TABMED 2026 projects
The main component of the summer program is an active participation in the selected medical and pharmaceutical research project offered by the staff members of the Collegium Medicum, please see the topics and their descriptions below. Interested students are welcome to contact possible advisors for more details concerning the foreseen projects and discuss the dates that the project could be undertaken.Laboratory Medicine, Medicine, Pharmacy:
- Silybin A in platelet-free plasma: ROTEM-based characterisation of fibrin clot formation kinetics and mechanical strength
- Silybin B in platelet-free plasma: ROTEM-derived viscoelastic signatures of coagulation initiation, fibrin build-up, and clot stability
- Silychristin and fibrinolysis challenge in platelet-free plasma: ROTEM evaluation of clot formation, firmness, and susceptibility to lysis
Pharmacy:
- Multielemental characterization of selected adaptogenic Astragalus species using ED-XRF analysis
- Impact of cancer and therapy on the multielemental profile of mouse liver
Pharmaceutical Sciences:
- Phytochemical investigations and evaluation of the phytopharmacological potential of the herb of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino
- Phytochemical investigations and evaluation of the phytopharmacological potential of the root and herb of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.
Health Sciences:
- Assessment of the usefulness of selected tests as complementary elements in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Eye-tracking investigation of visual attention and cognitive processing in cancer prevention communication
- Development and eye-tracking evaluation of Easy-to-Read cancer prevention materials: toward cognitively accessible medical communication
- Eye-tracking metrics as objective indicators of cognitive load in cancer prevention communication: data analysis and scientific reporting
Silybin A in platelet-free plasma: ROTEM-based characterisation of fibrin clot formation kinetics and mechanical strength
Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) enables global, real-time assessment of viscoelastic clot development and clot dissolution. This internship will use a plasma-adapted ROTEM workflow (recalcified platelet-free human plasma) supplemented ex vivo with defined concentrations of silybin A to determine its effects on fibrin-driven hemostatic performance. The project will quantify concentration-dependent shifts in ROTEM parameters describing clot initiation and propagation (e.g., CT, CFT, alpha angle), clot mechanical strength (e.g., A5/A10/A20, MCF), and clot stability/lysis dynamics (e.g., LI30/LI60, ML), using a standardised trigger strategy and rigorous quality control. The student will perform the full experimental pipeline and deliver a structured dataset with statistical comparison to vehicle controls and exploratory modelling of concentration–effect relationships.
| Supervisor: | Associate Professor Artur Słomka, PhD (artur.slomka[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | laboratory medicine, medicine, pharmacy |
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Silybin B in platelet-free plasma: ROTEM-derived viscoelastic signatures of coagulation initiation, fibrin build-up, and clot stability
This project focuses on silybin B, the diastereomeric counterpart of silybin A, with the objective of establishing its plasma-level viscoelastic “fingerprint” using ROTEM only. Platelet-free human plasma will be spiked ex vivo with silybin B across a predefined concentration range and assessed with a plasma-adapted ROTEM protocol to capture changes in coagulation onset, rate of fibrin clot formation, maximum clot firmness, and clot resistance to breakdown. The primary endpoints will be ROTEM parameters reflecting initiation and propagation (CT, CFT, alpha angle), early and maximal clot amplitude (A5/A10/A20, MCF), and lysis-related metrics (LI30/LI60, ML), enabling direct comparison to silybin A under harmonised experimental conditions. The internship outcome will be a diastereomer-resolved ROTEM dataset suitable for an abstract or short manuscript draft.
| Supervisor: | Associate Professor Artur Słomka, PhD (artur.slomka[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | laboratory medicine, medicine, pharmacy |
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Silychristin and fibrinolysis challenge in platelet-free plasma: ROTEM evaluation of clot formation, firmness, and susceptibility to lysis
The aim of this internship is to determine whether silychristin modulates fibrin clot formation and clot breakdown in platelet-free plasma as captured by ROTEM, with a particular emphasis on lysis dynamics. Using a plasma-adapted ROTEM protocol, the study will compare baseline clot formation profiles with a standardised fibrinolysis-challenge condition (e.g., a controlled pro-fibrinolytic trigger within the ROTEM workflow) to quantify the impact of silychristin on clot stability and time-dependent loss of clot firmness. Key readouts will include initiation/propagation indices (CT, CFT, alpha angle), clot firmness metrics (A5/A10/A20, MCF), and lysis endpoints (LI30/LI60, ML), analysed as concentration–response relationships and summarised as mechanistically interpretable viscoelastic patterns. The student will independently conduct ROTEM measurements and data analysis, culminating in a concise technical report.
| Supervisor: | Associate Professor Artur Słomka, PhD (artur.slomka[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | laboratory medicine, medicine, pharmacy |
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Multielemental characterization of selected adaptogenic Astragalus species using ED-XRF analysis
Aims: The project aims to analyze the multielement composition of herbal and root extracts of three Astragalus species (Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus cicer, and Astragalus glycyphyllos) using Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF). By identifying and quantifying macro- and micro-elements, the study will provide a comparative characterization of these species and evaluate differences between plant parts.
