Magdalena Staniszewska awarded the title of professor of medical sciences and health sciences in medical biology

The discovery of a new protein glycation product (MAGE) and other achievements in this field have opened a new research direction and provided previously unknown information on the role of tryptophan metabolites and protein modifications in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative, cancerous, and ocular diseases. This has enabled further development of pioneering research in these areas. Undoubtedly, these are groundbreaking findings with molecular potential for application in disease diagnostics, which was previously unavailable clinically.

2) Molecular causes of retinal diseases in the context of applications in diagnostics and therapy.

Modern diagnostic methods and therapeutic carriers have been developed for use in microvascular complications of the retinal eye, based on specific peptides that recognize structures on pathological blood vessels. New mutations of the NMNAT1 gene have been discovered as both a cause and a therapeutic target in the treatment of previously incurable Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).

3) New generation diagnostic methods using fiber optic technology

A breakthrough fiber optic sensor technology has been developed for disease diagnostics and therapy monitoring. The inPROBE fiber optic technology enables rapid measurement of disease markers without the need for tissue sampling, dyes, or sample processing.

Professional activity encompassed both the field of basic sciences and translational research aimed at implementing innovative solutions in medicine. The scientific achievements include over 100 publications and conference reports, nine patents or patent applications, long-term international research fellowships at CWRU in Cleveland, OH, and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, USA, participation in the execution of 20 grants (USA, EU, Poland), as well as involvement in, initiation of, and leadership of multiple research teams and consortia.

The scientific research conducted in four research institutions in the country and abroad, including the Catholic University of Lublin, the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Harvard Medical School, and Case Western Reserve University, as well as development work in research centers associated with the business environment (SDS Optic, Fibiomed).

As part of the duties of an academic teacher, supervision of diploma theses (doctoral and master's), mentorship of interns, and also Director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Research at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. Initiator and Chair of the Scientific Board of SDS Optic and a member of the Advisory Team for Research Infrastructure at the Ministry of Education and Science. Achievements have been repeatedly recognized by national and international institutions, including the EU 2020 Innovation Radar Prize for Women-led Innovation and the Medal of the President of Lublin.