Doctoral Dissertations of the Poznań University of Life Sciences Awarded by the City of Poznań
For the twenty-second time, the City of Poznań has awarded prizes for the best doctoral and master’s theses defended at Poznań universities and scientific institutions. In this year’s edition, 19 young researchers were honored, including three affiliated with the Poznań University of Life Sciences.
Each year, the competition includes works from various fields of science whose results may find practical application in the functioning, development, or promotion of Poznań as an important academic center. This year, 99 theses were evaluated – 40 doctoral and 59 master’s theses. The judging panel consisted of experts appointed by the Mayor of Poznań and the Conference of Rectors. As a result of the deliberations, a total of 17 theses authored by 19 individuals were awarded or distinguished. Three equal prizes for master’s theses (PLN 7,000 each) and six distinctions (PLN 2,500 each) were granted, as well as three equal prizes for doctoral dissertations (PLN 14,000 each) and five distinctions (PLN 5,000 each). The official announcement of the results took place on 28 April in the White Hall of the Poznań City Hall.
Among the awardees and distinguished researchers were representatives of the Poznań University of Life Sciences, whose achievements confirm the high standard of research conducted at the university and its importance for the development of science and practice.
Among the winners of the doctoral dissertation awards was Iskandar Azmy Harahap, PhD, for the dissertation entitled: “The study on the impact of isoflavones and probiotics on calcium bioaccessibility and calcium status – in vitro and in vivo studies.” The supervisor of the dissertation is Professor Joanna Suliburska, MD, PhD, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition at PULS. The dissertation focuses on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies aimed at improving calcium metabolism and bone health through the use of plant-derived ingredients and probiotics, particularly in the context of an aging population and especially in the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The doctoral dissertation was prepared on the basis of a series of five thematically related articles published in renowned high-impact journals, in which the laureate is the first author. The research was funded, among others, under the National Science Centre PRELUDIUM project (project leader). The laureate also completed international research internships in Portugal and Germany, funded by the Erasmus+ and DAAD programs. Altogether, he has authored 20 publications, cited more than 500 times, as well as a patent granted by the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland concerning an innovative dietary supplement formulation supporting calcium metabolism.
The following researchers received distinctions for their doctoral dissertations:
Agata Jankowska, PhD, for the dissertation entitled: “Assessment of the Possibility of Using Selected Vegetables as a Matrix for Iodine Salts.” The supervisor of the dissertation is Associate Professor Krystyna Szymandera-Buszka, PhD, Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition at PULS. The dissertation concerns the search for new methods of iodine supplementation in the human diet, in this case using vegetables as carriers of iodine in nutrition, especially among individuals following vegan or vegetarian diets. The doctoral dissertation was prepared on the basis of a series of seven published and thematically related articles, in six of which the laureate is the first author.
Barbara Kruszyńska, PhD, for the dissertation entitled: “Microstructural Analysis of Taste Papillae in Selected Species of Ruminants (Ruminantia), Lagomorphs (Lagomorpha), and Carnivores (Carnivora).” The supervisor of the dissertation is Professor Hanna Jackowiak, PhD, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at PULS. The dissertation provides insight, both literally and figuratively, into the ultrastructure of taste. The multispecies analysis of lingual papillae using electron microscopy serves as a unifying element connecting the fields of fundamental biological, veterinary, medical, and social sciences. The work has significant practical relevance. The obtained results provide a basis for developing taste maps of wild, farmed, and domesticated animals and may contribute to a better understanding of species-specific taste preferences, optimization of feed composition, and the design of pharmaceuticals with greater acceptability.