Submitted works had to address topics related to the Lodz Voivodeship. They should present the region's culture, history, tradition and identity, its tangible and intangible heritage, natural resources, tourist attractions, social activity, profiles of its residents, as well as the issues that have shaped and continue to shape the region's rich and diverse character. They could also creatively and inspiringly present socio-economic processes taking place in the Lodz Voivodeship, innovative solutions and research on technology, infrastructure, transportation, spatial planning, healthcare and the environment, which could contribute to improving the quality of life of residents and the standard of public services.
Sixty three theses defended at seven universities entered the competition this year Two scientists from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, received awards in the category of habilitation theses and series of thematically related scientific publications constituting the basis for the award of a habilitation degree.
Dr hab. Weronika Gonciarz, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz (Department of Immunology and Infection Biology) – habilitation thesis entitled "Poszukiwanie nowych sygnatur diagnostycznych do oceny przebiegu zakażeń Helicobacter pylori oraz preparatów biologicznie aktywnych do przywracania homeostazy bariery nabłonkowej żołądka i immunomodulacji" [Searching for new diagnostic signatures for assessing the course of Helicobacter pylori infections and biologically active preparations for restoring homeostasis of the gastric epithelial barrier and immunomodulation]. The thesis comprises a coherent series of six original scientific publications. The publications address the pathogenesis of infections caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which cause gastritis or duodenitis, ulcers and even stomach cancer in humans. The research results form the basis for further work aimed at developing innovative treatment strategies, which is particularly important for the development of interdisciplinary applied research utilising the infrastructure and staff of Lodz universities and medical facilities. This research has the potential to lead to the development of new medical products with preventive and therapeutic effects in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections, which constitute a serious health problem in the Lodz region.
Dr hab. Marzena Szwed, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz (Department of Medical Biophysics) – habilitation thesis entitled "Nanoterapeutyki w leczeniu raka piersi człowieka - mechanizmy toksyczności nanomateriałów oraz ocena aktywności enkapsulowanych leków" [Nanotherapeutics in the Treatment of Human Breast Cancer – Mechanisms of Nanomaterial Toxicity and Assessment of the Activity of Encapsulated Drugs]. The thesis is a series of five scientific publications focusing on the delivery of drugs to cells using nanocarriers. The results of research on nanopreparations targeted at the treatment of the most aggressive and drug-resistant breast cancers may contribute to the creation of new, better methods of treating these cancers. The research topic is closely related to strategic development challenges and aligns with the activities of the healthcare sector in the Lodz region. It is important to underline the significant application potential, which could inspire the implementation of new methods in the field of biotechnology and nanotechnology in the pharmaceutical industry in the Lodz region.
The winners were honoured by Joanna Skrzydlewska, Marshal of the Lodz Voivodeship, Małgorzata Grabarczyk, Chairwoman of the Lodz Voivodeship Assembly, and Artur Ostrowski, Member of the Lodz Voivodeship Management Board.
Your work is not only an academic obligation, but an excellent choice - choosing the Lodz region as a research subject and intellectual challenge. I sincerely thank you for that
- said Marshal, Joanna Skrzydlewska during the gala.
I have been researching new drug transporters for cancer treatment. Currently, patients suffer during chemotherapy because it has many side effects. During my research, I have been looking for transporters that would allow drugs to reach cancer cells directly while leaving healthy cells unharmed
– explains dr hab. Marzena Szwed, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz.
About the Award
The Marshal of the Lodz Voivodeship Awards are granted for dissertations and scientific works thematically related to our region or promoting the Lodz region, but also for those in which the research results are useful for the social, economic or cultural development of the region.
Edit: Mateusz Kowalski (Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz)
Photos: Marshal's Office in Lodz
