Dr. Marzena Wieczorkowska, Pharmena Vice President for Research and Development, where she combines scientific passion with implementation work. A student of chemistry and chemical technology in the years 1993-1998. A graduate of PhD studies at the Faculty of Chemistry, in 2003 she defended her doctoral thesis written under the supervision of Professor Jerzy Gębicki. She participated in the work on the patented active substance 1-MNA for use in medicine and novel foods.
Which experiences from your studies at TUL have you used on your way to professional success?
My situation is unique in this respect because the company I work for has broad and deep scientific origins. We developed from Lodz University of Technology and other universities in Lodz and this cooperation continues. We are an example of a spin-off i.e. a company that was established by the transfer of science to industry. It was my mentor, Professor Jerzy Gębicki, who instilled in me the perspective of a far-reaching research. He taught me to remember what is at the end of science - the translation into life, applications, industrial application. Many hours spent in laboratories paid off and today I can say that I miss this kind of work. During my studies I gained knowledge, which is my foundation. Without it, I wouldn't feel confident in the scientific areas I am involved in.
At TUL, I had the opportunity to work on the 1-MNA molecule, from the first lab tests to patenting. This became the foundation and natural transfer for Pharmena. As I was preparing to defend my PhD, a company was established in which I was entrusted with the management of research and development. I am very pleased that in 2002 we started to act as pioneers in the field of research on innovative medicines for people in Poland.
What is the use of 1-MNA?
The largest internal organ, which occupies an area comparable to the size of a pitch of up to 2000 square meters, is the vascular endothelium. Our molecule prevents endothelial dysfunction, supporting the broadly defined prevention of cardiovascular diseases. We are conducting research on the use of the 1-MNA molecule in an innovative oral medicine and have successfully conducted the procedure of registering 1-MNA in the European Union as a novel food.
Could you share your memories related to the university?
When I think about the times of my studies, I immediately recall the exceptional fondness of our team. The atmosphere of creative stimulation, discussions, camaraderie, mutual support are what comes to mind first.
I had no doubt that I would decide to go to Lodz University of Technology and the Faculty of Chemistry. These were my dream studies, but I remember that while submitting my documents to the Recruitment Department, I was surprised by the question: don’t you want to study at the (then) Faculty of Organization and Management? The author of the question certainly had good intentions, because seeing my grades, she wanted to give good advice, and the Faculty of Chemistry was less popular than others. This did not change my plans. I knew that only chemistry would be the specialization in which I could combine my passion with my interests. I never regretted it, and what's more, chemistry permeated my life to such an extent that even during student events it became a topic of our conversation. We were obsessed with one thing, which became difficult for our friends to accept.
It is worth choosing Lodz University of Technology, because...
Studies at Lodz University of Technology prove that you can achieve a lot if you just want to. The University provides an interdisciplinary approach, an excellent factual base, high quality of education - I can confidently say that it is of the highest level. In addition, a great emphasis is placed on foreign language education. When I was studying, bilingualism was not as natural as it is today, and the university pointed out to us that the key is the knowledge of English which gives the opportunity to participate in internships abroad and opens horizons.