Scholarships of the Minister of Health awarded

2.05.2022

Wojciech Nazar

Four medical students of the Medical University of Gdańsk received scholarships from the Minister of Health for significant scientific achievements related to their studies. This year’s winners are: Wojciech Nazar, Mikołaj Opiełka, Bartosz Sobocki and Małgorzata Styczewska.

The first of the scholarship holders – Wojciech Nazar is a 4th year medical student and a member of the MUG’s scientific circles, such as: SKN “Pasjonaci Pediatrii”, SKN Alergologii (SKN of Allergology) and SKN Biochemii (SKN of Biochemistry).

– In my research work, I analyze social awareness of air pollution in Poland and explore changes in the behavior of Poles during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am the author of original and review papers as well as reports presented at student conferences – says Wojciech Nazar about himself. – I am also implementing a grant under the “Young Scientist Program”. I also co-organized numerous workshops and animation activities for the youngest patients, for example as the manager of the Gdańsk Youth Fund grant. They were devoted to the principles of proper nutrition. Privately, I am passionate about skiing and cycling.

Mikołaj Opiełka

The second laureate is Mikołaj Opiełka, a 5th year medical student and the 1st year student of the First Doctoral School of the MUG, as well as the chairman of the SKN Biochemii.

– My research interests are focused in the area of neuroscience and oncology. I took my first scientific steps in the Department of Biochemistry of the MUG and as an intern in the International Research Agenda – explains Mikołaj Opiełka. – I am currently carrying out a project on the role of proton-activated receptors (pH-sensing receptors) in the pathophysiology and therapy of multiple sclerosis. It will allow us to better understand the local processes occurring in the brain of patients with multiple sclerosis and to design new strategies for treating this disease. My dream is to combine clinical work with scientific work and to introduce new effective therapies in neurological and neurooncological diseases, which currently have a very poor prognosis. My main passions are rock climbing, gambling and traveling.

Bartosz Sobocki

Another scholarship recipient is Bartosz Sobocki, a 5th year medical student.

– Currently, my main interest is lung and pancreatic cancer, in which I try to carry out translational and clinical projects in Poland and abroad. Their task is to find prognostic markers and potential targets for molecularly targeted therapy. My research is difficult and logistically complicated for me, but it gives me a sense of purpose – emphasizes Bartosz Sobocki. – I would like them to provide an opportunity to change the prognosis in a certain population of patients in the long term. It was this intention that I came to medicine with. My additional interests include stubble cultivators, horse riding and other sports, music making, beloved Tatras, as well as economy and international politics.

Małgorzata Styczewska

The list of the distinguished is closed by Małgorzata Styczewska, a 6th year medical student, president of The English Division Pediatric Oncology Scientific Circle (EDPO) and vice-president of the Student Scientific Society of the MUG.

– My medical passion is oncology and pediatric hematology. I have been conducting research since the second year of my studies, and in the future I would like to combine it with clinical work – says Małgorzata Styczewska. – I was particularly involved in projects concerning the prognostic value of new markers in solid tumors of childhood, new methods of treating rare cancers and the analysis of the causes of diagnostic delays in childhood oncological diseases. I am a co-author of several original papers and descriptions of interesting cases in peer-reviewed journals. I also organize scientific conferences, communication workshops in medicine, as well as charity events.

Scholarship of the Minister of Health for significant scientific achievements can be obtained, among others, by authors or co-authors of scientific articles, chapters of monographs or papers presented at conferences. It is granted in first and second cycle studies and in uniform master’s studies. The application for the student’s award is submitted by the Rector of his university.

photo: Paweł Sudara/MUG, private archive