Out of 708 applications, the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) selected 100 people for the first, training and mentoring phase of the LIDER UP programme. Among them is Dr Szymon Juchniewicz, PhD Eng., of the Wroclaw University of Economics and Business.
The qualification was based on the concept developed by Dr Szymon Juchniewicz, “NeuroPhysioFuelGel: Structurally designed emulgels for improving physical and metabolic-cognitive performance and recovery in sport and operational activities”. The project concerns advanced structures combining the properties of gels and emulsions, designed with specific technological and functional purposes in mind.
LIDER UP is a new formula of one of the longest-running programmes of the National Centre for Research and Development. Across the previous 15 editions of the LIDER programme, 643 leaders of original research projects received support, with total funding of almost PLN 830 million. The new edition more strongly combines the development of research competencies with preparation for the application and commercialisation of results.
A coherent research path
The research path of Dr Szymon Juchniewicz consistently focuses on designing the structure of food products. His doctoral dissertation addressed the cross-linking of reconstituted collagen and actomyosin gels containing glycosaminoglycans in a magnetic field.
His current research responds to one of the key challenges of modern food technology: how to design the composition and structure of a product so that it retains stability, the right texture and the desired properties. In his most recent work he investigates hydrogels, bigels and emulgels as the basis for new formulations, as well as ways of protecting sensitive ingredients against oxidation.
Dr Szymon Juchniewicz is also a member of the team representing the Department of Biotechnology and Food Analysis at WUEB, which carries out research within the WaterSmartFat project. This project, awarded first place in the Nestlé for Science programme, concerns the use of plant-based emulgels and oleogels in the design of food products and the analysis of their water footprint.
NeuroPhysioFuelGel takes this research line a step further. The starting point remains the precise design of product structure, while the area of potential application becomes sports nutrition, metabolic-cognitive performance and recovery.
From competencies to an implementation project
In the first phase of the programme, Dr Szymon Juchniewicz will complete an individual development plan comprising at least 36 hours of training and 10 hours of work with a mentor experienced in business and commercialisation. The programme covers, among other things, project management, research commercialisation, building research and start-up teams, marketing, business development and presenting research results.
Completing this phase will make it possible to submit an application to the project part of LIDER UP. Projects covering applied research and development work will be eligible for funding of up to PLN 2.5 million. The next phase of the programme provides for support for pre-implementation work.
The qualification of a WUEB researcher for the programme shows that the food technology competencies developed at the University can form the basis for competitive projects combining research, user needs and the potential for application in the economy.
