Prof. Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska | Virology, Immunology and Biotechnology | Best Review Paper Award
Full Profesor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University at Lublin, Poland
Prof. Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska is a renowned expert in virology and immunology, currently serving at the Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland. With an extensive career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to the fields of immunopathology, liver diseases, and viral infections. Her research primarily explores mechanisms of liver cell death, hepatoprotection, immune dysfunctions in mental illnesses, and emerging respiratory allergens. Prof. Szuster-Ciesielska is widely recognized for her prolific scientific output, with over 240 publications, including high-impact papers listed in the Journal Citation Reports. Her international experience includes a prestigious scientific internship at Stanford University and leadership in EU Horizon 2020 projects. She is also an accomplished academic lecturer and mentor, having guided numerous doctoral theses and reviewed scholarly work across Europe. Her work has been recognized through numerous awards, including the Maria Curie Prize and the Top 500 Innovators program. Her groundbreaking research and leadership in international scientific collaborations underscore her impact on biomedical sciences both in Poland and globally. A committed scientist, educator, and innovator, she continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in virology and immunology with a deep passion for improving public health.
Profile
Education
Prof. Szuster-Ciesielska obtained her entire academic education in biological sciences from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin. She earned her MSc in 1987, followed by a PhD in 1995 in microbiology, and later her habilitation (Dr. Habil.) in 2006. In 2014, she was awarded the title of full Professor of Biological Sciences. She further enhanced her expertise through interdisciplinary postgraduate studies in research project management at the University of Economics and Innovation in Lublin during 2011–2013. In 2013, she participated in the prestigious “TOP 500 Innovators” program, a Polish Ministry of Science initiative held at Stanford University, where she also completed a scientific internship at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Her comprehensive training includes specialized instrumentation courses such as flow cytometry and cell sorting. This diverse academic and professional education has equipped her with advanced skills in scientific research, grant leadership, innovation commercialization, and teaching. Her international academic exposure and continuous professional development have contributed significantly to her reputation as a leading scientist in virology and immunology, with a unique ability to bridge laboratory research with real-world biomedical applications.
Professional Experience
Prof. Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska has served her entire academic and professional career at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland, progressing through various academic ranks since 1987. Starting as an assistant trainee, she became an assistant (1988–1995), assistant professor (1995–2010), associate professor (2010–2014), and has held the prestigious title of full professor since 2014. She is a faculty member of the Department of Virology and Immunology at the Institute of Biological Sciences. Her responsibilities span teaching, scientific research, student supervision, and project coordination. She has led and collaborated on numerous national and international research projects, including EU Horizon 2020 initiatives. She has delivered dozens of scientific presentations, lectures, and keynote addresses at conferences, universities, and public health forums. Prof. Szuster-Ciesielska also serves as a supervisor and reviewer for doctoral and habilitation theses and acts as an expert evaluator for Horizon MSCA fellowship projects. Her experience combines academic excellence, research leadership, and strategic project management. Additionally, she holds patents in the fields of immunology, hepatology, and vaccine development, underscoring her strong orientation toward translational science and innovation.
Research Interest
Prof. Szuster-Ciesielska’s research interests are highly interdisciplinary, focusing on both foundational and applied biomedical science. Central to her work is the study of liver pathology, particularly the mechanisms of hepatocyte death and the development of hepatoprotective agents. Her investigations extend to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with an emphasis on early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic approaches. In parallel, she explores the interplay between the immune system and mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia, aiming to decode immunological imbalances and their physiological impacts. Another area of her research includes the immunological profiling of novel inhalant allergens, particularly microscopic phytopathogenic fungi, and their potential contribution to allergic diseases such as asthma. Her work also covers viral oncogenesis, immunotherapy, and vaccine design, including studies on SARS-CoV-2, HPV, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Plasmodium falciparum. Through her research, she seeks to bridge basic science with translational medicine to address urgent public health challenges. Her diverse research interests are united by a consistent focus on immune modulation, disease prevention, and novel therapeutic interventions, reflecting her commitment to improving patient outcomes and public health through scientific innovation.
