Specializes in hematology, stem cells, and hematopoietic transplants. Currently, he serves as:
- Director of the Stem Cell Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville (since 2018).
- Head of the Department of Regenerative Medicine, Warsaw Medical University (since 2015).
- Lecturer at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, and visiting professor at Kansai University in Osaka and Fudan University in Shanghai.

Key Areas of Scientific Research:
- Molecular mechanisms regulating the formation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and cancer cells.
- Allogeneic and autologous transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and cord blood.
- Expansion of human stem cells for gene therapy and hematopoietic transplantation.
- Practical applications of biotechnology, molecular biology, and cellular engineering in clinical medicine, particularly oncology and hematology.

Awards and Recognitions:
Prof. Ratajczak is the first Polish researcher to receive the prestigious Karl Landsteiner Award, granted by the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, for his studies on the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells and the discovery of embryonic-like stem cells. Additional accolades include:
- Honorary Professor of Xiamen University (2018).
- Foundation for Polish Science Award in the field of natural and medical sciences (2016).
- Jędrzej Śniadecki Medal, Polish Academy of Sciences (2015).
- Individual Scientific Award from the Polish Ministry of Health (2004).

Selected Publications:
1. Kakar SS, Parte S, Carter K, Joshua IG, Worth CH, Rameshwar P, Ratajczak MZ. Withaferin A (WFA) inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by targeting ovarian cancer stem cells. *Oncotarget*, 2017, 43, 74494-74505.
2. Wysoczynski M, Adamiak M, Suszynska M, Abdel-Latif A, Ratajczak J, Ratajczak MZ. Poor mobilization in T cell-deficient nude mice is explained by defective activation of granulocytes and monocytes. *Cell Transplant*, 2016 (in press).
3. Marlicz W, Sielatycka K, Serwin K, Kubis E, Tkacz M, Głuszko R, Białek A, Starzyńska T, Ratajczak MZ. Effect of colorectal cancer on the number of normal stem cells circulating in peripheral blood. *Oncology Reports*, 2016 (in press).
4. Poniewierska-Baran A, Schneider G, Sun W, Abdelbaset-Ismail A, Barr FG, Ratajczak MZ. Human rhabdomyosarcoma cells express functional pituitary and gonadal sex hormone receptors—therapeutic implications. *Int J Oncology*, 2016, 48, 1815-1824.
5. Ratajczak M.Z. *Adult Stem Cell Therapies: Alternatives to Plasticity*. Springer, 2014.

Dr. Natalia Rozwadowska has over 20 years of experience collaborating with the Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IGC PAN). She has actively participated in numerous projects focused on the differentiation of stem cells into various lineages, as well as stem cell therapies in regenerative medicine.

Scientific Expertise:
- Molecular biology, with a focus on gene expression analysis.
- Cell culture, including preclinical cell therapy using human and animal cell cultures.
- Extensive experience with laboratory animals, including serving as Chair of the National Committee for Cooperation with the International Council for Laboratory Animals.

Science Outreach:
Dr. Rozwadowska is known for her work in popularizing science. As the Coordinator for Science Outreach and Communication at IGC PAN, she has been responsible for organizing the Science Festival and workshops in collaboration with the 'Gen-i-już' Association.

Leadership Roles:
Since 2018, she has been the Head of the Department of Molecular Pathology, where her responsibilities include:
- Designing, executing, and reporting scientific projects (15 completed; 5 ongoing).
- Managing the operations of a molecular biology and cell culture laboratory.
- Mentoring and supervising master’s and doctoral studies.
- Collaborating with medical clinics and coordinating preclinical research projects focused on stem cell therapy.

Awards and Recognition:
Dr. Rozwadowska has received numerous awards, including:
- The Prime Minister’s Award in 2018 for her outstanding habilitation thesis.

Selected Publications:
1. Gwizdala A, Rozwadowska N, Kolanowski TJ, Malcher A, Cieplucha A, Perek B, Seniuk W, Straburzynska-Migaj E, Oko-Sarnowska Z, Cholewinski W, Michalak M, Grajek S, Kurpisz M. Safety, feasibility and effectiveness of first in-human administration of muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells modified with connexin-43 gene for treatment of advanced chronic heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail. 2017 Jan;19(1):148-157.
2. Wiernicki B*, Rozwadowska N*, Malcher A, Kolanowski T, Zimna A, Rugowska A, Kurpisz M. Human myoblast transplantation in mice infarcted heart alters the expression profile of cardiac genes associated with left ventricle remodeling. Int J Cardiol. 2016;202:710-721.
3. Rozwadowska N, Malcher A, Baumann E, Kolanowski TJ, Ruciński M, Miętkiewski M, Fiedorowicz K, Kurpisz M. In vitro culture of primary human myoblasts by using the dextran microcarriers Cytodex3. Folia Histochem Cytobiol. 2016;54(2):81-90.
4. Kolanowski TJ*, Rozwadowska N*, Malcher A, Szymczyk E, Kasprzak JD, Mietkiewski T, Kurpisz M. In vitro and in vivo characteristics of connexin 43-modified human skeletal myoblasts as candidates for prospective stem cell therapy for the failing heart. Int J Cardiol. 2014 Apr 15;173(1):55-64.
5. Rozwadowska N, Kolanowski T, Wiland E, Siatkowski M, Pawlak P, Malcher A, Mietkiewski T, Olszewska M, Kurpisz M. Characterisation of nuclear architectural alterations during in vitro differentiation of human stem cells of myogenic origin. PLoS One. 2013 Sep 3;8(9).

A cell biologist by training, with both academic and commercial sector experience, Lindsay is currently the CEO and founder of CellTherEx, a life sciences consulting firm dedicated to helping researchers transition their discoveries into clinical applications to benefit patients. She also serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at NextCell Pharma, overseeing the development of their R&D and clinical portfolio focused on treating patients with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC).

Professional Experience:
- CEO and Founder of CellTherEx: Assists researchers in translating their discoveries into clinical applications.
- Chief Scientific Officer at NextCell Pharma: Oversees R&D and clinical portfolio development in MSC-based treatments.
- 2019–2020: Project Manager for Cell Therapy at the Karolinska Institute.

Qualifications and Certifications:
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products.
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
- Auditing of medicinal products and medical devices.

Memberships and Mentorship:
- Member of the Commercialization Committee of the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy.
- Mentor for the Society’s Early Stage Professional Mentor Program.

With over 30 years of experience in clinical immunology and extensive teaching expertise, Prof. Smith is actively associated with the prestigious Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. He has gained professional experience at institutions such as Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge.

Scientific Focus:
- Cellular signaling, particularly protein phosphorylation in lymphocyte development.
- Therapies involving synthetic oligonucleotides for gene silencing and splice switching.

Professional Achievements:
- 1984–2000: Deputy Head of the Department of Clinical Immunology, Karolinska.
- 1991 & 2000: Recipient of the Scientific Prize by the Swedish Medical Research Council for lifetime achievements.
- Scientific Advisor at the Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Karolinska.
- Since 2000: Professor of Molecular Genetics and Senior Physician at the Center for Clinical Research, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge.

Awards and Honors:
- 2010: Elected President of the Swedish Society for Gene and Cell Therapy.
- 2016: Awarded the prestigious Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia Discovery Award.

Educational Contributions:
- Delivered over 80 lectures at international conferences.
- Co-organizer of practical courses for the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).