Kazimierz Strzałka, Professor Emeritus of the Jagiellonian University Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology has been nominated as a foreign corresponding member of the Chilean Academy of Sciences, in recognition of his academic and personal achievements, as well as his successful research cooperation with South American scientists.
From 1997 to 2018 Prof. Strzałka headed the JU Department of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. In 1999-2002 he was the Head of the JU Institute of Molecular Biotechnology and later, during the following six years, the Dean of the JU Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology. From 2007 he presided over the Board of the JU Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology and then, until his retirement, served as the Director of the Centre.
Prof. Strzałka’s research interests comprise the assembly and functioning of photosynthetic apparatus, the impact of various factors on physical properties of thylakoids and model membranes, the process of oxygen secretion in photosynthesis, the functions of tocopherols and plastoquinone in photoprotective mechanisms, carotenoids and xanthophyll cycle, the impact of heavy metals on plants, as well as extremophiles and the mechanisms of their adaptation to stressful environmental conditions. He has published almost 250 research papers as well as several book chapters and delivered over 360 conference presentations (H index = 35).
It should also be noted that in 2015 Prof. Kazimierz Strzałka received Visita Distinguida medal from the University of Concepcion for his contribution to the development of research collaboration between the Jagiellonian University and this Chilean higher education institution.