Research Skills
Prof. Szuster-Ciesielska brings a robust set of research skills encompassing molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, and virology. She is proficient in advanced laboratory techniques including flow cytometry, cell sorting, cytokine profiling, pathogen detection, and genetic analysis. Her scientific rigor is demonstrated through her high-impact publications and international patents, especially in liver disease and vaccine development. She has comprehensive project management expertise, acquired through postgraduate training and extensive leadership in national and EU-funded research projects such as Horizon 2020. Her capacity to design, execute, and supervise interdisciplinary projects highlights her strength in experimental planning and translational research. Prof. Szuster-Ciesielska has reviewed over 100 international scientific manuscripts and has participated as an EU expert in evaluating Horizon MSCA fellowships. She is experienced in grant writing, scientific dissemination, and academic mentoring, with significant experience in supervising doctoral theses and participating in habilitation and professorship reviews. Her pedagogical expertise also supports her role in delivering specialized academic lectures at various educational levels. Overall, her diverse and integrated skill set underpins her reputation as a leading scientist and educator capable of driving impactful research and innovation.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Szuster-Ciesielska has received multiple prestigious awards throughout her career. Among her most notable accolades is the “Maria Curie Prize” for outstanding scientific achievement at UMCS in 2011. She was selected for the elite “TOP 500 Innovators” program by the Polish Ministry of Science, which included scientific training at Stanford University in 2013. Her innovative research on malaria antigens earned her third place in both the “Fokus Lens 2011” and National Geographic Traveler’s “Scientific Discovery of the Year” contests. She also won third place in the international “Dr. Bares Award” in 2011 for her influential work on zinc supplementation in liver fibrosis. Her consistent academic excellence has been recognized with multiple team awards from the Rector of UMCS over two decades (1999–2023). Earlier in her career, she was honored with the Rector’s Award for her doctoral thesis (1995) and received a scholarship from the Foundation for Polish Science in 1994. These accolades underscore her national and international recognition as a scientist of distinction whose research contributes significantly to medical and biological sciences.
Publications
Prof. Szuster-Ciesielska is the author of 240 scientific publications, including 73 articles in journals listed in the Journal Citation Reports. Her cumulative Impact Factor is 250.942, with over 1,668 citations (excluding self-citations), and an h-index of 24 according to the Scopus database. Her publications cover a wide spectrum of topics such as liver immunopathology, mental health immunology, viral infections, immune response modulation, and allergen identification. Her impactful research articles have appeared in peer-reviewed international journals, contributing to major advancements in both experimental and clinical sciences. Beyond journal publications, she has presented her work at major national and international scientific conferences and has contributed chapters to academic books and conference proceedings. Her scholarly output is further complemented by her involvement in patent filings and collaborative research projects, demonstrating the translational value of her academic work. She is also a frequent reviewer for leading international journals, ensuring the dissemination of high-quality science. Her publications continue to influence and guide contemporary research in virology, immunology, and hepatology, reflecting her enduring commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Conclusion
Prof. Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska exemplifies academic excellence through her distinguished career in virology and immunology. Her scientific journey reflects a rare blend of deep theoretical knowledge, practical research expertise, and visionary leadership. She has made substantial contributions to understanding immune responses in liver diseases, mental health disorders, and viral infections, while also fostering innovation through patented discoveries and translational research. Her dedication to teaching, mentoring, and academic review has shaped the next generation of biomedical scientists in Poland and beyond. Recognized with numerous national and international awards, she is not only a prolific researcher but also a committed advocate for scientific collaboration and public health advancement. Her leadership in prestigious projects, including Horizon 2020, and her role as a reviewer and EU expert, highlight her standing in the global scientific community. Prof. Szuster-Ciesielska continues to drive forward the frontiers of biomedical science with unwavering commitment and scholarly integrity. Her work stands as a testament to the profound impact a dedicated scientist can have on health, knowledge, and society at large.