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About

Welcome Note from the Chair of the Scientific Committee

Dear esteemed colleagues, speakers, and participants,

I am honored to welcome you to the "Towards Comprehensive Population Studies II" conference. In today’s dynamic world, the role of comprehensive population studies becomes ever more pertinent. These studies offer invaluable insights, not only into the health status and challenges faced by communities but also into the broader societal, technological, and policy implications. With an incredible line-up of experts and thought leaders from around Europe, this conference promises deep dives into cutting-edge methodologies, technology advancements, and the ever-evolving landscape of population research. Let us come together to exchange knowledge, foster collaborations, and pave the way for future innovations in population-based studies. Welcome to Bialystok!

Greetings to all!

As the chair of the organizing committee, it brings me immense pleasure to invite you all to this significant conference. Months of meticulous planning and coordination have gone into ensuring that this event is both informative and engaging for each participant. Our diverse sessions cater to a wide range of interests, right from innovative research methodologies to the tangible impacts of these studies on health policies and societal structures. Beyond the sessions, I encourage attendees to utilize this platform for networking, sharing, and initiating new projects or collaborations. Our team is here to assist and ensure you have a seamless experience. Enjoy the conference and the rich intellectual atmosphere it promises.

Committee

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

  • Prof. dr hab. n. med. Karol Kamiński – Medical University of Bialystok – Chairman of the Scientific Committee
  • Prof. dr hab. n. med. Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska – Medical University of Bialystok
  • Prof. dr hab. Marek Konarzewski – University of Bialystok, Polish Academy of Sciences
  • Prof. dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Szpak – Institute of Rural Health in Lublin
  • Dr hab. n. med. Małgorzata Chlabicz – Medical University of Bialystok
  • Dr n med. Jacek Jamiołkowski – Medical University of Bialystok
  • Dr n. o zdr. Paweł Sowa – Medical University of Bialystok
  • Dr Łukasz Kiszkiel – University of Bialystok
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

  • Dr n. o zdr. Paweł Sowa – Medical University of Bialystok – Chairman of the Organizing Committee
  • Dr hab. n. med. Małgorzata Chlabicz – Medical University of Bialystok
  • Lek. Natalia Zieleniewska – Medical University of Bialystok
  • Mgr Marta Antoniuk – Medical University of Bialystok
  • Mgr Karolina Kozłowska – Medical University of Bialystok
  • Mgr Magda Łapińska – Medical University of Bialystok
  • Mgr Andrzej Raczkowski – Medical University of Bialystok