Plants of the genus Astragalus are widely recognized for their medicinal properties, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic effects. These biological activities are primarily attributed to bioactive organic compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. However, trace and macro-elements present in plant material may also contribute to their pharmacological properties or influence their safety profile. The elemental composition of medicinal plants may reflect environmental conditions, soil characteristics, and the plant’s specific uptake capacity.
Therefore, this project is important not only for the characterization and comparison of selected Astragalus species but also for assessing their potential health relevance, quality, and safety.
Tasks:
- Analysis of literature data concerning the pharmacological properties and elemental composition of selected Astragalus species.
- Development of qualitative and quantitative methods for elemental analysis of plant extracts using ED-XRF.
- Preparation and analysis of herbal and root extracts of the studied species.
- Statistical comparison of the obtained results.
- Interpretation of the results and formulation of conclusions.
| Supervisor: | Agata Światły-Błaszkiewicz, PhD (agata.swiatly-blaszkiewicz[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | pharmacy |
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Impact of cancer and therapy on the multielemental profile of mouse liver
Aims: The project aims to analyze the multielement composition of liver tissue from healthy mice and mice with malignant tumors, considering the influence of administered therapy, using Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF). By identifying and quantifying macro- and trace elements, the study will provide insights into how malignancy and pharmacological treatment affect hepatic elemental homeostasis.
The liver is a central organ in metabolism, detoxification, and drug biotransformation, making it particularly relevant for studying changes in elemental composition induced by cancer and treatment. Alterations in the hepatic elemental profile can reflect oxidative stress, metabolic shifts, and the organ’s response to pharmacological agents, and may also offer indirect information on tumor metabolism and drug action. Understanding these changes is essential for evaluating treatment effects, potential toxicity, and physiological adaptations in cancer.
Tasks:
- Analysis of literature concerning elemental changes in liver tissue under cancer and drug treatment.
- Development and optimization of methods for qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis of lyophilized liver samples using ED-XRF.
- Preparation and analysis of liver samples from healthy and tumor-bearing mice under different treatment conditions.
- Statistical comparison of elemental profiles between groups to identify disease- and treatment-related differences.
- Interpretation of results and formulation of conclusions regarding the impact of malignancy and therapy onhepatic elemental composition, with potential implications for tumor metabolism and drug effects.
| Supervisor: | Agata Światły-Błaszkiewicz, PhD (agata.swiatly-blaszkiewicz[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | pharmacy |
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Phytochemical investigations and evaluation of the phytopharmacological potential of the herb of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino
Research objectives: The primary aim of the project is to investigate the phytochemical composition of the aerial parts of Gynostemma pentaphyllum and to assess their selected in vitro biological activities. The study will compare the qualitative and quantitative profiles of bioactive constituents in both plant materials and evaluate their antioxidant potential as well as their possible enzyme-inhibitory effects.
Research tasks:
- Preparation of plant extracts from the herb using appropriate extraction methods.
- Phytochemical screening with determination of total phenolics and flavonoids, combined with HPLC or TLC profiling of major secondary metabolites.
- Evaluation of antioxidant activity using selected in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and O2●-).
- Evaluation of enzyme inhibition activity related to diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and Alzheimer's disease (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase).
The project is expected to provide comprehensive comparative data on the phytochemical composition of the herb of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, including qualitative and quantitative differences in major groups of bioactive compounds. The study should identify key secondary metabolites responsible for the observed biological activities and establish chromatographic fingerprints useful for quality assessment. The results are anticipated to demonstrate the antioxidant capacity of both plant materials and to determine their inhibitory effects on enzymes associated with diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
| Supervisor: | Jakub Gębalski, PhD (jakub.gebalski[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | Pharmaceutical sciences / pharmacognosy and natural drugs |
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Phytochemical investigations and evaluation of the phytopharmacological potential of the root and herb of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.
Research objectives: The main objective of the project is to characterize the phytochemical profile of the root and aerial parts of Codonopsis pilosula and to evaluate their selected biological activities in vitro. The study aims to compare the qualitative and quantitative composition of bioactive compounds present in both plant materials and to determine their potential antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory properties.
Research tasks:
- Preparation of plant extracts from the root and herb using appropriate extraction methods.
- Phytochemical screening with determination of total phenolics and flavonoids, combined with HPLC or TLC profiling of major secondary metabolites.
- Evaluation of antioxidant activity using selected in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and O2●-).
- Evaluation of enzyme inhibition activity related to diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and Alzheimer’s disease (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase).
