From September 11-14, 2025, PTSF members participated in the 9th Congress of the Polish Pharmaceutical Students' Society in Warsaw. During this time, we summarized the Association's work in the 2024/2025 academic year, attended engaging lectures and workshops, and recognized the scientific work of our members. We invite you to read the report from this event!
The PTSF Congress is the most important event for our Organization. During this time, we summarize the Association's work during the current academic year, bid farewell to the old and welcome the new Executive Board, and recognize the work of the 13 PTSF Branches and the scientific activities of our Organization's members.
The event, organized by the Warsaw Branch of the Polish Society of Social Sciences and psychiatry (PTSF), attracted over 170 people who visited the Medical Simulation Center of the Medical University of Warsaw and the Educational Center of the Medical University of Warsaw. This year's theme was "Microbiota – the goal of modern pharmacotherapy.".
Microbiota, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms that inhabit our bodies, plays a crucial role in maintaining health and in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Year after year, it is becoming a crucial point of reference in research on new therapeutic strategies.
The Congress focused on:
- probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and FMT,
- the influence of microbiota on drug metabolism and therapy effectiveness,
- the role of the microbiome in chronic, metabolic and mental diseases,
- the potential of personalized pharmacotherapy based on the microbiome.
On Thursday (September 11), the General Assembly of Delegates took place, where we summarized the ending academic year. In the evening, we had the opportunity to socialize together. After arriving in Warsaw and quickly changing into our uniforms, participants gathered for their first social gathering, with an international theme—as befits the capital. A costume contest offered prizes for the most creative participants.
On Friday (September 12), scientific competitions were held – Scientific Papers Competition (KPN) and Scientific Poster Session (SPN). During the competition, we were able to familiarize ourselves with the research results of our members and learn about the latest achievements in the world of science. This year, the competition committees faced the exceptionally difficult task of selecting the best.
The following stood on the podium of the Scientific Papers Competition:
1st place: Szymon Zinczuk
2nd place: Weronika Zaręba
3rd place: Patrycja Krypel
The winners of the Scientists Poster Session were:
1st place: Aleksandra Łuczyńska
2nd place: Dominika Rutkowska
3rd place: Jolanta Dudzikowska
Following this incredibly informative session, participants had the opportunity to participate in practical workshops. These focused on topics such as developing language skills in a scientific context and the practical role of pharmacists in hospital work.
The second day of the congress ended with integration in the dormitory where the event participants stayed overnight.
Saturday was a day of lectures. Participants had the pleasure of listening to three very valuable lectures. The first lecture was led by Prof. Dr. hab. Jakub Piwowarski - topic: „"A modern approach to microbiota in pharmacotherapy"”. It helped participants understand the interactions between microbiota and medications, and presented new opportunities for optimizing therapy, minimizing side effects, and improving patients' overall health. The second lecture, „"Antibiotic therapy and probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and postbiotics – what does the research say?"”, was led by Dr. hab. Magdalena Skarżyńska. The speaker discussed current guidelines and the latest scientific reports on the use of antibiotics and supporting the gut microbiota with probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics. The third lecture was delivered by Dr. Natasza Piaseczna titled: "„Emotions from the Gut: How Psychobiotics Affect the Brain and Psyche”. The lecture focused on the relationship between microbiota and the gut-brain axis. During coffee breaks, participants could visit the Partners' stands, exchange experiences, and participate in competitions they organized.
The Congress culminated in a ceremonial Gala, summing up the three days of the conference. It also marked the farewell of the outgoing General Board and the PTSF National Coordinators for the 2024/25 term.
During the gala, awards were also presented for PTSF activity. Primus Inter Pares awarded Daria Jagiełło from PTSF Wrocław. The title of the most active branch went to PTSF UJ CM Kraków Branch. The best Local Exchange Officer was Bartosz Malinowski with PTSF Warsaw, and the most active soft skills trainer Julia Kasprowicz from PTSF Gdańsk. Congratulations to the winners!
The 9th PTSF Congress is now history. We returned home with memories that will remain with us for a long time. We extend our heartfelt thanks. PTSF Warsaw for organizing the entire event. Special thanks go to the Partners of the 9th PTSF Congress, without whom this event would not have taken place:
Event Supporting Partners: Essity, Cosmedica.
Event Partners: Biowen, Gemini Polska, Aptekarska Szkoła Zarządzania (Grupa Neuca), Super-Pharm, Apteka od Serca, DOZ SA, Grupa farmacja.net and IQVIA Business with the Strefa Żołtodzioba project, Johnson & Johnson, Salveo Poland and the MyPharmaSpace application, pharmedio.pl, Pharmaceris, Księgarnia MedPharm Polska, Colfarm, Sanprobi, Robico.
We also extend our immense gratitude to our Honorary Patrons and Media Patrons for their support and trust. 👏🏻
Honorary Patrons: Medical University of Warsaw, Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical University of Warsaw, Mayor of the Capital City of Warsaw, District Pharmaceutical Chamber in Warsaw, Polish Society of Microbiologists, Supreme Pharmaceutical Chamber, Medical Research Agency, Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw, Museum of the History of Medicine of the Medical University of Warsaw, Student Government of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical University of Warsaw.
Media Patrons: rynekzdrowia.pl, GdziePoLek, Academic Forum, Practical Medicine, farmacja.net and IQVIA business, Rookie Zone, pharmedio.pl, dlastudenta.pl, sklepurz.pl.
We would like to thank all participants for their active participation and extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire Organizing Committee for their work, and above all to the event coordinators!
Author: Agnieszka Rola