Host

Co-host

Strategic partner

Honorary patronage

Media patrons


Agenda

  8:30 - 9:00   Registration
  9:00 - 9:30   Official opening and speeches
  9:30 - 11:00   SESSION 1: Population-based studies and executive authorities – how to maintain sustainable bridges?
Session chairs: Prof. Konrad Talmont-Kamiński, Prof. Bogdan Wojtyniak
In this session, lecturers will present their experiences and the potential of conducting longitudinal studies and how they can be implemented in local health and social policy.
  • Prof. Tomasz Zdrojewski (Gdansk, Poland)
    – Significance of nationally representative surveys to set optimal health and social policy – the PolSenior projects as a case study
  • Prof. Karol Kamiński (Bialystok, Poland)
    – The development of the BIALYSTOK PLUS project 
  • Prof. Tomasz Zatoński (Wroclaw, Poland)
    – Fruitful cooperation between local authorities and a cohort study – a recipe for success (PICTURE study)
  • Marceli Ragan (Medical Research Agency, Warsaw, Poland)
    – Perspective of a funding agency on future of epidemiological studies
  • Daniel Puch (Horizon Europe Contact Point, Bialystok, Poland)
    – Funding of research in Europe
  11:00 - 11:15   Coffee break
  11:15 - 13:15   SESSION 2: What is the relevance of cohort studies in today's world – should we anticipate its dynamic changes in the future? 
Session chairs: Prof. A.G. André Uitterlinden, dr hab. Filip Raciborski  
What will be the role of cohort studies in 10, 15, 20 years? Leaders of cohort studies in Europe will present their insights on this topic. 
  • Dr.rer.med. Till Ittermann (Greifswald, Germany)
    – Potentials, limitations, and future perspectives of population-based research illustrated by examples from the Study of Health in Pomerania 
  • Dr Natalie Terzikhan (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
    – How the Rotterdam Study adapts to the changing science and society  
  • Prof. Anna Fijałkowska (Warsaw, Poland)
    – Methods to assess new risks in cohort studies in children and adolescents 
  • Prof. Marcos Lopez Hoyos (Santander, Spain)
    – How Cantabria Cohort will change in the future  
  • Prof. Piotr Jankowski (Warsaw, Poland)
    – The changing landscape of cardiovascular disease – the challenges for preventive cardiology 
  13:15 - 14:15   Lunch / POSTER SESSION
  14:15 - 16:00   SESSION 3: Population-based studies as developing factor in new approaches  
Session chairs: Prof. Piotr Zabielski, Prof. Marcos Lopez Hoyos
The session will explore how large-scale population studies not only advance the established areas in genomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, but also open doors to unknown, potentially groundbreaking directions. The session will highlight the untapped potential and challenges of harnessing population-level data. 
  • Prof. A.G. André Uitterlinden (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
    – How population studies may contribute to developing new technologies 
  • Dr. rer. med. habil. Alexander Teumer (Greifswald, Germany)
    – Omics data in population cohorts: what can we do and what needs to be considered? 
  • Prof. Marek Konarzewski  (Bialystok, Poland)
    – Has evolution stopped? How can we notice its presence in population-based cohort? 
  • Dr hab. Andrzej Eljaszewicz (Bialystok, Poland)
    Pooling Strengths: The Role of Basic and Population Research in Knowledge Advancement
  16:00 - 16:15   Coffee break 
  16:15 - 18:00   SESSION 4: Methodology for data analysis in cohort studies 
Session chairs: Prof. Witold Rudnicki, Dr.rer.med. Till Ittermann
Participants will be given a comprehensive overview of both conventional and nonobvious analytical methods for dissecting longitudinal data, and will discuss common pitfalls, biases, and challenges that researchers may encounter. This multi-faceted approach aims to equip attendees with the expertise not only to generate new insights, but also to critically evaluate robustness and limitations of various data analysis techniques in cohort studies. 
  • Prof. Tomasz Burzykowski (Bialystok, Poland)
    – Statistical analysis of data derived from population-based cohort studies – what to watch out for? 
  • Dr hab. Piotr Bandosz (Gdansk, Poland)
    – Modelling the effects of risk factor modification on future health and disability life expectancy (English Longitudinal Study of Aging) 
  • Dr hab. Marta Mańczuk (Warsaw, Poland)
    – How informative is asking people about how they assess their own health – Polish Cohort Study PONS

Speakers

Prof. Sebastian-Edgar Baumeister
University of Munster

Professor Dr. Sebastian-Edgar Baumeister chairs the Institute of Health Services Research in Dentistry at the University of Munster. He hold a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Greifswald, Germany. He previously held positions at the University of Munich, the University of Regensburg, the Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health in Germany, and the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of California in Los Angeles in the US. His current research focuses on using genetics to identify novel drug targets for periodontal disease.

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Dr. PD Dr. Alexander Teumer
University Medicine Greifswald

Dr. Alexander Teumer is an esteemed research group leader at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at University Medicine Greifswald, with a specialized focus in the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and medical research. Since September 2022, Dr. Teumer has been steering research at this prestigious institution, following his role as a Principal Investigator in the German Center for Cardiovascular Disease (DZHK) since October 2021. His expertise is also recognized internationally as an Associate Professor (part-time) at the Department of Population Medicine and Lifestyle Diseases Prevention at the Medical University of Bialystok, Poland, since October 2020. A co-leader of the ThyroidOmics Consortium, Dr. Teumer has an impressive background in genetic epidemiology. Between 2014 and 2022, he led a research group in this field at the Institute for Community Medicine at University Medicine Greifswald. His prior experience includes a significant research fellowship at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, where he concentrated on epigenome-wide association studies. Dr. Teumer's educational credentials are equally distinguished. He earned his Habilitation venia legendi for bioinformatics in 2021 and completed his PhD with summa cum laude distinction in bioinformatics at the University of Greifswald in 2010. He also holds a diploma in mathematics and computer science from the same university, attained in 2001. His scholarly contributions have not gone unnoticed, with accolades such as the CHARGE Consortium Golden Tiger Award in 2022 and recognition as a Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher in 2018. He has been entrusted with senior editorial responsibilities for "Endocrine Connections" and has reviewed for a suite of top-tier journals, encompassing diverse fields from Nature Communications to PLoS Medicine. Dr. Teumer's peer review and grant evaluation services extend to respected organizations like the European Research Council (ERC) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), showcasing his dedication to advancing research excellence globally.

