Michał Prendecki

The Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IBCH PAS) is one of the leading scientific institutions in Poland. Its exceptional standing across Europe and worldwide stems from its multifaceted activities at the intersection of three sciences: chemistry, biology, and informatics. Here, interdisciplinary research is conducted across fields such as bioorganic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, systems biology, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics, with a particular focus on the synthesis, structure, and function of nucleic acids and proteins, as well as their components and mutual interactions under both model and cellular conditions. The Institute's history dates back to 1969, when the Department of Stereochemistry of Natural Products within the Institute of Organic Chemistry PAS was established. In 1980, it was transformed into the independent Department of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS, and in 1988, reorganized to become the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS. Currently, the Institute employs 775 staff members, with approximately half working at the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center affiliated with IBCH PAS. Research in the biological and chemical sectors is conducted by 112 scientists, including 15 full professors and 25 habilitated doctors, supported by 13 research-technical and 79 engineering-technical employees. ​Additionally, approximately 50 doctoral students pursue their research here through the Poznań Doctoral School of the Institutes of the PAS. The IBCH PAS Scientific Council is authorized to confer PhD and DSc (habilitation) degrees in the natural sciences in the disciplines of chemical sciences and biological sciences, as well as in engineering and technology in the discipline of information and communication technology. The Institute consists of 28 research departments and one research group, supported by 13 specialized laboratories that provide advanced equipment and infrastructure. Significant units within the Institute's framework include the PAS Center for Science, Scientific Publishers OWN, and the Library. Additionally, in collaboration with the Institute of Computing Science at the Poznań University of Technology, IBCH PAS has established the European Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, a unique initiative within Poland. The Institute also houses the Center for Chemical Biology ERIC and the IBCH PAS Center for Innovation and Education.