On 13 May 2014, the grand opening of the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology was held at the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of JU Revival. The official cutting of the ribbon was preceded by the addresses by the Rector of the Jagiellonian University, Prof. Wojciech Nowak, the Chairman of the MCB Committee, Prof. Kazimierz Strzałka, Vice-Marshal of the Małopolskie Voivodeship, Mr Roman Ciepiela, Vice-President of Kraków, Ms Elżbieta Koterba, and Head of National Science Centre, Prof. Andrzej Jajszczyk. The attendees also included JU Vice-Rectors, Chancellor, Bursar and former Rectors, members of Polish Parliament, diplomatic corps, and representatives of other Polish higher education institutions.

After the ribbon was cut, the participants had an opportunity to take tour of the Centre's laboratories. The opening is followed by the academic conference "Challenges of Biotechnology in 21st Century", including a lecture by the Nobel Prize Winner, JU honorary doctor, Prof. Robert Huber.

The purpose of the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology is to conduct research at the highest possible level, generate innovation and cooperate with companies working in the field of life sciences. The MCB will also actively work with international partners, such as the Max Planck Gesellschaft, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Kyoto University. The Centre is open to cooperation in many areas of life science and anticipates that together with its new collaborators it will build and ensure continued scientific excellence.

Photos by Anna Wojnar

Photos by Anna Wojnar