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Professor André Uitterlinden
Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam

André G. Uitterlinden is a Professor of Complex Genetics and with >50 group members head of the Laboratory of Population Genomics at the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam. His research involved identifying genetic factors for common traits and diseases (e.g., osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, anthropometry, age at menopause), and is now focused on implementing genetic information in health care and prevention settings. In 2005 he initiated the Human Genomics Facility (HuGeF), which is now one of Europe’s largest genomics facilities, providing services for DNA isolation, genotyping, sequencing, and data analysis, and is handling millions of samples for a global client portfolio. He initiated the widely used array/GWAS datasets and DNA/RNA sequence datasets (WES, microbiome) of two Erasmus MC cohort studies: the Rotterdam Study (25,000 elderly subjects) and the Generation R birth-cohort (n=25,000 children and parents). He (co- )initiated several global GWAS consortia (e.g. GEFOS, CHARGE, Reprogen, MiBioGen). He is PI of the strategic GOALL project within Erasmus MC (“Genotyping On ALL patients”). In 2020 he became a member of the coordination team of the European 1 Million Genomes Initiative, and therein leads the “Genome of Europe” working group to establish reference genomes. He has co-authored over 1300 papers (H-index 180), has supervised 40 PhD students, and is leading annual courses on complex genetics and genomics.

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Professor Marcos Lopez Hoyos
University of Cantabria

Serving as the esteemed Head of Immunology Service at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital since 2012 and an Associate Professor of Immunology at the University of Cantabria, our expert has carved a niche in the study of lymphocyte apoptosis and autoimmune phenomena through groundbreaking work on transgenic mice models for Bcl-2. Transitioning from theoretical research to practical application, they have honed a translational research career to bridge the gap between animal models and human clinical presentations, particularly in autoimmune diseases and solid organ transplantation. Embarking on a pivotal journey in 2006, they began to explore the intricacies of the immune response in solid organ transplants, with a keen emphasis on renal, lung, and liver transplants. The pursuit of immunotolerance biomarkers has been at the core of their studies, with notable work in regulatory T cells and the impact of anti-HLA antibodies in renal transplant outcomes. Their current collaborative efforts with Dr. Crespo are breaking new ground, investigating liver complications arising from immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. As the dynamic leader of the “Transplantation and Autoimmunity” group at IDIVAL, their leadership was recognized by Immunotools as the best group leader in 2015. Their research endeavors, underpinned by competitive national funding with 14 projects as principal investigator and 6 as a collaborator, have culminated in an impressive authorship of 203 JCR-indexed works, over 20 book chapters, and robust participation in scientific forums, with more than 70 oral presentations, organization of 4 conferences, and contributions to 11 scientific committees. A key member of the REDINREN network and a co-leader of a renal transplantation-focused work package, they are actively involved in several prestigious bodies and societies, including SEI, SEAIC, SET, and ONT. Currently presiding as President of the Spanish Society of Immunology and holding the title of Scientific Director of IDIVAL, their journey continues to inspire and innovate in the landscape of immunology and transplant medicine.

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Dr. Jose Manuel Valdivielso Revilla
Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida

Dr. Jose Manuel Valdivielso Revilla is a distinguished researcher whose extensive work in the field of nephrology and cardiovascular research has earned him a reputation for excellence in translational medicine. With a PhD that set the foundation for his illustrious career, Dr. Valdivielso has since contributed significantly to our understanding of vascular and renal pathophysiology. His publications, which number many, reflect a deep commitment to exploring the intersections of diet, cardiovascular health, and renal function. His recent study in the "Atherosclerosis" journal illuminates the connection between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques, while his work in "Nutrients" offers new insights into the antihypertensive effects of aged garlic extract. Dr. Valdivielso's interest in immunology is evident from his work on lymphocyte attenuators and their role in atherosclerosis, particularly in the context of chronic kidney disease. A proponent of Vitamin D's implications in vascular calcification and kidney disease, Dr. Valdivielso's research in "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology" and "Nutrients" has furthered the discussion on mineral and bone disorders in CKD patients. His recent collaboration published in the "European Heart Journal" examines the cardiovascular events leading to kidney failure, showcasing his dedication to advancing cardiorenal health. A prolific author, Dr. Valdivielso's research also includes studies on polyvascular subclinical atherosclerosis, the cardiovascular outcomes in nephrosclerosis, and the nuanced role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in diabetes mellitus with CKD. As a speaker and participant in our conference, Dr. Valdivielso brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge, a rich history of research, and a forward-thinking perspective on vascular and renal health. His insights are invaluable to our ongoing discussions on translational research and clinical practice in the intertwined realms of nephrology and cardiovascular medicine.

