On 9 November 2014, a symposium devoted to selecting the leader of the Max Planck Laboratory was held in Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology. 13 experts from the fields of neurobiology, biophysics and plant molecular biology participated in the session.

German representatives:

• Prof. Bill Hansson – Vice-President of the Max Planck Society
• Prof. Klaus Hahlbrock – the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research
• Prof. Herwig Baier – the Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology
• Prof. Thomas Braun – the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
• Prof. Jonathan Gershenzon – the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
• Dr. Mortiz Helmstaedter – the Max Planck Institute for Institute of Neurobiology
• Prof. Gerhard Hummer – the Max Planck Institute for Biophysics

Polish representatives:

• Prof. dr hab. Stanisław Kistryn – Vice-Rector for Research and Structural Funds
• Prof. dr hab. Kazimierz Strzałka – Director of the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology Project
• Prof. dr hab. Tadeusz Sarna – Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology
• Prof. dr hab. Tadeusz Marek – Faculty of Management and Social Communication, Head of the Neurobiology Department of the MCB
• Prof. dr hab. Katarzyna Turnau – Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences, Head of the Bioremediation Department
• Prof. dr hab. Ryszard Przewłocki – Polish Academy of Sciences Institute of Pharmacology

37 candidates from Europe, America and Asia have applied for the position. After conducting a teleconference, the selection committee has shortened the list to 7 candidates, who were invited to take part in the symposium. The meeting was opened by Prof.  dr hab. Stanisław Kistryn and Prof. Bill Hansson, who briefly presented the mission of the Max Planck Institute and future cooperation with the Jagiellonian University.

During the symposium, the candidates have presented the results of their latest research and their plans for the future. In the second part of the session, each candidate was interviewed for 15 minutes. The candidate chosen by the committee will sign a 5 year contract with the Jagiellonian University, which will provide a laboratory, staff and funds for further research.