Agnieszka Zienkiewicz

Agnieszka Zienkiewicz is an Associate Professor at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and Vice Director of NCU’s Institute of Advanced Studies. Her research focuses on the biological functions of plant and algal lipids, with particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid synthesis, degradation, and cellular dynamics.

She leads interdisciplinary research projects integrating molecular biology, plant physiology, algal biotechnology, and sustainable bioengineering. Her work combines fundamental plant biology with innovative biotechnological applications, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and internationalization.

Her scientific contributions have significantly advanced current understanding of triacylglycerol biosynthesis, lipid droplet dynamics, membrane remodelling, stress signalling, and autophagy-related processes in plants and microalgae. These studies have resulted in publications in internationally recognized journals, including Science, Plant Physiology, The Plant Cell and New Phytologist. Her scientific output includes more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and has achieved substantial international visibility and impact.