Agata Różycka | Neurogenetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Agata Różycka | Neurogenetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Agata Różycka, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland.

Dr. Agata Różycka is a molecular neuroscientist and university lecturer at Poznan University of Medical Sciences, specializing in the molecular biology of neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and aging. With a robust academic background that combines molecular biology and pharmacy, she brings together clinical relevance and genetic insight. Her research delves into oxidative stress, genetic polymorphisms, and signal transduction in neurological diseases, with significant contributions to personalized medicine. She is also an accomplished educator, known for delivering high-quality instruction across medical and life science programs. Her scholarly work, published in respected journals and cited widely (h-index 15), continues to impact the fields of neurobiology and molecular diagnostics.

Profile

Orcid

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Agata Różycka’s journey in science began with a strong foundation in Molecular Biology and Pharmacy, having completed her MSc and PhD at Adam Mickiewicz University and the Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland. From early on, her academic interests were drawn to the molecular intricacies of the brain and human physiology. Her dual institutional training provided her with a broad yet profound grasp of pharmacogenomics, neurobiology, and genetic mechanisms underpinning disease processes. Her graduate years were marked by a passion for decoding the language of DNA and understanding the cellular responses to oxidative stress and genetic variation.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neuroscience

Currently a University Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Różycka has dedicated her career to unraveling the molecular foundations of neurological disorders, particularly neurodegeneration, epilepsy, and aging-related changes. Her teaching spans key courses in biochemistry, diagnostics, molecular biology, and laboratory techniques, and she has taught across diverse departments including medicine, nutrition, and biotechnology. Her lectures are known for clarity and depth, consistently earning high evaluations from students, a reflection of her commitment to excellence in scientific education.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Różycka’s research is defined by its focus on the molecular and genetic mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neurological diseases. She has explored the role of oxidative stress, genetic polymorphisms, and signal transduction pathways in brain aging and epileptogenesis. Her expertise in SNP genotyping, DNA/RNA analysis, and genotoxicity assays has positioned her as a respected figure in the field. Her groundbreaking work on the expression of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the effects of memantine on oxidative DNA damage in aging brains, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2025, exemplifies her translational approach to neurodegenerative research.

🧪 Innovation in Molecular Medicine

Beyond basic neuroscience, Dr. Różycka has contributed significantly to the personalized medicine landscape. Her investigations into COMT, MAO-A, and NET gene polymorphisms have improved our understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions like Parkinson’s disease and menopausal depression. Her 2021 study on serotonin polymorphisms and their relation to postoperative pain and nausea in the Journal of Personalized Medicine reflects her interdisciplinary reach, connecting genetics, neurobiology, and clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes.

📚 Academic Influence and Impact

With 682 citations and an h-index of 15, Dr. Różycka’s body of work has earned global recognition in the neuroscientific and biomedical communities. Her contributions are actively followed on platforms such as ORCID, ResearchGate, and Academia.edu, where her network of collaborators and readers continues to grow. Through these forums, she has shaped critical discourse in molecular neuroscience and neuropharmacology, helping researchers worldwide explore new diagnostic and therapeutic frontiers.

🏆 Recognition and Mentorship

Dr. Różycka’s academic excellence extends to mentorship and community engagement. As an educator, she has inspired many budding scientists, fostering critical thinking and hands-on skills in molecular lab techniques. Her reputation for nurturing scientific curiosity and rigor among students is matched by her ability to integrate cutting-edge research into the classroom. Her enduring impact is also evident in the numerous collaborations and citations her work has garnered, reflecting both peer appreciation and scholarly relevance.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Różycka aims to delve deeper into epigenetic mechanisms and neuroprotective strategies in aging brains. Her future projects include investigating novel therapeutic targets within cholinergic and serotonergic pathways, with the long-term vision of contributing to early intervention in age-related cognitive decline and epilepsy. As neuroscience continues to evolve, her legacy will be marked by a rare blend of precision science, passionate teaching, and a visionary approach to human health.