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Professor Kyriakos Souliotis
University of Peloponnese

Professor Kyriakos Souliotis is a distinguished figure in the realm of health policy, currently teaching at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Peloponnese, where he has made notable contributions as Vice Rector of Social and Regional Development. His academic journey extends to the Medical Schools of the University of Athens and the University of Crete, where his expertise in health policy, economics, and management illuminates the curriculum. With a tenure that includes pivotal roles such as Senior Associate Director at the LSE Enterprise's Medical Technology Research Group, Professor Souliotis has also significantly influenced health administration and policy development in Greece. His advisory capacities have spanned from the Social Insurance Institute to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, alongside leadership positions in health care trusts, renowned medical centers, and health fund management. Professor Souliotis's leadership experience is underpinned by his service as President of OPAD and as Vice President of EOPYY, demonstrating his commitment to improving public health services. His dedication to ethical medical practice and addressing rare diseases was evident during his time on the National Ethics Committee for Clinical Trials and the Steering Committee for Rare Diseases. Recognized internationally, he has served as a country expert on cancer at the OECD and continues to contribute to global health policy dialogues as a member of PACT's Steering Committee and the Scientific Committee of OIS. His scholarly works are extensive, with 27 books and over 290 book chapters and peer- reviewed papers that address health policy and economics, health service organization and administration, and economic inequalities. A veteran speaker, Professor Souliotis has enriched over 450 scientific conferences with his insights and serves as a reviewer for international journals. At "BMC Public Health", his role as Associate Editor showcases his dedication to disseminating high-quality public health research, a commitment he also fulfilled as Associate Editor at "Health Expectations". Professor Souliotis's vast experience and deep understanding of the intricacies of health policy make him an invaluable asset to our conference and the wider scientific community.

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Dr. Till Ittermann,
University Medicine Greifswald

Dr. Till Ittermann is a renowned Professor at the University of Greifswald, where he is a vital part of the Clinical-Epidemiological Research Study Unit within the Institute for Community Medicine. With a rich academic background culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy degree from TU Dortmund, Dr. Ittermann's scholarly pursuits are deeply rooted in the quantitative aspects of public health. His extensive research interests encompass the broad field of epidemiology, with a particular focus on the intricacies of epidemiologic studies, including their statistical underpinnings and analytical frameworks. Dr. Ittermann has dedicated much of his career to understanding and analyzing the patterns and determinants of health and diseases in populations. Specializing in cohort studies, his work provides valuable insights into public health, offering a deeper understanding of how various factors, from nutrition to lifestyle, impact community health outcomes. Dr. Ittermann is particularly known for his contributions to the study of thyroid diseases, a reflection of his commitment to addressing both prevalent and specialized health concerns through rigorous scientific inquiry. Dr. Ittermann's expertise in observational studies lends itself to a nuanced examination of data, helping to inform policy and health interventions. As an educator and researcher, his contributions to epidemiological statistics and analysis have not only advanced academic knowledge but have also played a crucial role in shaping evidence-based public health practices.

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Prof. Dr. med. Marek Zygmunt
Director of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Greifswald

Prof. Dr. med. Marek Zygmunt is a distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist with a 17- year legacy at the University Hospital Greifswald. A recognized expert in reproductive medicine and gynecological endocrinology, he leads the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Prof. Zygmunt’s prolific research, encapsulated in 299 scientific publications, spans critical topics from pregnancy vascular dynamics to cervical cancer therapies. His comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery, coupled with his significant academic contributions, marks him as a venerated figure in the medical community, dedicated to elevating patient care standards and medical education.

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Prof. Carsten Oliver Schmidt
University Medicine of Greifswald

Prof. Carsten Oliver Schmidt is a distinguished figure in the realm of epidemiological research, with a pivotal role as the Deputy Head of the Department of SHIP/Clinical-Epidemiological Research, and speaker of the section Epidemiology of the German Association for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (GMDS) e. V. as well as member of its board of directors. Within the Institute of Community Medicine at the University Medicine of Greifswald, he leads the functional division “Quality in the Health Sciences” as well as the “Transfer Unit for Data and Biomaterials”. As a principal investigator and collaborator in several network projects, Prof. Schmidt’s research contributes to the future of data quality tools and research infrastructures. His adeptness in managing comprehensive health studies and the integration of diverse data sources, including registries and claims data, underlines his commitment to elevating the study of subclinical and clinical disorders.

