Jerzy Duszynski

Jerzy Duszynski serves as Professor and Head of the Laboratory of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, a position held continuously since 1997. His leadership extends to former roles as Institute Director (2003-2008) and Dean of the Biological and Agricultural Section of the Polish Academy of Sciences (2010-2014), alongside national service as Undersecretary of State for Science and Higher Education (2008-2009).

His academic foundation includes:

• 1971: Graduation from Warsaw University
• 1975: PhD in Biological Sciences (Nencki Institute)
• 1983: Doctor of Sciences Habilitation (Nencki Institute)
• 1993: Presidential appointment as Professor

Duszynski's research pioneers mitochondrial bioenergetics, investigating how mitochondrial dysfunction drives neurodegenerative diseases through disrupted calcium signaling and cellular regulation. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with translational applications in aging and neurodegeneration, emphasizing mitochondria's role as central regulators of cellular vitality.

Key recognitions include:

• Parnas Prize for outstanding biochemical research (1996)
• Election to Polish Academy of Sciences (2007)
• Human Frontier Science Program grant for international collaboration (2011)
• Membership in Academia Europaea (2012)

As principal investigator, he secured major competitive funding including the Human Frontier Science Program grant and coordinated the EU Centre of Excellence BRAINS project. His administrative impact spans national science policy as Chairman of the Research Infrastructure Group and Council of PAN Directors.

His laboratory maintains active investigation into mitochondrial mechanisms in health and disease, building on 40+ years of research generating over 1,800 collective citations with four seminal papers exceeding 100 citations each, establishing foundational knowledge in mitochondrial pathophysiology.