Publication

  • Title: Expression of Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Early Oxidative DNA Damage in Aging Rat Brain—The Effects of Memantine
    Authors: Małgorzata Anna Lewandowska, Agata Różycka, Teresa Grzelak, Bartosz Kempisty, Paweł Piotr Jagodziński, Margarita Lianeri, Jolanta Dorszewska
    Year: 2025

 

  • Title: Relationship of Postoperative Pain and PONV after Minimally Invasive Surgery with the Serotonin Concentrations and Receptors’ Gene Polymorphisms
    Authors: Natalia Ignaszak-Kaus, Antoni J. Duleba, Aleksandra Mrozikiewicz, Grażyna Kurzawińska, Agata Różycka, Jan Hauke, Michał Gaca, Leszek Pawelczyk, Paweł Piotr Jagodziński, Piotr Jędrzejczak
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: Importance of polymorphic variants of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) gene in the etiology of intrauterine fetal death in the Polish population
    Authors: Agnieszka Seremak-Mrozikiewicz, Magdalena Barlik, Agata Różycka, Grażyna Kurzawińska, Andrzej Klejewski, Hubert Wolski, Krzysztof Drews
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: The MAOA, COMT, MTHFR and ESR1 gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk of depression in menopausal women
    Authors: Not fully listed, but includes Agata Różycka (complete list available in source)
    Year: 2016

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Agata Różycka stands out as a leading figure in the intersection of molecular neuroscience and clinical genetics, with a proven track record of impactful research and dedicated teaching. Her innovative studies on aging brains, gene polymorphisms, and neurotransmitter systems not only advance scientific understanding but also bridge the gap between molecular theory and patient care. With ongoing projects focused on epigenetic regulation and neuroprotective strategies, her work promises to shape the future of neurological health and personalized therapeutics.

 

 

Mehveş PODA | Neurogenetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehveş PODA | Neurogenetics | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehveş PODA, Istanbul University, Aziz Sancar Inst. of Experimental Medicine, Genetic Department, Turkey.

The individual is a highly accomplished geneticist with a strong academic foundation, beginning with a BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Boğaziçi University, followed by an MSc and PhD in Medical Genetics from Istanbul University. Her professional career has been anchored at the prestigious Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, where she currently serves as an Assistant Professor. Her research spans rare genetic diseases, gene expression in pancreatic cancer, neuromuscular disorders, and third-generation sequencing technologies. With over 70 publications and an H-index of up to 8, she has significantly contributed to molecular genetics and clinical applications, earning citations and respect within the scientific community. Her multilingual abilities, project management certification, and involvement in genetic epidemiology further enhance her impact in both research and education.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

From the outset, a passion for genetics and molecular biology defined her academic journey. She earned her BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Boğaziçi University in 1993, a highly respected institution that laid a strong foundation in life sciences. Her keen interest in hereditary conditions led her to pursue an MSc in Medical Genetics at Istanbul University, where her 1996 thesis focused on understanding the genetic roots of spinal muscular atrophies within the Turkish population. This early research experience not only honed her skills in molecular diagnostics but also ignited her commitment to uncovering the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases. She further advanced her academic career by completing a PhD in Medical Genetics at the same university in 2004, where her dissertation revolved around pioneering techniques to detect mRNA in vertebrate tissue via in situ hybridization.

🧬 Professional Endeavors in Genetics

Since 2018, she has served as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University. In this role, she has combined her deep expertise in medical genetics with teaching and mentorship responsibilities, fostering the next generation of scientists. Her academic presence in one of Turkey’s leading research institutes reflects both her commitment and her contributions to the broader scientific community. She also holds a European Certification in Project Management within EU Framework Programs (ECQA), which has enabled her to effectively lead and manage research projects aligned with global scientific standards.

🔬 Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Her research encompasses a rich spectrum of topics, primarily centered around rare genetic disorders and the molecular intricacies of disease. She is particularly noted for her investigations into the molecular basis of rare genetic diseases and neuromuscular disorders, where she has explored genotype-phenotype correlations that enhance clinical diagnostics. Her work in gene expression regulation in pancreatic cancer has contributed to a deeper understanding of tumor biology, with implications for targeted therapies. She is also exploring third-generation sequencing technologies, particularly Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), to facilitate real-time genomic insights. Her studies in genetic epidemiology and metabolic syndrome reflect a broader public health relevance, bridging the gap between molecular findings and population-level outcomes.

