The first-ever ISN–PORT Neuroscience School in Poland has just concluded at Łukasiewicz – PORT—a week-long, intensive program dedicated to the role of metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases. The event, funded by the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), brought together 30 young scientists from across Europe, selected from more than 120 applicants.
The concept and main organization of the school were led by Dr Ismail Gbadamosi, a researcher from the Translational Neuropsychiatry Research Group (TREND Lab). The school was made possible thanks to an ISN grant and the support of the P4Health project team.
“As scientists, we should give something back to the community of young researchers. Seeing this idea turn into reality brings immense satisfaction,” says Dr Gbadamosi.
ISN–PORT Neuroscience School 2025, held under the theme The Role of Metabolism in Neurodegeneration, combined lectures, workshops, hands-on sessions and mentoring activities. The participants—PhD candidates and early-career researchers—focused on the complex interactions between neuronal metabolism and neurodegenerative processes, while also gaining experience with new research methods, experimental models and analytical techniques. They presented their own research results and received direct feedback from leading experts in neurobiology.
“It was an incredibly valuable week—an enormous dose of knowledge and inspiration,” recalls Daisy May Palmer from Swansea University School of Medicine, UK, one of the participants.
Among the lecturers were distinguished experts from Europe and the United States. Highlights of the program included talks by Prof. Paul E. Schulz from McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston—an acclaimed neuropsychiatrist and neurodegeneration researcher—and Prof. Juan Bolaños from the University of Salamanca, a world authority in neuroenergetics and mitochondrial biology. Additional lectures were delivered by Dr Ali Jawaid, Dr Agnieszka Krzyżosiak, Dr hab Witold Konopka, Dr Raluca Contu, Dr Bartosz Wojtas, and Dr Michał Ślęzak.
Beyond the scientific content, participants emphasized the importance of developing soft skills and fostering international collaboration. Workshops on grant writing, public speaking and data analysis were conducted by Dr Ali Jawaid, leader of the TREND Lab at Łukasiewicz – PORT. He notes that the success of the school reflects the growth of a new generation of researchers:
“Nothing gives a scientist more pride than seeing their trainees surpass them. This school has become a living example of how peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and intergenerational mentoring can pave the way for groundbreaking research directions.”
The participants represented a wide range of disciplines—from neurochemistry and metabolomics to bioinformatics, cell-based disease models and tissue engineering. New connections and interdisciplinary ideas may lead to future research initiatives in neurodegeneration, metabolism and translational medicine.
“This is only the beginning—this group will grow into a research community that will help shape the future of European neurobiology,” Dr Gbadamosi says optimistically.
Łukasiewicz – PORT plans to continue supporting young scientists and promoting international collaboration. The success of the first edition of the ISN–PORT Neuroscience School confirms that Wrocław and Łukasiewicz – PORT are becoming important hubs on the European neurobiology map.
