Practical use of data

As Dr Marcin Słomka explains, the data collected in the Biobank allows us to understand why some people develop specific diseases and others do not. Together with the Copernicus Memorial Hospital in Lodz, scientists are conducting research that, through genetic and bioinformatic analysis, can help detect cancers earlier and assess their risk even before the symptoms appear.

A new look at population health

The episode also showcases a pilot population-based research project in Aleksandrów Łódzki, which aims to assess residents' quality of life and analyse the impact of genetic, environmental and social factors on health. It's one of the few projects in Poland that involves long-term follow-up of participants.

Inspiration from Estonia

The film also features the example of Estonia – a country that has demonstrated that even a small country can become a powerhouse in biobanking and personalised medicine. Over 20% of Estonians have donated their samples for research, and the data is used in healthcare and disease prevention.

The series about the University of Lodz Biobank is a story about science taking place here and now – in laboratories, but also in dialogue with society. It shows that each of us can contribute to the development of medicine of the future.

This is the fourth and final episode of the series – all of them can be viewed on the Science Inspires channel on YouTube.

The project is co-financed from the state budget by the Minister of Science and Higher Education under the "Social Responsibility of Science II" programme. 

Edit: Małgorzata Jasińska