📚 Academic Impact and Publication Record

With 71 peer-reviewed publications to her name, her scholarly output is both prolific and impactful. She has accumulated 196 citations on Web of Science and 218 on Scopus, reflecting the influence of her work across multiple scientific domains. Her H-index of 7 (WoS) and 8 (Scopus) signifies consistent scholarly engagement and recognition in the academic community. These metrics underscore her role as a key contributor in advancing genetic science in Turkey and beyond.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While her work speaks volumes on its own, her achievements have been formally acknowledged through appointments and certifications that reinforce her leadership in the field. Her certification in EU project management is a testament to her administrative capabilities, enabling her to steer large-scale, interdisciplinary research initiatives. Her continued academic appointment at Istanbul University’s prestigious Aziz Sancar Institute places her among the foremost experts in experimental medical genetics in the region.

🌍 Influence in Scientific and Educational Circles

She is not only a researcher but also a skilled educator and communicator of science. Her bilingual proficiency in English and German, in addition to her native Turkish, has allowed her to build international collaborations and contribute to global scientific dialogues. Through teaching, supervision, and participation in multinational projects, she has influenced a broad audience—from medical students to advanced researchers—instilling in them a rigorous approach to genetic investigation and ethical science.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, her work in emerging sequencing technologies and personalized medicine positions her at the forefront of next-generation medical breakthroughs. As the landscape of genomics rapidly evolves, her role in shaping diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for rare and complex diseases will likely become even more prominent. Her trajectory suggests a legacy not only of scientific achievement but of mentorship, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of medical knowledge that bridges lab findings with real-world patient care.

Publication

  • Natural history of SMA IIIb: muscle strength decreases in a predictable sequence and magnitude – F Deymeer, P Serdaroglu, Y Parman, M Poda – 2008

 

  • Mapping of the second Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDAff2) locus to chromosome 9p23-p11: evidence for further locus heterogeneity – K Christodoulou, F Deymeer, P Serdaroğlu, C Özdemir, M Poda, … – 2001

 

  • Gender-modulated impact of apolipoprotein A5 gene (APOA5)−1131T>C and c.56C>G polymorphisms on lipids, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in Turkish adults – E Komurcu-Bayrak, A Onat, M Poda, SE Humphries, J Palmen, F Guclu, … – 2008

 

  • The S447X variant of lipoprotein lipase gene is associated with metabolic syndrome and lipid levels among Turks – E Komurcu-Bayrak, A Onat, M Poda, SE Humphries, J Acharya, … – 2007

 

  • Segmental distribution of muscle weakness in SMA III: implications for deterioration in muscle strength with time – F Deymeer, P Serdaroğlu, M Poda, Y Gülşen-Parman, T Özçelık, … – 1997

 

  • Genotypic and phenotypic presentation of transthyretin-related familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) in Turkey – H Durmuş-Tekçe, Z Matur, MM Atmaca, M Poda, A Çakar, ÜH Ulaş, … – 2016

 

  • Pretreatment with octreotide modulates iNOS gene expression, mimics surgical delay, and improves flap survival – A Gözü, M Poda, EI Taskin, H Turgut, N Erginel-Ünaltuna, H Dogruman, … – 2010

 

  • CETP TaqIB polymorphism in Turkish adults: association with dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome – B Özsait, EK Bayrak, M Poda, G Can, G Hergenç, A Onat, SE Humphries, … – 2008

 

  • Comparison of S gene mutations in patients with occult and chronic hepatitis B virus infection – B Cakal, B Cavus, A Atasoy, D Altunok, M Poda, M Bulakci, M Gulluoglu, … – 2022

 

  • The effects of IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphism on hepatitis B infection – B Cakal, B Cavus, A Atasoy, D Altunok, M Poda, M Bulakci, M Gulluoglu, … – 2022

 

🧾 Conclusion

In conclusion, her career reflects a harmonious blend of academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful teaching. Her work continues to illuminate the genetic mechanisms behind complex diseases while guiding future scientists through education and collaboration. With a growing influence in genomic research and translational medicine, she is well-positioned to leave a lasting legacy in the field of medical genetics, particularly through advancements in rare disease diagnostics and personalized healthcare strategies.