Dr Justyna Topa, a researcher in the Immune Memory and Cell Reprogramming Group led by Dr. hab. Wojciech Siwek, has been awarded the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) Gdańsk Branch Award for Young Scientists for the best original research publication of 2025 in the field of medical sciences.
The award was granted for her publication entitled “Characterizing epithelial-mesenchymal transition-linked heterogeneity in breast cancer circulating tumor cells at a single-cell level,” which focuses on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in breast cancer. These cells play a critical role in the development of metastases, one of the greatest challenges in modern oncology and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality.
Dr. Topa’s research investigates the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), through which cancer cells acquire the ability to migrate through the bloodstream and establish secondary tumors in distant organs. A better understanding of these mechanisms may contribute to the development of more effective approaches for cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment.
“This award is a recognition of several years of work devoted to my doctoral research. The awarded publication represents the most important and independent part of my PhD project. It required analytical thinking, dedication, and a great deal of energy. I am very pleased that my work has been recognized. This distinction is also a tremendous motivation to continue my research and further develop my scientific career,” said Dr. Topa.
This is another significant achievement for Dr. Topa in 2026. Earlier this year, she received the Special Rector’s Award “I include Gender in Research” for the highest-rated doctoral dissertation in the natural sciences category. The award recognized her PhD thesis, “The clinical and biological significance of circulating tumour cells with different epithelial-mesenchymal phenotypes in breast cancer patients” conducted under the supervision of Prof. Anna Żaczek.
The latest distinction highlights the high quality of research conducted by early-career scientists and underscores the importance of innovative cancer research for the future of medicine.
We warmly congratulate Dr. Justyna Topa on this prestigious award and wish her continued success in her scientific career and many future discoveries that will advance cancer research and improve patient outcomes.
Read the interview with Dr. Justyna Topa to learn more about her research and scientific journey:
