European network for advancing nervous system health through glia integration and innovation at CeNT

03 06 2026

Dr. Łukasz Szewczyk from the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Center for New Technologies at the University of Warsaw and Dr. Anna Malik from the Faculty of Biology at the University of Warsaw will participate in the newly funded COST Action EU-GLIA – European network for advancing nervous system health through glia integration and innovation. The goal of the initiative is to create a pan-European collaboration network connecting researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and patient organizations interested in the role of glial cells in the functioning of the nervous system and brain diseases. Dr. Łukasz Szewczyk and Dr. Anna Malik also participated in the preparation of the project proposal.

EU-GLIA will focus on integrating various areas of glial research—from basic research, through clinical and technological research, to translational research. The action plan includes, among other things, the development of common methodological standards, the exchange of protocols and analytical tools, training for young researchers, short-term research visits, and activities to raise awareness of the importance of the glia in the health and diseases of the nervous system. COST experts particularly highly rated the project’s structure, which includes six working groups, a clear timeline of activities, and concrete results planned within the four-year action.

COST actions primarily fund the creation and development of international scientific collaboration networks. The participation of researchers from the University of Warsaw in EU-GLIA strengthens the University of Warsaw’s position as a major center for research on glial cell biology and their role in brain function.