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Dr. José J. Fuster
Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC)

Dr. José J. Fuster is a distinguished biochemist and cardiovascular researcher with a strong academic foundation from the University of Valencia, where he earned his degree in Biochemistry (2005) and subsequently completed a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (2010). His doctoral research, conducted at the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV-CSIC), was pivotal in advancing the understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic diseases. Post-PhD, Dr. Fuster further honed his expertise as a Postdoctoral Associate at the Boston University School of Medicine. His research made significant strides in elucidating the complex interactions between adipose tissue and the vascular wall, particularly in the context of obesity and aging. A highlight of his work during this period was the investigation into non-canonical WNT signaling pathways and their implications in cardiometabolic conditions. In 2015, Dr. Fuster transitioned to an academic role as an Instructor in the Department of Medicine at Boston University. This position enabled him to spearhead innovative research into the role of somatic mutations in blood cells and their contribution to cardiovascular disease. His groundbreaking work provided the first experimental evidence that somatic mutations driving clonal hematopoiesis have a direct causal link to atherosclerosis development. His academic journey continued through various assistant professor roles at both Boston University and the University of Virginia between 2017 and 2018. Dr. Fuster then brought his expertise to CNIC in late 2018, where he currently leads a research group as an Assistant Professor. His leadership at CNIC involves directing a research program that investigates genetic and molecular underpinnings of cardiovascular disease with the aim of translating discoveries into clinical interventions. Dr. Fuster's scientific excellence has been recognized by the European Atherosclerosis Society with the Young Investigator Award (2018) and by the American Heart Association as the runner-up for the Irvine H. Page Young Investigator Award. His contributions to cardiovascular research continue to inform clinical practices and foster a deeper understanding of the genetic factors influencing heart health.

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Professor Mohammad Arfan Ikram
Erasmus MC Rotterdam

Dr. Ikram is Professor and Chair of Epidemiology at the department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He is also adjunct professor of Epidemiology at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. Since 2022, he serves as president of the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw), the largest public funder of healthcare research in The Netherlands, and as member of the executive board of the Netherlands Research Organisation (NWO). Dr. Ikram’s research focuses on investigating the etiology of neurologic diseases in the elderly, with a particular focus on dementia, Alzheimer disease and healthy brain aging. The main areas of research are to elucidate the earliest signs of brain diseases, before clinical symptoms are present, and to understand how these lead to clinical manifestation of disease. Moreover, he is interested in preclinical signs and systemic comorbidities that can be used to identify persons at highest risk of developing disease. More recently, he has expanded his research interests to focus on healthy longevity at large and determinants of optimal health care and health care utilization. Dr. Ikram has broad expertise in establishing and/or managing various research infrastructures, including the Rotterdam Study (population-based cohort study), EraCORe (clinic-based COVID- 19 cohort study), CJD-expertise center (national registry of Creutzfeldt- Jacob’s disease) and Netherlands Cohorts Consortium (national consortium of cohort studies). At ZonMw and NWO, his portfolio of dossiers includes Open Science; Recognition & Rewards; and Diversity & Inclusivity.

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Dr. Silvan Licher
Erasmus MC Rotterdam

Dr. Silvan Licher is a rising figure in the field of clinical epidemiology, known for his dedication to enhancing our understanding of healthcare utilization and the prevention of chronic diseases within the general population. He earned his medical degree in 2016 and subsequently embarked on a PhD at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, under the esteemed guidance of Prof. Dr. M. Arfan Ikram and Prof. Dr. M. Kamran Ikram. His commitment to academic excellence was further demonstrated by achieving a Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology with the distinction cum laude. Dr. Licher's research probes deep into the dynamics of healthcare utilization, with a significant focus on the epidemiology of chronic diseases and their co-occurrence. He has a particular interest in the concept of syndemics—the complex interaction of multiple co- occurring epidemics or disease clusters within a population—and is driven to unravel the mysteries behind the vast discrepancies in disease accumulation among individuals. In addition to his research, Dr. Licher contributes to the wider academic community as a board member of the Dutch Epidemiology Society (VvE) and serves as a guest editor for the Dutch Journal for General Practice, showcasing his multifaceted expertise. Dr. Licher's dual role as a clinical epidemiologist and a general practitioner in training equips him with a unique perspective that bridges population-based research with the personalized needs of individual patient care. His work is pivotal in addressing key questions about why certain individuals experience a higher burden of long-term conditions compared to others who remain disease-free. Through his research and practice, Dr. Licher is not only advancing scientific understanding but also shaping the future of preventative healthcare strategies.

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Prof. Tomasz Zdrojewski,
Gdańsk Medical University

Medical Doctor, Academic Teacher, and Researcher at Gdańsk Medical University (GUMed) | Consultant at National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP PZH- PIB) in Warsaw Prof. dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Zdrojewski stands as an international authority in the field of monitoring, prevention, and modeling of non-communicable diseases. His tenure with the Committee of Public Health at the Polish Academy of Sciences from 2011 to 2020 highlights his extensive involvement and expertise in public health policy. With a prolific output of over 310 publications, his research delves into health situations in Poland, Europe, and the USA, contributing significantly to the understanding and development of health strategies in these regions. A recipient of scholarships at prestigious universities in the USA and Germany, Prof. Zdrojewski is at the forefront of epidemiological research. He is the architect or co-creator of numerous national and regional health projects, such as NATPOL 1997, 2002, and 2011; the Polish 4 Cities Project; the Polish 400 Cities Project; SOPKARD from 1999 to 2021; WOBASZ from 2004 to 2006, WOBASZ Senior, WOBASZ II; PolSenior; PolSenior2; NOMED-AF; the AMI-PL register; as well as influential analyses like IMPACT, Euroheart Survey II, and FRESHER.

