Local Information
About Krakow
Krakow is the former capital of Poland, residence of Polish kings and the seat of the oldest university in Central Europe. The city was fortunately not destroyed during its volatile history and today competes with some of the most beautiful European cities. The medieval old town, which is on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites, is the dynamic heart of Krakow, buzzing with students, residents and tourists from all over the world. The key points of interest are the main Market Square – the largest medieval square in Europe, Royal Castle Wawel, Collegium Maius of Jagiellonian University, the Cloth Hall, the old Jewish district of Kazimierz and many more.
Krakow is also a modern metropolis with 1 million inhabitants. It is a vibrant academic centre with more than 200,000 students studying in over 20 higher education institutions and universities, and also has a vigorous new technologies and life sciences centre. It is Poland’s second business centre after the capital Warsaw and home to many international corporations.
Biotechnology in Krakow and Poland
Krakow is a well-recognized scientific center not only in Poland but internationally as well. There is a strong desire in the Region to foster collaboration between science and industry and to support innovative programs and projects that harness the potential of the region. Krakow holds first place in the country in terms of quality of human resources.
Poland has a long and proven record of experience in hosting international life science research: discovery and application of prostacycline, anti-melanoma vaccine cell therapy for mayocardial infarction, microbial cellulose and molecular diagnosis of cancer are just some of the most well-known examples.
- 13% of the total number of scientists in Poland are employed in 30 R&D institutions and 32 universities or school of higher education
- 5 universities and 10 R&D institutions are involved in life sciences - the LifeScience Technology Park and Bioincubator (JCI), Malopolska Biotechnology Center (MCB), Medical Technology Park (CTTMPT).
- over 3700 scientists work in the field of life sciences, incl. over 600 professors and over 2000 PhDs
- 13 of the 30 most often cited scientists in this field are from Krakow and 8 of them are from the Jagiellonian University
- over 200,000 students study in Malopolska, which is more than 10 % of the total number in Poland.
- 16 000 study in the field of life sciences.
A number of universities and science institutes located in Krakow are active in research and development; this includes not only the oldest and the most prestigious in Poland — Jagiellonian University (est. 1364) together with its Collegium Medicum — but also University of Agriculture or University of Science and Technology followed by independent Pharmacology, Nuclear Physics or Animal Production national institutes.
Krakow is a well-recognized scientific center not only in Poland but internationally as well. There is a strong desire in the Region to foster collaboration between science and industry and to support innovative programs and projects that harness the potential of the region.
Venue
The Congress will take place at EXPO Krakow, a brand new purpose-built congress and exhibition centre located just outside of the city centre. For more information please visit the venue website.
