14.10.2025 The International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) hosted representatives from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), the Polish Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, and the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP). The visit, held at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF PAS) – ICTER’s host institution – showcased the progress of the project funded under the International Research Agendas (MAB) programme through the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG).
European guests explore cutting-edge Polish labs
The European Commission delegation included Bénédicte Charbonnel Zabdyr and Kai Stryczynski from DG REGIO, joined by Marta Mioduszewska, Patrycja Zeszutek, Anna Krajewska, and Aneta Sobota-Białas from the Ministry, as well as the FNP team led by Prof. Krzysztof Pyrć, President of the Foundation.
The programme began with a presentation by Dr. Adam Kubas, Director of IChF PAS, who outlined the Institute’s strategic goals, followed by Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski, ICTER’s Director, who introduced the Centre’s mission and research vision. Laboratory tours offered live demonstrations by Dr. Karol Karnowski, Dr. Andrzej Foik, Dr. Humberto Fernandes, Dr. Katarzyna Komar, and other scientists, highlighting next-generation optical technologies that may transform diagnostics and eye care.
Among the highlights were the InCellVu spin-off prototype and a live two-photon vision demonstration. As noted by the visitors, the most rewarding part of their work is “seeing EU support come to life – in the lab, and in people’s lives.”
ICTER: a success story of European collaboration
ICTER represents one of the flagship initiatives under the FNP’s MAB programme, combining funding streams such as Teaming for Excellence (Horizon Europe), IRAP FENG, and Proof of Concept. The Centre stands as a model of interdisciplinary cooperation – bringing together physicists, engineers, and clinicians to turn photonics into tools that protect vision and improve patient care worldwide.
The European Commission delegation commended ICTER’s achievements as a tangible example of how EU investments foster innovation and excellence in research infrastructure. The visit concluded with a discussion on future cooperation and opportunities for strengthening Poland’s role in the European innovation landscape.
This event coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS, one of Poland’s leading scientific institutions. Its partnership with ICTER demonstrates how strong research traditions can evolve into forward-looking, translational science that bridges discovery and clinical impact.
This visit reaffirms that science in Poland is deeply integrated within the European research ecosystem. Together, we are creating solutions that improve human health and quality of life.
Prof. Maciej Wojtkowski, ICTER Director
