Our researchers awarded NCN MINIATURA 9 grants
17 11 2025
We are proud to announce that Dr. Holly Anderson and Dr. Anna Myczka have received funding from the National Science Centre for the implementation of preliminary research under the MINIATURA 9 call.
Dr Holly Anderson from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology UW received funding of PLN 30,269 for the project titled “Studying skeletal disarticulation patterns in the fossil record using controlled experiments simulating mass burials”
Her research will be dedicated to the sites of preservation (Konservat Lagerstätte) that are pivotal for our understanding of Earth’s past. These unique sites are usually viewed through the lens of the fossil record, which is biased. This research will lead to the first controlled, comprehensive model of Konservat Lagerstätten formation and new insights into Earth history through deep time.
Dr Anna Myczka from the Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences received funding of 49,940 PLN for the project titled “The role of hard ticks and blood-feeding flies in the spread of the pathogen causing bovine anaplasmosis”
The project aims to identify the vector transmitting the bacterium Anaplasma marginale in Poland, which is spreading northwards as a result of climate change. The study will analyse populations of hard ticks (such as Dermacentor spp. and Hyalomma spp.) and biting flies in three regions: Podlaskie, Warmian-Masurian and Masovian Voivodeships. Anaplasmosis, the disease caused by this bacterium, can lead to livestock losses estimated at 9 million euros per year and may also pose a threat to wild animals, including the native population of the European bison (Bison bonasus), in which the bacterium was detected for the first time this year. Understanding the vector and transmission route of A. marginale in Poland is crucial for assessing the short- and long-term consequences for humans, wildlife and livestock.
We sincerely congratulate both researchers on obtaining funding and wish them valuable results and success in obtaining funds for future projects!
Details of the MINIATURA 9 call are available on the NCN website: https://www.ncn.gov.pl/konkursy/wyniki/miniatura9