharma S.A; INGLOT Sp. z.o.o. co-funded the award for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

This year’s winners were selected from among 53 candidates by a jury composed of the NCN Director and the Members of the NCN Council, as well as our sponsors’ representatives. Candidates could be nominated by former Council members, previous heads of NCN Expert Teams, previous winners, as well as other outstanding scientists indicated by the NCN Director and Council Members.