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Associate Professor Tomasz Zatonski, MD, PhD, Wroclaw Medical University
Wroclaw Medical University

Specialist in Otolaryngology | Vice-Rector for University Communications at the Wroclaw Medical University (UMW) | Head of the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department at the Wroclaw Medical University. Dr. hab. Tomasz Zatoński, an esteemed graduate and faculty member of Wroclaw Medical University, has dedicated his career to advancing medical education and otolaryngology. He serves as the Vice-Rector for University Communications at the UMW and leads the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University Clinical Hospital of the UMW. As the former Chairman of the Lower Silesian Division of the Polish Society of Otorhinolaryngologists Head and Neck Surgeons, he is deeply involved in the regional medical community. Dr. Zatoński also holds the position of provincial consultant in otolaryngology for the Lower Silesian Voivodeship and is the driving force behind the PICTURE (Population Cohort Study of Wroclaw Citizens), a landmark cohort study on the health of Wroclaw’s residents. Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Zatoński is a running enthusiast and an aspiring triathlete, promoting a lifestyle that blends medical expertise with a passion for sports. He is the brain behind the Medical University Run. He spearheads mass health campaigns for children and adults, such as the "Let's Get the Kids Moving" initiative, encouraging healthy eating habits and physical activity among students in Wroclaw's primary and middle schools. Dr. Zatoński is also actively engaged in environmental health initiatives, particularly in reducing air pollution in Wroclaw and Lower Silesia, showcasing his commitment to public health inside and outside the hospital.

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Prof. Anna Fijałkowska
Mother and Child Institute

Specialist in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Pregnancy-related Cardiology | Professor of Medicine | Deputy Director for Science at the Mother and Child Institute Prof. Anna Fijałkowska is a distinguished graduate of the First Faculty of Medicine of the Medical Academy in Warsaw. She holds a first-degree specialization in internal diseases, a second-degree specialization in internal diseases, and a specialization in cardiology. A certified specialist in Good Clinical Practice, she also earned her PhD in medical sciences with research focusing on the assessment of pericardial changes in patients with small cell lung cancer. Later, her postdoctoral work delved into the use of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as a non-invasive prognostic indicator in pulmonary arterial hypertension, earning her substantial recognition in the field. With a professional tenure at the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases and currently at the Mother and Child Institute, Prof. Fijałkowska leads the Department of Cardiology and serves as the Deputy Director for Science. Her academic contributions extend to lecturing at notable medical education centers. She is an active member of the Public Health Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences and holds significant positions in the Polish Cardiac Society, including Chairwoman of the Health Promotion Commission, President of the Women's Heart Disease Section, and former chair of the Pulmonary Circulation Section. Her commitment also spans to being a member of the society's Training and Guidelines Commission. Prof. Fijałkowska is the National Coordinator for the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative and the Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Registry of the EURObservational Research Programme. Her leadership in a national health program to improve the health behaviors of young girls through telemonitoring technology highlights her dedication to public health. Additionally, her expertise is sought by various organizations including the World Heart Federation/World Obesity Federation, the Ministry of Health, and she is a member of the Bioethics Committee at the Mother and Child Institute. As an esteemed author and co-author, Prof. Fijałkowska's publication record exceeds 100 scholarly works. She is also a principal researcher and national coordinator of multiple clinical studies, further underscoring her prominent role in the medical community.

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Prof. Piotr Jankowski
Center of Postgraduate Medical Education

Prof. dr hab. n. med. Piotr Jankowski is a renowned figure in cardiology, currently serving as the Deputy Director for Medical Affairs at the Independent Public Clinical Hospital named after Prof. W. Orłowski at the Center of Postgraduate Medical Education. He is also the head of the Department of Internal Diseases and Gerontocardiology and leads the Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion at the School of Public Health, CMKP. Prof. Jankowski's educational background began at the Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University, where he graduated with a medical degree. He continued his career there, achieving successive specializations in internal diseases and cardiology, becoming the first Pole to receive ESC accreditation in Intensive and Acute Cardiac Care. His research led to a doctoral degree, followed by a habilitation based on his significant scientific contributions, particularly in the prognostic significance of the pulsatile component of blood pressure in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Internationally recognized, Prof. Jankowski is credited with a profound impact on healthcare through thousands of treated patients and his work in implementing comprehensive coordinated care in Poland. He's a contributing author to numerous guidelines, including the Cholesterol ROADMAP of the World Heart Federation, and has organized several scientific conferences and educational campaigns, highlighting his commitment to both science and public health. Prof. Jankowski is known for emphasizing the human side of medicine—empathy, kindness, and attention to patients and their families. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, has been a member of the Polish Cardiology Society for over two decades, and has held various influential roles within the society. In his clinical and scientific pursuits, he focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention, public health, cardiovascular risk, coronary artery disease, hypertension management, the aging cardiovascular system, and organizational solutions in healthcare. Prof. Jankowski has a special interest in gerontocardiology, where he has been a pioneer in Poland.

