Agata Kołodziejczyk | Microgravity Research | Best Paper Award

Published on by Applied Scientist

Dr. Agata Kołodziejczyk | Microgravity Research | Best Paper Award

AGH University of Kraków | Poland

Dr. Agata Maria Kołodziejczyk is a distinguished neurobiologist and space life sciences researcher whose interdisciplinary expertise integrates neurobiology, astrobiology, and space technology. She earned her Ph.D. in Neurobiology from the University of Stockholm and has since become a leading innovator in bioastronautics and analog space research. Currently, Dr. Agata Maria Kołodziejczyk leads the Bioastronautics Group–Habitat at the Faculty of Space Technologies, AGH University of Krakow, where she develops advanced laboratories focused on studying biological responses to microgravity, radiation, and other space-like conditions. Her research encompasses plant physiology under microgravity, microbial adaptation in stratospheric environments, the development of biomaterials such as bacterial cellulose for radiation shielding, and human physiological responses during simulated space missions. A recipient of the prestigious FNP Rojszczak Prize for combining biology with astronomy, she has also been recognized as a three-time first-prize winner in the Global Space Balloon Challenge for pioneering astrobiological experiments conducted in the stratosphere. Dr. Agata Maria Kołodziejczyk’s contributions include high-impact publications in Food Chemistry, Cellulose, Applied Sciences, and European Journal of Applied Physiology. Beyond academia, she is the founder and co-owner of the Analog Astronaut Training Center in Rzepiennik Strzyżewski—the first analog space base simulator in Poland—where she trains analog astronauts and space professionals. Through her visionary research and leadership, Dr. Agata Maria Kołodziejczyk is shaping the future of space biology, sustainable life-support systems, and human adaptation for long-duration missions beyond Earth.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Markiewicz, M., Galanty, A., Kołodziejczyk, A. M., Żmudzki, P., Prochownik, E., Zagrodzki, P., & Paśko, P. (2025). Bioactive compounds accumulation in Brassica sprouts grown under microgravity and darkness: A novel approach to functional foods. Food Chemistry, 145324.

  • Markiewicz, M., Galanty, A., Prochownik, E., Kołodziejczyk, A. M., & Paśko, P. (2025). Innovative production of bioactive white clover sprouts under microgravity: Towards functional foods supporting prostate health. Applied Sciences, 15(21), 11668.

  • Kołodziejczyk, A. M., Lewandowski, M., Nawrot, A., & Sobota, I. (2025). Polar stations as testing platforms for space analogue simulations: Case study for Polish potential. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, 57(1).

  • Kołodziejczyk, A. M., Silarski, M., Kaczmarek, M., Harasymczuk, M., Dziedzic-Kocurek, K., & Uhl, T. (2024). Shielding properties of the kombucha-derived bacterial cellulose. Cellulose, 32(12), 1–15.

  • Giacon, T. A., Mrakic-Sposta, S., Bosco, G., Vezzoli, A., Dellanoce, C., Campisi, M., Narici, M., Paganini, M., Foing, B., Martinelli, M., & Kołodziejczyk, A. M. (2024). Environmental study and stress-related biomarkers modifications in a crew during analog astronaut mission EMMPOL 6. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 124(10), 2231–2245.