Researchers from the Medical University of Gdańsk have been recognised in the prestigious Top 100 Women in Biotech in Poland ranking, organised by the Perspektywy Educational Foundation. Among those honoured were Prof. Anna Żaczek, Head of the Department of Translational Oncology and Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation at the MUG, currently also serving as an Acting Director of the Institute of Medical Biotechnology and Experimental Oncology, nominated in the category Distinguished Biotech Leadership; Aleksandra Rutkowska, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc. from the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, nominated in the Research Excellence in Biotech category; and Monika Górska-Arcisz, Ph.D. from the Department of Enzymology and Molecular Oncology, nominated in the Rising Stars in Biotech category.
The nomination of Prof. Anna Żaczek serves as recognition of her contribution to the development of modern biotechnology, both in scientific research and institutional leadership. As Vice-Rector, she is responsible for strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the University’s research potential and expanding national and international cooperation.
– I am proud to have been nominated for the TOP 100 Women in Biotech in Poland ranking, an initiative intended to inspire younger generations through outstanding female role models in a field still strongly dominated by men. It is a great honour to be included among such distinguished women contributing to the development of biotechnology solutions in Poland – said Prof. Anna Żaczek.
The work of Prof. Żaczek addresses key challenges in contemporary biotechnology, a field driving breakthrough medical discoveries, the development of novel therapies, and innovative solutions improving quality of life. Her nomination in the Distinguished Biotech Leadership category highlights her role as a leader within the scientific community and an advocate for transformative change.
Aleksandra Rutkowska, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., was nominated in the Research Excellence in Biotech category.
– This is a truly significant distinction for me, but also evidence of how strong and active the community of women in biotechnology has become. I am delighted that Poland is home to so many outstanding female researchers, leaders, and specialists who genuinely influence the development of science and innovation. At the same time, it is impossible to overlook the challenges faced by Polish science, particularly in relation to research funding. Nevertheless, I hope that the growing visibility of our community and our collective efforts will gradually contribute to meaningful change in this area – she added.
Also included in the ranking was Monika Górska-Arcisz, Ph.D. from the Department of Enzymology and Molecular Oncology at the MUG, nominated in the Rising Stars in Biotech category.
– This is an exceptional distinction at the beginning of my scientific career. Being included among such remarkable women is not only a great honour, but also a strong motivation for further development and for undertaking new challenges within the world of science – she commented.
The Top 100 Women in Biotech in Poland list also featured Marlena Rygusik,, from the Interdisciplinary Pomeranian Centre of Digital Medicine at the MUG, nominated in the Biotech for a Better World category.
– This recognition means a great deal to me. I am pleased to see so many women in Poland actively shaping the biotechnology sector and influencing its future directions. This is my second inclusion in the Perspektywy Women in Tech initiative, and I regard it not only as recognition of my work to date, but also as strong motivation for continued development. I would like to thank everyone who nominated me and all those who continue to support my scientific journey – she said.
The list also included researchers affiliated with the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG
- Ewelina Król, Ph.D., D.Sc., Dean of the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, nominated in the Research Excellence in Biotech category
- Prof. Ewa Łojkowska from the Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Gdańsk, nominated in the category Distinguished Biotech Leadership category.
The presence of the MUG representatives in the ranking confirms the University’s strong position as a centre for advanced biotechnology research and its continued commitment to supporting the development of women in science.
The Top 100 Women in Biotech in Poland initiative was established to recognise women who make a tangible contribution to the biotechnology sector and help overcome barriers that continue to exist within STEM disciplines. Despite the growing importance of biotechnology, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions.
The programme serves not only as a distinction, but also as a source of inspiration, highlighting role models for young researchers and encouraging women to pursue careers in science and innovation.
The initiative will culminate in the announcement of the Top 10 Women in Biotech in Poland and the presentation of the Excellence in Biotech Awards during the Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit 2026, one of the largest events dedicated to women in technology and science in Europe and Central Asia. The event will take place on 10th–11th June in Warsaw.
The competition jury, composed of distinguished representatives of science and industry, includes:
- Prof. Agnieszka Chacińska, Director of IMol
- Adriana Kedzierska-Mencfeld, Ph.D., CEO of Rezon Bio
- Dr Joanna Liliental, Ph.D., Executive Director, Stanford University School of Medicine
- Agnieszka Czechowicz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine
- Joanna Wojsiat, Ph.D., science communicator
- Krzysztof Bojanowski, CEO of Sunny BioDiscovery
- Aleksandra Kubica-Misztal, Ph.D., CEO of BioForum
The jury will select the laureates from among the most outstanding nominees.
