On February 24, the Foundation for Polish Science inaugurated the projects selected under the International Research Agendas (MAB) measure. Two newly established centers will be headed by researchers from our Faculty: Dr. hab. Magdalena Stobińska-Moretto, Prof. UW, and Prof. Dr. hab. Ryszard Buczyński.
The International Research Agendas measure, implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science, is addressed to outstanding scientists from Poland and abroad who create specialized research centers in the country to conduct work on problems of key importance to science and society. The projects they implement combine world-class research with real implementation potential. Ten centers will receive total funding of over PLN 300 million for the development of innovations in areas such as precision medicine, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, or detectors for astrophysics. The funds come from the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG) program.
The inauguration of the projects took place on February 24. The ceremony was attended by, among others, the authorities of the Foundation for Polish Science; Prof. Maria Mrówczyńska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education; and Prof. Ewa Krogulec, UW Vice-Rector for Development. The inauguration was also attended by two researchers from the UW Faculty of Physics who will head the newly established scientific centers: Dr. hab. Magdalena Stobińska-Moretto, Prof. UW, and Prof. Dr. hab. Ryszard Buczyński.
Prof. Magdalena Stobińska-Moretto will head the Center for Hybrid Quantum-Classical Information Technologies (QLAB). The project will involve scientific research and development work within four interdisciplinary research groups. The teams will focus on areas such as: secure quantum networks, energy-efficient artificial intelligence algorithms, ultrasensitive metrology and imaging methods, and hybrid technologies combining quantum and classical systems. Prof. Magdalena Stobińska-Moretto is a graduate of the UW Faculty of Physics. She is the founder of the Quantum Information Technologies Research Group (QCAT) dealing with the creation of new protocols for hybrid technologies, such as quantum-enhanced communication and quantum-enhanced computation. She coordinated the international AppQInfo program under the MSCA-ITN (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks).
Prof. Ryszard Buczyński will head the Center of Excellence in Structured Optical Fibers and Applications (SOWA), which will conduct research aimed at developing a new class of structured optical fibers – applicable in, among others, lasers, sensors, and other photonic devices. The unit intends to achieve the position of a global leader in the area of research, development, and production of a new class of nanostructured free-form optical fibers. Prof. Ryszard Buczyński is the Deputy Director of the Institute of Geophysics at the UW Faculty of Physics, an expert in the field of photonics, optics, and optoelectronics, and the co-creator of a miniaturized endoscope supporting the treatment of respiratory disorders in premature newborns.