Visit of Canadian and U.S. Guests at the Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk Tech | Faculty of Chemistry at the Gdańsk University of Technology

On October 24, 2025, the Faculty of Chemistry at Gdańsk University of Technology hosted distinguished visitors: Joanna Sadowska from the United States and Benjamin McLeod from Canada. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the guests with the research and educational activities of the faculty, as well as its laboratory facilities and historical background.

Biotechnology in Practice – Meeting in the Laboratories

The first part of the visit involved a presentation of the biotechnology laboratories. The guests had the opportunity to tour the facilities where new solutions in molecular biology, industrial microbiology, and food biotechnology are developed. Anna Brillowska-Dąbrowska,  PhD, DSc, Eng., Anna Stanisławska-Sachadyn, PhD, DSc, Eng., Karolina Sołowińska, MSc, Eng., from the Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, as well as Agata Sommer, PhD and Karol Parchem, PhD, Eng., from the Department of Chemistry, Technology, and Biotechnology of Food, guided the visitors around the labs, providing insights into ongoing research and projects. The guests were greatly impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the hosts in presenting their daily research work.

History and Tradition of Science – The Jacek Namieśnik Chemical Auditorium

The next part of the visit included a tour of the Jacek Namieśnik Chemical Auditorium, led by Prof. Dariusz Witt, PhD, DSc, Eng. This historically rich space, filled with symbols of science, houses a unique exhibit – a one-of-a-kind periodic table of elements, discovered by chance during the auditorium's renovation. The professor shared the story of its discovery and the significance of this extraordinary find, which has since become one of the hallmarks of the Faculty of Chemistry. The guests expressed their admiration for both the auditorium's interior and its historical background.

Research, Collaboration, and Common Goals

The hosts of the visit from the faculty were Justyna Płotka-Wasylka, PhD, DSc, Eng., and Sebastian Demkowicz, PhD, DSc, Eng., who ensured the meeting was both inspiring and aligned with the guests' expectations. In the final part of the visit, Justyna Płotka-Wasylka, PhD, DSc, Eng., presented the ongoing research projects at Gdańsk University of Technology and the offers of the research circles, encouraging international collaboration.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in organizing the visit, particularly to Agata Cymanowska, MSc, from Gdańsk University of Technology for her assistance in the event coordination. Thanks to your collective efforts, the event was both informative and engaging.

North American Guests – Science, Business, and Communication

Benjamin McLeod is a Canadian biotechnology expert and the founder of Convey Bio, a company specializing in scientific communication and consulting in the field of cell and gene therapy. He holds a Master's degree in Biotechnology from the University of Guelph and has gained experience in viral vector production for gene therapies and in the small-molecule vaccine enhancer industry. This combination of laboratory knowledge and industrial experience, along with his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into terms understandable by business partners, makes him a leader in the field. As an active participant on LinkedIn and an influencer in life sciences, Mr. McLeod works to bridge the gap between the scientific sector, industry, and communication.

Joanna Sadowska is an internationally recognized leader in the life sciences sector, specializing in scientific communication, market research, and the development of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. She holds both a PhD and an MBA/EMBA, with professional experience in Europe and the U.S., including at Nanolive SA. As an expert in the "bio2bedside" field – translating scientific discoveries into clinical and market solutions – she combines deep technological and medical knowledge with business expertise to support the growth of startups and innovative projects.