Prof. Krzysztof Pyrć, PhD, Executive MBA
Prof. Krzysztof Pyrć is a virologist, scientist, manager, and one of Poland’s leading experts in infectious diseases and biological security. Born in Kraków, he is a professor at the Jagiellonian University, where he heads the Virology Department, and since 2025 serves as President of the Foundation for Polish Science.
He graduated in molecular biology from the Jagiellonian University, earned his PhD in medical sciences from the University of Amsterdam, completed habilitation in virology, and received the title of Professor in 2019. He is also a graduate with distinction of the Executive MBA programme delivered by the Krakow University of Economics in partnership with EM Normandie Business School and AESE Business School, and completed the Leadership Academy for Poland.
He began his scientific career in the Netherlands, where he co-developed the VIDISCA method for identifying new biological threats and participated in the discovery of human coronavirus NL63—an achievement that significantly shaped his further scientific path. He later conducted research at the University of North Carolina and returned to Poland to build one of the country’s leading virology centers, including the development of Poland’s first research BSL3+ laboratory.
His research focuses on viruses posing major threats in the 21st century, including coronaviruses, influenza viruses, flaviviruses, and alphaviruses. His team combines molecular virology, structural biology, and advanced tissue models to study virus-host interactions and develop therapeutic solutions. His work has contributed to research underlying antiviral therapies, including COVID-19-related treatments, and to innovative translational solutions in both human and veterinary medicine.
Prof. Pyrć has published approximately 150 scientific papers in leading international journals such as Nature, Nature Medicine, Science Translational Medicine, PNAS, and Cell Chemical Biology. His work has been cited more than 15,000 times, and according to Elsevier rankings, he is among the top 2% most influential scientists globally.
Beyond science, he has extensive advisory and leadership experience. He has served as an advisor to the European Commission on SARS-CoV-2, the Polish Ministry of Health, the Prime Minister of Poland, and numerous national and international scientific institutions. He has also been active in the Polish Academy of Sciences, the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences, and multiple expert bodies focused on public health, climate change, and pandemic preparedness.
His managerial experience includes leading large scientific teams, research infrastructure, international consortia, commercial ventures, and strategic innovation projects. He also served as President of Acatavir, a biotech spin-off translating scientific discoveries into therapeutic applications.
Prof. Pyrć is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Hilary Koprowski Medal, the Polish Academy of Sciences’ Nicolaus Copernicus Medal, the City of Kraków Award, the Press Club Polska Award, and repeated recognition among the 100 most influential figures in Polish medicine.
He combines scientific excellence, strategic leadership, and public engagement, making him one of the most recognizable voices in European virology, innovation, and health security.
