The laboratory of the Max Planck Society (MPG) to conduct research into the molecular biology of plants. is being established at the Jagiellonian University. The project is a result of cooperation between the Max Planck Society, the JU Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology and the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB).  "The delegation of the Max Planck Society visited our Faculty when they toured Poland in search of a place to establish their laboratory. They chose us because we are the best", said Prof. Kazimierz Strzałka from the JU Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, the Head of the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology.

On 26 July 2011 a special meeting was held in Collegium Novidvorscianum of the Jagiellonian University. Among the participants were the Head of the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology,  Prof. Kazimierz Strzałka, the representative of the Max Planck Institute, Roosa Laitinen, PhD, and the Rector of the JU, Prof. Karol Musioł. Roosa Laitinen, who comes from Finland, has been chosen the head of the new laboratory of the Max Planck Society. She has studied biology and philosophy and has been one of the youngest doctoral title holders at the University of Helsinki. Since July 1 she has been in Krakow, assembling the future research group and learning the Polish language.

The German Max Planck Society is one of the most prestigious scientific organizations in the world. "We are honoured and pleased, but also aware of the hard work of the people thanks to whom this laboratory is being created at the Jagiellonian University", said the Rector of the JU Prof. Karol Musioł.

The head of the laboratory was chosen according to the procedures which have functioned in Germany for many years. The competition was advertised in the prestigious scientific journals, including Nature and Science. "A few dozen candidates took part in the competition. We selected three of them and in January 2011 interviewed them at the special selection symposium held at our Faculty. Doctor Roosa Laitinen won by unanimous decision. Our goal was to choose the perfect person. Simply the best one would be insufficient. If we had not find such a candidate, we would renew the competition.  The Max Planck Society puts a lot of emphasis on the quality of research. The number of Noble Prize winners who have worked in Max Planck laboratories speaks for itself", said Prof. Kazimierz Strzałka.

The term of Roosa Laitinen as the head of the laboratory is five year long. Her task will be to form a research group and then obtain grants for the research. All publications of the group will be endorsed by the Max Planck Society, the JU Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology and the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology. "The work of Doctor Roosa Laitinen will be evaluated and if the results after four years are not satisfactory, the laboratory will be closed.

The Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology (MCB)is a joint project of the Jagiellonian University and the University of Agriculture to establish a common research centre whose task is to carry out research into various functions of living organisms, which will make the Polish biotechnological science more competitive and will further bridge the gap between science and economy. Thanks to the cooperation with the Max Planck Society, the Centre will largely improve its chances of gaining long-term grants from the European Union.

The person in the picture is Roosa Laitinen, PhD