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Prof. Marek Konarzewski
Polish Academy of Sciences

Professor Marek Konarzewski is a Polish biologist and professor of biological sciences, specializing in evolutionary ecology, physiology, and animal evolution. He is affiliated with the University of Białystok's Faculty of Biology and the University of Warsaw's Faculty of "Artes Liberales". Konarzewski is a corresponding member of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) from the Division of Biological and Agricultural Sciences since 2010 and serves as vice president of the PAN branch in Olsztyn and Białystok. His scientific pursuits encompass the physiological and evolutionary aspects of birds and mammals, contributing to numerous scientific publications and popular science works, including translating Jared M. Diamond's Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Guns, Germs, and Steel." He is the current president of the Polish Academy of Sciences, elected for the term starting in 2023.

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Prof. Tomasz Burzykowski
Hasselt University / Medical University of Bialystok

Prof. Tomasz Burzykowski serves as the current Chair of the International Society for Clinical Biostatistics (2023-2024). A vital member of the ISCB Board since 2017 and its former Vice Chair, Prof. Burzykowski brings extensive experience to his role. With a strong academic background, Prof. Burzykowski holds a Master's degree in mathematics applications from the University of Warsaw and a specialization in biostatistics from Hasselt University. His academic journey culminated in a PhD in mathematics from Hasselt University in 2001. Prof. Burzykowski is recognized for his professorship in biostatistics and statistical bioinformatics at Hasselt University. His expertise extends to his role as Vice President of scientific research at the International Drug Development Institute, Belgium. At the Medical University of Białystok, he leads the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics. An esteemed educator, he has imparted knowledge at Warsaw University of Technology, University of Warsaw, and internationally at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Prof. Burzykowski's research is at the forefront of clinical trial methodology, meta-analysis, survival analysis, and the exploration of genomics and proteomics data, establishing him as a leading figure in the field of biostatistics.

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dr hab. n. med., MBA Krzysztof Chlebus
Medical University of Gdansk

Assistant Professor at the 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology at the Medical University of Gdańsk. Completed postgraduate studies in "Management in health care institutions" at the University of Gdansk and prestigious Executive MBA studies (Carlsson School of Management University of Minnesota and SGH in Warsaw). From 2012 to 2014 Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Health in the government of Donald Tusk. Tempus scholarship holder at ThoraxCentre in Rotterdam and Polish-American Foundation for Medical Education at Loyola University in Chicago. During the 2007-2009 term, member of the General Board and Secretary of the Polish Cardiac Society (PTK) Since 2014 member of the PTK Commission for Cooperation with the Government Administration and the Parliament of the Republic of Poland, and since 2021 member of the Board of the Prevention and Epidemiology Section of the PTK , currently Chairman-Elect of this Section. National Coordinator of the National Health Programme Project "Clinical and genetic diagnosis of patients at high risk of familial hypercholesterolemia with cascade diagnosis of their relatives". Member of the Programme Council of the MZ KORDIAN Project "Prevention of atherosclerosis of the arteries and heart diseases for the inhabitants of the northern macro-region." From 2010 to 2012 a judge of the District Medical Court at the OIL in Gdansk. Since 2008, Fellow ESC. President of the Centre for Medical Innovation sp. z o.o. Plenipotentiary of the Rector of GUMed for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer. Member of the FHSC Steering Committee of the European Atherosclerosis Society and the Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia International Clinical Collaborators. Creator of the original concept of model care for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia(FH), including coordination of diagnosis and therapy and comprehensive medical services for the patient and his family. Coordinator of the National Centre for Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Gdańsk. Creator and coordinator of the National Register of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia registering cases of new FH diagnoses in probands and their family members.

