The Institute’s mission is deeply rooted in its long history of excellence in basic scientific research, but it must be periodically revised in response to dynamically changing environment of scientific research and its economical and societal implications. Therefore at the beginning of the 21st century, termed by some “the age of biology”, the Institute’s mission and development strategy must be revaluated. The enclosed director’s note sets the context for such re-evaluation process, which should involve all the stakeholders, starting with the Institute’s research and support staff, and ending with the Institute’s Scientific Council and the Polish Academy of Sciences.

 

The Nencki Institute's Mission

On the 11^th April 2014 The Scientific Council of the Nencki Institute had a meeting and at the request of the Division of Biological and Agricultural Sciences PAS, passed a resolution concerning the Institute's strategy and ways of realization the strategy.

“The mission of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS is to strive for excellence in basic research in the broad sense of biological sciences, with maintaining the highest quality of research in the creation and dissemination of knowledge that can be applied in the context of the society needs to improve the quality of life.

The Institute carries out a mission by investing in human capital, modern research technology as well as  national and international scientific cooperation. Strategic directions pursued by the Nencki Institute include the testing of the nervous system and the biological and molecular basis of diseases of civilization.

Investing in human capital is achieved by hiring the best researchers and by assuring the optimum environment for the development of the research staff, from the PhD student to the professor, as well as administrative support in realization of research projects and providing a wide range of scientific cooperation for the research staff.

Using the leading research technologies is implemented through purchase or construction of modern research equipment, providing access to a variety of research models, including transgenic animals, investing in the development of computer technologies, inventiveness stimulation and environmental laboratory formation which leads to the access to unique research equipment for the scientific community.

Conducting scientific cooperation is realized by stimulating and supporting the soliciting of international research projects within the limits of bilateral agreements and programs of the European Union and the organization of the international workshops and conferences"

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology is to excel in basic scientific research, maintaining the highest quality of scientific output in terms of created and disseminated knowledge, which can be applied in the context of wider societal needs to improve the quality of life.

The Institute aspires to fulfil its mission by investing in human capital, in modern technologies, and by stressing the importance of effective international collaboration.

Investment in human capital is realised by:
 

• hiring the best young researchers,
• providing the optimal environment for professional development from a PhD candidate to the full professor level,
• offering competitive (on the national scale) salary and benefits to its scientific staff,
• facilitating project management support and abundant international scientific exchange opportunities to researchers at all stages of their career.
  
  Investment in modern technologies is realised by:
   
• recent purchases of top quality equipment, such as the state-of-the-art Leica confocal microscopy unit,
• modernization of the animal house facilities to meet all EU standards,
• investment in Information and Communication Technologies (ITC), such as a videoconferencing centre with real-time video streaming capabilities or on-line document management systems,
• plans to develop a modern neuro-informatics laboratory.
  
  Increased effectiveness of international collaboration is reflected by:
   
• establishment of the Office of International Cooperation and Project Management,
• four recently funded projects within Horizon2020
• participation in over 20 projects within FP6 and FP7
• hosting major international conferences and workshops
• increased bilateral collaboration with more than 20 countries.