University innovators visit Silicon Valley

Dr. Ewelina Zabost and Dr. Dariusz Ekonomiuk from the University of Warsaw are leaving for a two-month internship at Stanford University, to participate in training on cooperation between science and economy, scientific research management and commercialization of research outcomes in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Within the framework of the "Top 500 Innovators" scheme, financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, until 2015 the leading higher education institutions from Shanghai ranking will offer training to 500 Polish participants. Scientists and associates of research centres and technology transfer centres will be learning more about best practices of transforming their research findings into economic achievements.

This year as many as 235 applications for internships abroad have been received. There were 158 individuals selected from the group of all the candidates. They were invited to interviews conducted in English. The committee was assessing their accomplishments in commercializing, innovativeness of the ongoing projects, but also their communication skills and command of the foreign language. The representatives of our University, Dr. Ewelina Zabost and Dr. Dariusz Ekonomiuk were shortlisted among 80 finalists.

The passion of Dr. Ewelina Zabost form the Laboratory of Theory and Applications of Electrodes the Division of Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry of the University of Warsaw is experimental and theoretical model research on model impact of small ligands, in particular, of new potential anticancer compounds with selected biomolecules, e.g. nucleic acids, as well as developing multi-task bioinspired matrixes, which may serve as potential systems of pharmaceutics delivery in targeted therapies.

What are the expectations of the contest finalist? – Having fun – Dr. Zabost replies, smiling. – By having fun I mean enjoying the opportunity of exploring new fields of knowledge and acquiring skills, but also getting inspired. I am glad that the schedule of my stay is so rich and I will have a chance to initiate some cooperation with the researchers working in the heart of Silicon Valley. I also hope to meet some people, who share my drive for further inspiration and development – the representative of UW stated.

Dr. Dariusz Ekonomiuk is based at the Laboratory of Theory of Polymers at the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Warsaw. The research conducted by the young scientist includes molecular modelling of enzymes with pharmaceutical application, anticipating structures of proteins and computerized support of designing pharmaceutics. – I treat my participation in the scheme organized by the sector of science as a great honour. I am very glad to be offered a chance to see the Stanford University experience of cooperation with numerous innovative companies located in Silicon Valley – says the finalist of the scheme. – The issue of particular value from my perspective is the knowledge concerning organization of cooperation between the University and biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies in transferring technologies and the patterns developed of possible commercialization of research outcomes – Dr. Ekonomiuk added.

Will two months of internship abroad have a great influence on further careers of the young researchers? – I hope so. I will particularly appreciate the opportunity of establishing new valuable research and business relations, which, I believe, will contribute to further development of my skills – Dr. Zabost said. – I expect I will be able to present the knowledge acquired to our students during lectures or classes, so that they learn more about working patterns adopted by the best companies – the young researcher added.

The finalists of the second edition of "Top 500 Innovators" represent as many as 50 research institutions from all the country. 80 laureates were divided into two groups. The first one left for the training in April, whereas the second one is due to leave in October this year.

The "Top 500 Innovators" scheme of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education is targeted at developing the qualifications of scientists and associates of technology transfer centres in cooperation with economy, scientific research management and commercialization of research outcomes. More information on "Top 500 Innovators"