Some scientific journeys last much longer than you expect. In 2013, I started a collaborative project with Johann Heider on benzylsuccinate synthase—an enzyme that catalyses radical C–C bond formation between toluene and fumarate. In 2015, the paper describing the enzyme’s structure was published, marking the beginning of my molecular dynamics (MD) and QM/MM studies of its reaction mechanism. Eight years later, we prepared a manuscript combining some of the most advanced enzy

As a EUROBIOTECH 2026 satellite event, we are hosting a Bioprocessing Workshop in our Bioprocess Development Lab biorefinery. 17 trainees get hands-on practical experience in running bioprocesses at bigger scale - we are running two 5 L fermenters and one 200 L fermenter. In those vessels, we are growing bacteria producing bioplastics and recombinant protein. As you can see from the pictures, the experience is very practical. We also had an introductory lecture by Prof. Maci

Should science education begin only at school? Agnieszka Wojtkiewicz from our laboratory believes it should start much earlier. At MLBKE, we work daily on research involving enzymes — often derived from bacteria — that are applied in modern catalytic processes and biotechnology. Alongside our scientific work, we are also actively engaged in science communication, from Open Days to participation in events such as the Małopolska Night of Scientists. One such initiative is the c