European Commission representatives visit IChF and ICTER: making impact with EU funds

On October 13, 2025, the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF), together with the International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER), hosted a high-level delegation from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), the Polish Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, and the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP).

The visit focused on the outcomes and strategic perspectives of projects supported under the International Research Agendas (IRAP/MAB) and European Funds for a Smart Economy (FENG) programs—both designed to strengthen Poland’s position in the European Research Area through world-class science and innovation.

During his introductory presentation, Prof. Adam Kubas, Director of IChF, outlined the Institute’s strategic priorities and underlined the importance of long-term partnerships between research organizations. Referring to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz’s principle of Theoria cum Praxi—theory with practice—he emphasized that this idea remains fundamental for modern science:

“True scientific excellence arises where theoretical insight and practical implementation meet. At IChF, we see research not as an isolated pursuit, but as a dynamic dialogue between researchers and society,” highlighted Prof. Kubas.

The European Commission delegation included Bénédicte Charbonnel-Zabdyr and Kai Stryczynski (DG REGIO), who were joined by Marta Mioduszewska, Patrycja Zeszutek, Anna Krajewska, and Aneta Sobota-Białas from the Ministry, as well as the FNP team including Kinga Słomińska, Agnieszka Kossakowska and Anna Skarżyńska, led by Prof. Krzysztof Pyrć, President of the Foundation.

The scientific part of the visit featured a presentation by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski, Director of ICTER, followed by demonstrations of innovative optical, robotic, and gene- and biology-based therapeutic technologies by Dr. Karol Karnowski, Dr. Andrzej Foik, Dr. Humberto Fernandes, Dr. Katarzyna Komar, and their collaborators.
 The guests had the opportunity to see, among others, the prototype of the spin-off company InCellVu and a two-photon vision system, illustrating how photonics research can transform diagnostics and vision protection.

During the visit, Mateusz Woliński also presented ICTER’s achievements in science communication, including the publication of a children’s book about vision, while Anna Pawlus discussed international job-shadowing and exchange initiatives that promote the transfer of best practices in management and inter-institutional collaboration.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the visit, Kai Stryczynski, Evaluation Officer at the European Commission’s DG REGIO, remarked:

“This exciting project visit showed how top-level research can be transformed into tangible benefits for patients and the economy. It is a great example of how EU funds turn innovation into real impact for citizens.”

Photos by Karol Karnowski and Mateusz Woliński, ICTER

Text: Dr. Anna Przybyło-Józefowicz