Dr Alicja Mikołajczyk from the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Gdańsk has been appointed to the prestigious group of 12 scientists forming the Scientific Advisory Board of the UNESCO International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP). The IBSP supports global cooperation in the basic sciences, promoting the advancement of knowledge, innovation and science education for sustainable development. Council members, elected for two-year terms, provide strategic advice on global challenges such as climate change and health crises.
As a category V advisory committee, the UNESCO IBSP Scientific Advisory Board prepares opinions for the Director-General of UNESCO on strategies and policies related to basic sciences and science education, including issues related to interdisciplinary cooperation, partnership building and knowledge dissemination, proposes modifications to the IBSP programme, supports national, regional and international initiatives, and ensures consistency with other UNESCO programmes (including IGCP, IHP, IOC, MAB, MOST) and ethical committees (IBC, COMEST, IGBC). The Council's primary objectives include reducing inequalities in access to knowledge and research infrastructure. It is a forum for real influence on the international agenda and for building bridges between countries, disciplines and sectors.
‘I consider my appointment to the Advisory Board of UNESCO's International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) as a unique opportunity to co-create a global strategy for the development of basic sciences and science education, areas that are key to building the social and technological resilience of Europe and the world,’ says dr Alicja Mikołajczyk. ‘It is a great honour, but also a commitment. Basic sciences are the foundation of innovation and responsible decision-making, from digital transformation and public health to sustainable development, chemical safety and the response to the climate crisis. I believe that the experience and potential of the University of Gdańsk, as a university open to international cooperation and committed to the development of basic sciences, can significantly support the implementation of this mission at both the national and global levels. Furthermore, the potential for joint action, based on the commitment of His Magnificence Rector, prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski, and the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry for Science and Internationalisation, dr hab. Anna Białk-Bielińska, prof. UG, creates space for cooperation in strengthening the role of basic sciences, international educational projects and supporting knowledge-based policies - both regionally and globally.’
In her research work, dr A. Mikołajczyk specialises in modern methods of chemical and material risk assessment and design, especially for nanomaterials and advanced innovative chemicals. Instead of using traditional experimental methods, he transfers the process of designing chemicals and innovative materials to the virtual space, using advanced methods of artificial intelligence, machine learning, molecular modelling and quantum chemistry. This makes it possible not only to predict the properties and risks of new substances at a very early stage, but also to significantly reduce research time and costs and limit in vitro and animal testing. Dr Alicja Mikołajczyk successfully applies these tools in chemical risk assessment and in the digital transformation of the chemical and materials industry, supporting the implementation of innovations while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
‘As an assistant professor in Prof. Tomasz Puzyna's team at the Environmental Chemoinformatics Laboratory of the University of Gdańsk and co-owner of QSAR Lab, a spin-off company of the University of Gdańsk, I conduct research combining basic science with industrial and regulatory applications in the spirit of digital transformation and sustainable development,’ explains Dr. Mikołajczyk. - explains dr A. Mikołajczyk. - My research is part of the EU's Key Enabling Technologies (KET), which form the foundation of industrial innovation in Europe, and is also closely related to the implementation of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) - a new paradigm for designing materials and chemicals that meet environmental, social and economic requirements, including the objectives of the European Green Deal. I strive to do my work with the conviction that science must serve people and respond to the challenges of the modern world and industry.
Dr A. Mikołajczyk's goal is to build a bridge between advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence and the needs of industry and society, so that the process of substance design and risk assessment is not only more effective, but also more ethical and accessible. He develops his approach, which combines academic knowledge with commercial experience and international practice, including in projects funded by the European Commission (Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe) and national grant-awarding institutions, at the University of Gdańsk, where she strives to inspire interdisciplinary education and popularise science at the Faculty of Chemistry, combining her scientific, teaching and entrepreneurial roles with a concern for sustainable development.
Dr Alicja Mikołajczyk has received many prestigious awards for her work, including a scientific award at the ChinaNanomedicine 2023: Nanomedicine Discovery and Translation conference, the Rising Star in Material Science 2023 award and a scholarship from the 24th edition of the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme.
Members of the IBSP UNESCO Scientific Advisory Board are appointed in recognition of their own achievements, not as representatives of institutions, which further emphasises the importance and responsibility of this function. We warmly congratulate dr Mikołajczyk and wish her fruitful work!