Professor at Department of Medicinal Plant and Mushroom Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Poland.
Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Szopa 🇵🇱 is a leading pharmaceutical botanist and pharmacognosist at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków, Poland. With over 170 scientific publications, multiple national and international research grants, and editorial roles in esteemed journals, she stands out as a prolific researcher in medicinal plant science 🌱💊. Her work bridges natural product pharmacology, plant biotechnology, and cosmeceuticals 🌸🧴. Passionate about mentoring young scientists, she has supervised several PhD students and conducted research internships across Europe 🌍✈️. Prof. Szopa continues to make significant contributions to natural product discovery and plant-based therapeutics. 🏆📖
Professional profile
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Suitability For Best Researcher Award – Prof. Dr. Agnieszka Szopa
Prof. Agnieszka Szopa exemplifies excellence in pharmaceutical and botanical research. With over 170 peer-reviewed publications, multiple competitive research grants, and significant roles as a mentor, editor, and evaluator, she has demonstrated sustained and impactful scientific contributions. Her multidisciplinary approach, spanning pharmacognosy, biotechnology, and cosmeceuticals, shows both scientific depth and real-world application. Her international collaborations, editorial expertise, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists further reinforce her as a leader in the field.
Education & Experience 🎓🧪
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🎓 2009: Master of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University
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🎓 2013: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jagiellonian University
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🎓 2018: Habilitated Doctor, Pharmaceutical Sciences
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🎓 2024: Professor of Medical & Health Sciences
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👩🔬 2010–Present: Faculty Member, Jagiellonian University Medical College
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🧪 Held roles from assistant to full professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany
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💼 Experience in public and private pharmacies early in career
Professional Development 🌐🔬📈
Prof. Szopa has actively participated in international internships and teaching exchanges across countries including France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and Croatia 🌍🔄. She collaborated in multi-national research consortia such as CosmeNovIC, funded by LE STUDIUM in France 💡🇫🇷. She also serves as an editor and reviewer for global journals, and an expert evaluator for major grant bodies like the Polish Ministry of Science and the Czech Science Foundation 📝🧑⚖️. Her continued efforts in mentoring, reviewing, and scientific committee memberships reflect her leadership in both national and international academic communities 🧑🏫👩🔬.
Research Focus
Prof. Szopa’s research focuses on pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical botany, plant biotechnology, phytochemistry, and natural compound pharmacology 🌿🔬. Her work explores bioactive molecules from medicinal and cosmetic plants, in vitro plant cultures, and biotechnological approaches to enhance compound biosynthesis 🌱🧫. She studies therapeutic potential and biological activity of natural compounds, including their application in pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals 💊🧴. With a recent patent on kale-based compounds and involvement in energy drink safety and adaptogens, her interdisciplinary research bridges health science, natural products, and plant innovation 🌟🧪. Her studies directly impact drug discovery and plant-based health solutions.
Awards & Honors
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🥇 Rector’s First Degree Award for Scientific Achievements (2020–2023)
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🥈 Second Degree Rector and Dean’s Award (2019)
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🏆 Team Award from Rector of Jagiellonian University (2019)
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🧬 Team Award from Rector of Medical University of Gdańsk for biotechnological work (2018, 2019)
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📚 Top publication contributor at Jagiellonian University Faculty of Pharmacy (2021–2023)
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🧠 Expert roles in national programs: PERŁY NAUKI, LEADER, and NAWA
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🌍 Member of prestigious international scientific societies (GA, CosmeNovIC, ICC)
Publication Top Notes
1. Citrus limon (Lemon) Phenomenon
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Authors: M. Klimek-Szczykutowicz, A. Szopa, H. Ekiert
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Journal: Plants, Volume 9, Issue 1, Article 119
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Citations: 501
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Summary:
This comprehensive review explores the phytochemistry of Citrus limon (lemon), highlighting its pharmacological properties and applications across pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. The paper discusses bioactive compounds like flavonoids, essential oils, and vitamins, emphasizing their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential.
2. Anticancer Potential of Alkaloids
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Authors: P. Dhyani, C. Quispe, E. Sharma, A. Bahukhandi, P. Sati, D.C. Attri, A. Szopa, et al.
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Journal: Cancer Cell International, Volume 22, Article 206
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Citations: 391
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Summary:
This paper focuses on anticancer alkaloids, especially colchicine, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, vinorelbine, and vincamine. It reviews their mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and potential side effects in oncology, also highlighting their roles in inhibiting microtubule dynamics and promoting apoptosis in cancer cells.
3. Schisandra chinensis as a Medicinal Plant
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Authors: A. Szopa, R. Ekiert, H. Ekiert
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Journal: Phytochemistry Reviews, Volume 16, Pages 195–218
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Citations: 374
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Summary:
This review presents current knowledge about Schisandra chinensis, emphasizing its bioactive components such as lignans, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The paper discusses traditional uses and modern pharmacological activities including adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
4. Chitosan Nanoparticles in Oncology
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Authors: J. Sharifi-Rad, C. Quispe, M. Butnariu, L.S. Rotariu, O. Sytar, S. Sestito, et al.
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Journal: Cancer Cell International, Volume 21, Article 318
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Citations: 258
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Summary:
This paper highlights the use of chitosan-based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems in oncology. It reviews their synthesis, properties (biodegradability, biocompatibility), and application in delivering anticancer drugs effectively while minimizing systemic toxicity.
5. Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery
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Authors: K. Jafernik, A. Ładniak, E. Blicharska, K. Czarnek, H. Ekiert, A.E. Wiącek, et al.
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Journal: Molecules, Volume 28, Issue 4, Article 1963
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Citations: 230
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Summary:
This review discusses recent advances in the development of chitosan-based nanoparticles for targeted and controlled drug delivery. Applications include anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory therapies. The paper emphasizes the advantages of these systems in enhancing drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability.
6. Paclitaxel in Oncology and Nanomedicine
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Authors: J. Sharifi-Rad, C. Quispe, J.K. Patra, Y.D. Singh, M.K. Panda, G. Das, et al.
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Journal: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021, Article ID 3687700
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Citations: 226
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Summary:
The article reviews the application of paclitaxel, a well-known chemotherapeutic agent, in oncology and its integration into nanomedicine. It discusses formulations like liposomes and nanoparticles that enhance drug delivery and reduce toxicity, along with recent advances in targeted cancer therapy.
Conclusion
Prof. Szopa’s research career is marked by innovation, global collaboration, and tangible impact on pharmaceutical and botanical sciences. Her pioneering work in natural compounds, combined with her academic leadership and mentorship, make her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She not only advances science but also inspires and builds the future of the research community.