Professor, Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland

Biograph
I received my Master’s degree in Animal Husbandry (1991) and PhD in Veterinary Medicine (1995) from Warsaw University of Life Sciences. In 1996, I joined the Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences as an adjunct in the Experimental Embryology Department, where in 2006, I received habilitation. From 2006 to 2008 I worked as an Assistance Professor in that Institute. Since 2009, I have been working as an Associate Professor in the Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences. I have been engaged in lecturing in Embryology, Histology, Cell biology and Genetics. I have been the supervisor for 8 Masters and 3 PhD students. I have been interested in research including in vitro production of cattle embryos and creation of transgenic cattle. Currently, I focus on the study of the influence of elevated temperature on the oviduct and early cattle embryo development in the aspect of maternal-embryo interaction. However mainly I have been engaged in in vitro production of bison bonasus (wisent) embryos, which is a threatened species. In 2017, I created the first wisent embryos in the world (Reproduction in Domestic Animals 2018). I have completed Polish and international projects (NCS, COST). I have published my research in, amongst others, PLOS One, Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, Theriogenology, Reproduction in Domestic Animals, Reproduction Fertility and Development. I am an expert for the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and National Program FORESIGHT 2020. I am a member of the Epiconcept Action FA1201 (COST), Polish Society of Reproductive Biology and others.

Speech Title: In vitro production of wisent embryos

Abstract: Wisent (Bison bonasus) is a unique species, which is listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is protected by international law. A completely new approach, which permits us to be involved in the protection of the wisent and the preservation of this species by increase of its reproductive potential, is the procedure of in vitro production of wisent embryos. It consists of in vitro maturation of immature oocytes, fertilization of matured oocytes and development of embryos until morulae and blastocysts stages. This procedure allows the transfer of these embryos to recipients or freezing the embryos and later transfer at a convenient time and place. This procedure has potential to be introduced to nature reserves, zoos, wild animal parks, breeders and many other institutions. The realization of this project creates the support of a program of wisent restitution, particularly preservation of genetic diversity, and a controlled and wide reserve of the gene pool for the future.

Acknowledgement: Financed by the Forests Fund (Poland) - OR.271.3.10.2017.