INLIFE INSTYTUT ROZRODU ZWIERZAT I BADAN ZYWNOSCI POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK

Their core work

The Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences is a public research institute in Olsztyn, Poland, focused on food science, nutrition, and the biological basis of food quality. Their core work spans nutrigenomics, microbiome research, and the development of food products from underutilised protein crops like quinoa and legumes. They also run significant science communication and public engagement programmes, particularly through Researchers' Night events aimed at connecting young people with careers in life sciences.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2014-2017, the institute split its H2020 activity between science outreach (two Researchers' Night events) and joining a large consortium on plant protein from underutilised crops. From 2018 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward deep food science — microbiome research and, most significantly, building an ERA Chair in nutrigenomics (WELCOME2, their largest project by far at EUR 2.5M). This trajectory shows an institute moving from participation and outreach toward becoming a recognised centre of excellence in molecular nutrition.

The institute is investing heavily in becoming a European hub for nutrigenomics and omics-based food science, making them an increasingly strong partner for projects at the intersection of nutrition, health, and molecular biology.

How they like to work

They lead more often than they follow — 3 of 5 projects as coordinator, including their flagship WELCOME2 ERA Chair. Their 47 unique partners across 26 countries indicate a broad, outward-looking network rather than a closed circle of repeat collaborators. This is an institute comfortable managing international consortia and building new relationships, which makes them accessible as a partner for newcomers.

With 47 unique partners across 26 countries, they maintain a remarkably wide network for an institute of their size, spanning most of the EU and beyond. The breadth suggests active participation in coordination and networking actions rather than narrow bilateral research ties.

What sets them apart

As a Polish Academy of Sciences institute with an ERA Chair in nutrigenomics, they occupy a rare position: deep scientific credibility in molecular food science combined with strong coordination experience and an extensive pan-European network. For consortium builders, they offer access to the Widening country ecosystem while bringing genuine research excellence — not just geographic diversity. Their dual capability in food science research and science communication also makes them valuable for projects requiring strong dissemination components.

Highlights from their portfolio

• WELCOME2
  By far their largest project (EUR 2.5M, 86% of total funding), this ERA Chair signals EU-level recognition of the institute as an emerging centre of excellence in nutrigenomics.
• MicrobiomeSupport
  A coordination action connecting them to the international bioeconomy and microbiome research community, positioning them at a strategic intersection of food systems and microbiome science.
• PROTEIN2FOOD
  A large-scale RIA on sustainable plant protein — their only research-intensive project as participant — connecting them to the alternative protein value chain.