The project is expected to provide comprehensive comparative data on the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition of the root and herb of Codonopsis pilosula, including the content of major groups of secondary metabolites. It will determine and compare their antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory potential related to diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The results should identify the plant part with higher biological activity, indicate correlations between chemical composition and observed effects, and support the evaluation of their pharmacological relevance and potential application in phytotherapy.
| Supervisor: | Jakub Gębalski, PhD (jakub.gebalski[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | Pharmaceutical sciences / pharmacognosy and natural drugs |
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Assessment of the usefulness of selected tests as complementary elements in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome
The aim of the study will be to assess whether selected diagnostic methods can be used as an element extending the assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome therapy. Methods such as thermography, ultrasound examination, myotonometry, superficial electromyography and pressure pain threshold (PPT) assessment using a dolorymetric adapter for a hand dynamometer will be tested. The results of the measurements will be analysed for correlation with the previously obtained electroneurographic test results.
The research tasks of the project participant will include active participation in the examination of patients, performing tests such as thermography, myotonometry, superficial electromyography, assessment of the pressure pain threshold before and after physiotherapy intervention, and recording the results obtained.
| Supervisors: | Wojciech Smuczyński, PhD (w.smuczynski[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Agnieszka Radzimińska, PhD | |
| Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | Health Sciences – physiotherapy |
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Eye-tracking investigation of visual attention and cognitive processing in cancer prevention communication
Effective cancer prevention relies heavily on the successful communication of complex medical information to diverse populations. However, prevention materials often impose substantial cognitive and perceptual demands on readers, potentially limiting their effectiveness. Eye tracking provides a robust, objective methodology for examining attentional allocation and cognitive processing during reading.
The aim of this project is to investigate the visual processing and attentional patterns associated with cancer prevention materials using eye-tracking methodology.
Interns will be actively involved in the full research process, including: critical analysis of cancer prevention and screening communication materials, experimental design and stimulus preparation, implementation of an eye-tracking protocol, collection of behavioural and eye-movement data, analysis of key eye-tracking metrics, interpretation of findings within theoretical frameworks of cognitive processing and medical communication.
This project will contribute to a deeper understanding of how individuals visually process cancer prevention information and will provide evidence for improving the effectiveness of health communication.
| Supervisor: | Oliwia Kowalczyk, PhD (oliwia.kowalczyk[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | Health Sciences |
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Development and eye-tracking evaluation of Easy-to-Read cancer prevention materials: toward cognitively accessible medical communication
Accessible health communication is essential for reducing health inequalities. Easy-to-Read (E2R) approaches aim to reduce cognitive load and improve comprehension, yet objective evidence regarding their perceptual and cognitive processing remains limited. Eye tracking offers a powerful tool to evaluate the cognitive accessibility of medical texts.
The aim of this project is to develop Easy-to-Read adaptations of cancer prevention materials and evaluate their cognitive and perceptual processing using eye-tracking methodology.
Interns will participate in: systematic adaptation of cancer prevention materials into Easy-to-Read formats, application of evidence-based principles of accessible communication, experimental comparison between standard and Easy-to-Read materials, eye-tracking data acquisition, quantitative analysis of eye-movement parameters reflecting cognitive load and processing efficiency, interpretation of findings in the context of cognitive accessibility and inclusive health communication. This project will contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for cognitively accessible cancer prevention communication.
| Supervisor: | Oliwia Kowalczyk, PhD (oliwia.kowalczyk[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | Health Sciences |
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Eye-tracking metrics as objective indicators of cognitive load in cancer prevention communication: data analysis and scientific reporting
Eye tracking provides objective and fine-grained measures of visual attention and cognitive processing, offering valuable insights into how individuals interact with medical information. Quantitative analysis and proper interpretation of eye-tracking data are essential for advancing evidence-based health communication and translating experimental findings into scientific knowledge. The aim of this project is to analyse eye-tracking data collected during the evaluation of cancer prevention materials and to interpret the results within the framework of cognitive processing and medical communication research.
Interns will be actively involved in the scientific data processing and reporting phase of the research project. Their tasks will include: systematic review of scientific literature on eye tracking in health communication, readability, and cancer prevention, preparation and organisation of eye-tracking datasets for analysis, extraction and analysis of key eye-tracking metrics, generation of visual representations of eye-tracking data, including heatmaps and gaze plots, interpretation of findings in the context of cognitive load, information processing, and accessibility of medical communication, participation in the preparation of scientific materials, including figures, result summaries, and preliminary scientific reporting.
The intern will work closely with students involved in experimental design and data collection, contributing to the integration of experimental and analytical components of the research. This project will provide hands-on experience in eye-tracking data analysis and scientific research preparation and will contribute to ongoing research on improving the effectiveness and accessibility of cancer prevention communication.
| Supervisor: | Oliwia Kowalczyk, PhD (oliwia.kowalczyk[at]cm.umk.pl) |
| Department of Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences | |
| Internship period: | August 2026 |
| Scientific discipline: | Health Sciences |
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