We have successfully completed the kick-off meeting of the Genomics for Poland (G4PL) project, held 22-23 January 2026 in Poznań. The project, co-financed by European Union, establishes a nationwide network of laboratories conducting research and providing services in genomics for academic, commercial, and healthcare units.

The consortium is led by the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IBCH PAS), including  Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PCSS), collaborating with eleven research units:

• Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences
• Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences
• Poznań University of Technology
• University of Warsaw
• Medical University of Białystok
• University of Łódź
• University of Gdańsk
• Jagiellonian University
• Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski Institute of Cardiology – National Research Institute
• Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology – National Research Institute (Gliwice Branch)
• Łukasiewicz Research Network – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development

The European Commission supports the implementation of the Genomics for Poland project, financed under Cohesion Policy, addressing the need for a coherent and interoperable infrastructure for genomic data.

The project contributes to advances in personalized medicine and innovative therapies, while reinforcing Poland’s position within the European research ecosystem and delivering tangible benefits for citizens.

What happened?

On 22 January at IBCH PAS, Project Director Dr. hab. Luiza Handschuh presented the project’s genesis and objectives before an audience of staff, doctoral students, and external guests. Distinguished speaker,  Prof. André Uitterlinden (Erasmus MC, Rotterdam), Director of the Genome of Europe project, shared insights into genomics from a European perspective, while Prof. Jan Lubiński (Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin), presented research on genetic cancer predispositions in Polish population.

Lectures are available online: https://youtube.com/live/PCMR3r5ePAg

The open session also featured presentations by IBCH PAS researchers – Prof. Marek Figlerowicz, Dr. Ireneusz Stolarek, Dr. Michał Golubiński, and Dr. Paulina Gałka-Marciniak who showed historical perspectives and the results of their research on genomics, archaeogenomics, genetic genealogy, and microRNAs in the human genome.

Following a brief presentation by consortium representatives, the closed working session continued the next day at the PCSS headquarters. The attendees participated in practical workshops addressing both scientific and administrative matters. The visit to PCSS concluded with a tour of the network management center and server facilities, featuring infrastructure for AI-driven research and a quantum computer – technologies that will enable data analysis and storage for project-generated data.

Why does this matter?

The G4PL project develops cutting-edge infrastructure for genomic research, which will ultimately meet Poland’s complete demand for genome sequencing. This eliminates the need to send DNA samples abroad for sequencing, ensures secure data storage in a centralized national repository, increases accessibility to advanced technologies, and reduces costs. Consequently, it will enable Polish laboratories and commercial entities to compete effectively on the global arena of scientific and applied research in fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and pharmaceutics.

The project also plans to collect and sequence samples from 6,000–7,000 donors, including patients with rare diseases. These samples will contribute to the European Genome of Europe (GoE) initiative, positioning Poland as an active participant in European genomic research infrastructure. This is an investment in the future and health of Polish citizens! 💪

Project funding: Project co-financed by the European Union under the European Funds for Smart Economy programme

Total budget: 248,337,770.24 PLN

EU contribution: 180,481,656.59 PLN

Timeline: 2026–2029

In-kind partners: BCODERS S.A., Analityk Genetyka Unrug Wójtowicz Sp. k.

#FunduszeEuropejskie #PolishScience #Genomics #G4PL #EUFunding #ResearchInnovation