UW researchers join the international COST EU-GLIA initiative

01 06 2026

Dr habil. Anna Malik, University Professor, from the Faculty of Biology, and Dr Łukasz Szewczyk from the Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, will participate in the newly funded COST Action EU-GLIA – European network for advancing nervous system health through glia integration and innovation. The initiative aims to create a pan-European network of researchers, clinicians, industry representatives and patient organisations working on the role of glial cells in nervous system function and brain diseases. Dr habil. Anna Malik and Dr Łukasz Szewczyk also contributed to the preparation of the project proposal.

EU-GLIA will focus on integrating different areas of glial research, including basic, clinical, technological and translational studies. The action plan includes, among other activities, developing shared methodological standards, exchanging protocols and analytical tools, training early-career researchers, organising short-term scientific missions, and promoting the importance of glia in health and diseases of the nervous system. COST experts particularly praised the project structure, which includes six working groups, a clear timeline of activities and specific outcomes planned over the course of the four-year Action.

COST Actions primarily fund the creation and development of international scientific cooperation networks. The participation of UW researchers in this initiative strengthens our University’s position as an important centre for research on glial cell biology and its significance for brain function.