On January 24 of this year at the Biocentrum of the University of Life Sciences in Poznań celebrations of the 70th anniversary of birth and the 48th anniversary of the scientific work of prof. dr hab. Ryszard Słomski took place.
Professor Słomski is long-term deputy director for scientific affairs at the Institute of Human Genetics PAS, head of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology UPP, geneticist and biotechnologist, an outstanding representative of the Poznań scientific community. The jubilee gave an occasional lecture, which was associated with the presentation of the monograph “Heritage, experience, science. Professor Ryszard Słomski. Jubilee of the 70th anniversary of birth and 48th anniversary of scientific work” (publisher Poznań University of Life Sciences). During the ceremony, prof. Słomski received the prestigious Honorary Hipolit statuette and the title of “Organic Work Leader” as well as other decorations. The event was a summary of the achievements of prof. Słomski in the field of scientific, teaching, organizational and social work. It is addressed to representatives of Poznań, the academic community, as well as the professor’s colleagues and friends, also from other scientific centers, such as: Wrocław University of Life Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Jastrzębiec, National Research Institute of Animal Production, University of Medical Sciences in Wrocław and Szczecin. Professor dr hab. Ryszard Słomski, a geneticist and biotechnologist, is associated with the University of Life Sciences in Poznań and the Institute of Human Genetics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznań throughout his entire professional life. He is the scientific director of the Institute and the head of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of the University. A pioneer of DNA research in Poland for diagnostic, medical and forensic purposes, and a precursor to the dissemination of molecular diagnostics (DNA fingerprinting 1987; PCR polymerase chain reaction 1989). He deals with molecular diagnostics of genetic diseases, characterization of new human genes, biotechnology, medical and forensic research and DNA testing from excavations. Medical biotechnology work is currently a mainstream interest and includes generation of transgenic animals as bioreactors for producing peptides (rabbits, goats) and tissues for xenotransplantation (pigs). Biological dressings from the skin of transgenic pigs have been used many times in the Burn Treatment Center in Siemianowice Śląskie. He participated in the development of a hemp-based painkiller, the preparation of anti-carriage sage, functional nano- and micromaterials, the biotechnological conversion of glycerol to polyols and dicarboxylic acids, and the development of innovative second-generation bioethanol production technology from Sorghum and Miscanthus biomass. Professor Słomski is the author of 17 books and over 300 scientific papers. Promoter of 30 doctoral dissertations and 104 master’s theses. Member of the Scientific Councils: Institute of Human Genetics PAS, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding PAS in Jastrzębiec (chairman since 2015), Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants (chairman since 2009), National Research Institute of Animal Production and the Council of the Faculty of Agriculture and Bioengineering of the UPP. Member of the Central Commission for Degrees and Titles, chairman of the GMM and GMO Commission at the Ministry of Climate and the Committee on Human Genetics and Molecular Pathology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, founding member of the Polish College of Laboratory Medicine (Management Board) and the Polish Society of Human Genetics, member of the Polish Society of Genetics, Polish Society of Biochemistry. He participated in the implementation of 44 research projects. He educated over 1000 participants of the 25th editions of Summer Schools. Delegate of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the government at UN Conferences in Geneva on the prohibition of the use of biological and toxicological weapons (in addition Warsaw, Beijing, Munich). He was on scientific internships at the Universities of Chicago, Illinois, Göttingen and Harvard Medical School. Expert in court since 1992.
Professor’s motto: I learned a lot from my teachers, more from my colleagues, most from my students.