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Dr Andrzej Eljaszewicz
Medical University of Bialystok

Dr Andrzej Eljaszewicz, is a basic scientist specializing in immunology and regenerative medicine. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Medicine at the Collegium Modicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University of Torun, and trained in medical biotechnology. Following his Ph.D. studies in medical sciences at Nicolaus Copernicus University, he joined the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immunoregulation at the Medical University of Bialystok. Dr. Eljaszewicz received numerous scholarships, including the Ministry of Science and Higher Education Scholarship for Outstanding Young Scientists and the CK-CARE Scientist Exchange Program Scholarship. His involvement extends to roles within the Białystok branch of the Polish Society for Experimental and Clinical Immunology, where he serves on the board and acts as the Chairman of the Audit Committee at the central level. Additionally, he held a board position within the Basic and Clinical Immunology Section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) from 2019 to 2022 and currently co-leads a task force under the EAACI Research and Outreach Committee (ROC). Dr. Eljaszewicz's scholarly contributions encompass over 50 scientific publications in the most prestigious journals in the field of allergology and immunology research. He presently holds positions as a research group leader and Deputy Director at the Center for Regenerative Medicine Medical University of Bialystok.

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Dr Natalie Terzikhan
Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam

Natalie (N.) Terzikhan, PhD, is the Manager of Scientific Affairs and Responsible Research at the Department of Epidemiology at Erasmus Medical Centre in The Netherlands. Alongside her distinguished academic career, she is also a talented pianist. She holds a double PhD in Genetic and Pulmonary Epidemiology from a joint program at the University of Gent in Belgium and Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Additionally, she earned a Master's degree in Genetic Epidemiology from the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences and a Master's in Nutrition and Health from Wageningen University. In her role as researcher at the Erasmus MC, Terzikhan specializes in genetics and omics-related projects, focusing on genome-wide approaches to understanding Lung and brain diseases. Her extensive publication record in prestigious journals like Nature Communications and the European Respiratory Journal highlights her contributions to COPD, cognitive function, and genetic diversity in genome-wide association studies. Natalie is currently also manager of the Rotterdam Study. The internationally known prospective cohort study through which risks and determinants of chronic diseases are investigated. Here she combines her managerial skills with knowledge on research integrity and data security. Beyond her scientific endeavors, Terzikhan's skills as a pianist showcase her diverse talents and dedication to the arts. Natalie is also a huge supporter of youth and specially women in STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math). Her involvement in the scientific community extends through her contribution to advance Responsible Research and Innovation through Education Innovation and Institutional changes. This reflects her commitment to advancing epidemiology through collaborative and innovative research and education, bridging her passions in both science and music.

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Białystok+

The Białystok PLUS investigates many systems, with the major emphasis on the most common diseases associated with modern lifestyle (civilization diseases): cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine, neurodegenerative, neoplastic and pulmonary. We believe that there are many interactions between them that might be missed when not analyzed together. Apart from those most common diseases other are also being analyzed, including allergies, airway dysfunction – both upper and lower, gastrointestinal disorders, eye diseases. There may be many common underlying mechanisms of the diseases that now seem to be distant and independent, because of insufficient knowledge.

Bialystok PLUS study describes the current health status of population providing valuable information both about the development of the diseases but also about psychological and sociological background that may affect them. It combines a number of features to create a highly innovative project. They include the population representativeness, comprehensive, multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach as well as the longitudinal observation. The population representativeness and the comparability of data with other cohorts will generate knowledge of the risk-factors, disease burden and healthcare indicators in the Northeast Poland population of adults.

One of the objectives of this project is to obtain comprehensive information on the health status (including subclinical disorders), genomics, risk factors, health behavior and sociodemographic data from large, representative sample of population of Białystok city inhabitants. Health status assessment refers to many areas of medicine and includes clinical data, medical images, as well as biological samples. We combine imaging (fundoscopy, ultrasound examinations of heart, vessels, thyroid, liver, gallbladder) with state of the art functional studies (AGE measurement, pulse wave velocity, central pressure, plethysmography with the analysis of DLCO and NO concentration, spiroergometry, OGTT). The study is designed as prospective, so in the future, additional information on occurrence of diseases or deaths will allow to estimate disease incidence, morbidity or mortality in studied population.

Venue

Friday 1 December 2023

Aula Magna, Medical University of Bialystok
1 Kilinskiego Street, Bialystok
Parking lot in front of the University

Saturday 2 December 2023

Collegium Pathologicum, Medical University of Bialystok
13 Waszyngtona Street, Bialystok
Parking lot in front of the Collegium Pathologicum

Contact

conference@bialystok-plus.pl

We invite you to submit abstracts for the poster session.
Please submit abstracts to the following email address: conference@bialystok-plus.pl

- Abstracts should be submitted in english
- Maximum number of characters is 1500 including figures, tables etc.
- Each submitted abstract will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee.

The deadline for submission of abstracts is 26th November 2023.