A team of scientists from the Department of Physiology and Toxicology at Kazimierz Wielki University (UKW) actively participated in the 8th International Congress of the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA) in Venice, presenting a series of research findings on the composition of human milk and lactation. The conference also provided an opportunity for an important meeting within the EU-funded project IMAGINE-HMB.

From October 14–19, 2025, Dr. hab. Magdalena Twarużek, Professor at UKW, Dr. Elena Sinkiewicz-Darol, MD, and Dr. Katarzyna Łubiech from the Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, took part in the 8th International Congress organized by the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA), held in Venice, Italy.

During the conference, scientific posters were presented showcasing the results of research conducted at the Department of Physiology and Toxicology, including:

• Synbiotic properties of breast milk
  Łubiech, M. Twarużek, E. Sinkiewicz-Darol, D. Martysiak-Żurowska, B. Kusznierewicz
• Influence of Lactation Stage on Content of Neurotrophic Factors, Leptin, and Insulin in Human Milk
  Sinkiewicz-Darol, K. Łubiech, I. Adamczyk, M. Twarużek
• Evaluating Mycotoxin Exposure in Breastfeeding Mothers: The Case of Ochratoxin A
  Ropejko, M. Twarużek
• The Impact of Thyroid Disorders on the Hormonal Profile of Human Milk in a Population of Exclusively Breastfeeding Women
  Sinkiewicz-Darol, K. Łubiech, I. Adamczyk, E. Zastempowska, M. Tomczak, K. Szałkowski, I. Drążkowska, M. Twarużek
• Breastfeeding as a Right of the Mother and Child – Assessment of Perinatal Care in Poland
  Kołodziejczyk, D. Mrozowicz-Grodzka, A. Koronkiewicz-Wiórek, K. Łubiech, J. Biegańska, E. Grzelak-Kostulska
• Structural Changes of Human Milk During Simulated Infant Gastric Digestion: Impact on Nutrient Bioaccessibility and Implications for Infant Formula Design
  E. Kłosowska-Chomiczewska, G. Burakowska, P. Zmuda-Trzebiatowska, A. Kopanska, N. Szczygiel, A. Macierzanka, E. Sinkiewicz-Darol, K. Łubiech

The trip also included a meeting with partners of the IMAGINE-HMB project (IMAGINE-HMB Project Workshop). In connection with the introduction of new European Union regulations on Substances of Human Origin (SoHO) and the launch of the EU-funded IMAGINE-HMB project, implemented by the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA), a workshop was held to discuss collaboration and progress.

The initiative aims to develop standardized, evidence-based guidelines for ensuring the safety of nutrition for newborns and infants. In Poland, activities related to the implementation of SoHO regulations are carried out, among others, within the MILKNET project, led by researchers from the Department of Physiology and Toxicology. The meeting aimed to establish best practices and determine future directions for regional cooperation.

The conference also offered an opportunity to strengthen international collaborations with other research centers and scientists working on human milk composition and lactation. Participation in the event allowed the team to expand their knowledge and gain valuable new experience.