Kinga Czarnota-Łydka, MSc, a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences and a researcher conducting scientific work at the Chair of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs of the Jagiellonian University Medical College (UJ CM) Faculty of Pharmacy, has been named one of the winners of the START 2026 program by the Foundation for Polish Science. The START program is the oldest and one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Poland, supporting outstanding young scientists representing all fields of science.
In this year’s edition of the competition, one hundred of the most talented researchers under thirty years of age were selected from among 807 applications from all over the country. The winners were chosen through a multi-stage competitive process based on the assessment of the quality and significance of their scientific achievements to date.
Kinga Czarnota-Łydka, MSc, conducts her research under the supervision of Prof. Jadwiga Handzlik. Her scientific activity focuses on the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of innovative multi-target ligands with potential neuroprotective properties, intended for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease.
The awardee has extensive research experience in both academic and industrial environments. She developed her laboratory skills during an internship and employment at Selvita, as well as during an international research fellowship at the University of Bari. She constantly expands her competencies in drug design by participating in specialized training sessions and courses.
Ms. Czarnota-Łydka is a co-author of 12 scientific publications and actively presents her research results at national and international conferences, including oral presentations. She also has significant experience in implementing research projects funded by the National Science Centre. She leads a PRELUDIUM grant and has been involved in several scientific projects as a researcher and scholarship recipient. Furthermore, she independently completed two projects funded under the “Excellence Initiative – Research University” program.
In the academic year 2022/2023, she won first place in the competition for the best PhD student of the UJ CM Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences.
The awarded START program scholarship confirms the high quality of the conducted research and the significant scientific potential of the young researcher associated with the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Jagiellonian University Medical College.
Adriana Adamczyk, PhD, from the Center for Biomedicine and Interdisciplinary Sciences headed by Prof. Marcin Magierowski, was also among the winners of the START program. We would like to warmly congratulate both winners once again!
