Karolina Rudnicka is a Doctor of Biology. Together with her team, she studies the beneficial and harmful effects of microorganisms, the biological safety of medical devices (bone implants) and the efficiency of bioactive ingredients in, for instance, dietary supplements and food. Personally, she is a collector of applied art of the 1970s and 1980s, an amateur angler and a passionate traveller.
What inspired you to become a scientist?
I value the freedom and versatility that research work offers. Moreover, cooperation with people – representatives of different research disciplines – is crucial to me. I also love working in interdisciplinary teams. Of course, human interactions can bring both benefits and losses. A very similar thing happens between microbes and humans. The number of bacteria in our bodies exceeds the number of our own cells. I am fascinated by the enormous impact that microbes have on our health, immunity and wellbeing.
What impact does your work have on the surrounding reality?
In research, we look for the mechanisms determining microorganisms’ beneficial or harmful effects on our health. We verify the safety of medical devices such as bone implants or food ingredients. We develop rapid diagnostic tests to detect microorganisms that threaten human and animal life and health. As a team, we ensure the safety and efficiency of medical devices and food supplements before they are launched on market.
How do you understand the term: profession of a scientist?
A scientist is a passionate person who respects people and likes working with them. It is a person who willingly shares their experiences and research results. It is a balanced and honest person who inspires young researchers, looks for solutions and does not see any barriers. This is the definition I aspire to.
More on Dr Karolina Rudnicka’s work
Polish researchers, including biologists from the University of Lodz, are working on an implant that is expected to accelerate the healing of bone damage and have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The research could prove to be a breakthrough for the development of regenerative medicine. Read more...
Z innej planety: implant, który przyspieszy gojenie kości - audycja Polskie Radio RDC (From another planet: an implant that will speed up bone healing – Polish Radio RDC programme)
Wsparcie badań nad innowacyjnym robotem do dezynfekcji pomieszczań szpitalnych Robo-UV (Support for research on an innovative robot for disinfecting hospital rooms Robo-UV)
Zrzeszenie Tutorów Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego (Association of Tutors at the University of Lodz)
Ekspertka Krajowej Rady Suplementów i Odżywek (Expert of the National Council for Supplements and Nutritional Foods)
Ambasador Science HUB (Science Hub Ambassador)
Scientific Achievements
Source: Dr Karolina Rudnicka (Department of Immunology and Infection Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection)
Edit: Michał Gruda (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)
The mission of the University of Lodz is to conduct reliable research and actively disseminate facts and research results so as to wisely educate future generations, be useful to society and courageously respond to the challenges of the modern world. Scientific excellence is always our best compass. Our values include: courage, curiosity, commitment, cooperation and respect.