Advisory Board – BIO4PAK Project

Advisory Board Members

Anna Bąk

Business Development and Innovation Expert | Olewnik

Anna Bąk is a business development and innovation expert with extensive managerial experience at Olewnik, one of Poland’s leading food producers. She has played a key role in designing innovation processes, optimising operations, and implementing new technologies in large-scale manufacturing environments. Her expertise includes packaging strategy, product development, and process improvement across the food production value chain. As a member of the BIO4PAK Advisory Board, she provides industry insight into packaging requirements, regulatory frameworks, and market expectations, supporting the development of sustainable, bio-based, and circular packaging solutions that meet real-world needs.

Iwona Kieda

Head of Communications and International Affairs, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences

Iwona Kieda leads Communications and International Affairs at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences. She specialises in consumer-focused strategies that improve public understanding of research and innovation in the food value chain. As coordinator of education and public engagement initiatives supported by EIT Food, she emphasises stakeholder engagement and capacity building in food safety, healthy nutrition, and agri-food innovation. She also serves on the board of the Science and Society Association (SPIN), contributing to science communication and public dialogue.

Prof. Iwona Wagner

Professor, University of Łódź | UNESCO Chair in Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology

Prof. Iwona Wagner is an internationally recognised expert in urban ecohydrology, focusing on blue–green infrastructure, stormwater management, and climate change adaptation in cities. As a professor at the University of Łódź and a member of the UNESCO Chair in Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, she integrates scientific research with practical, implementation-oriented approaches. She collaborates with environmental consulting firms, including FPP Enviro, contributing to applied research and expert activities in nature-based solutions, water management, and climate resilience.

Dirk Wens

Managing Director, Reco2Bio | Founding President, Belgian BioPackaging Association

Dirk Wens is a Belgian expert in sustainable packaging and bioplastics with over 35 years of experience guiding companies toward recyclable, compostable, and bio-based solutions. As Managing Director of Reco2Bio and Founding President of the Belgian BioPackaging Association, he advances sustainable packaging practices across Europe. Dirk actively participates in industry and policy discussions on bioplastics and EU packaging regulations, contributing his expertise to shaping the future of sustainable materials.

Prof. Grzegorz Węgrzyn

Professor of Molecular Biology and Microbiology | Member of the European Academy of Microbiology

Prof. Grzegorz Węgrzyn is a distinguished Polish scientist and academic leader specialising in molecular biology and microbiology. His research focuses on bacterial genetics, gene regulation, and phage biology. He has held leadership roles, including Vice-Rector of the University of Gdańsk, and has significantly influenced research and higher education policy in Poland. As a member of the European Academy of Microbiology, an organisation of approximately 150 leading European microbiologists, he combines scientific achievement with extensive experience in academic management and research development.

Dr. Ewelina Wójcik

Global R&D Leader | Expert in Bacteriophage Technologies

Dr. Ewelina Wójcik is a global R&D leader and recognised expert in bacteriophages, with over 15 years of experience shaping scientific strategy and advancing phage-based technologies. She has led research programs and co-developed products such as BAFASAL®, BAFADOR®, BAFACOL®, and BAFACAM®, as well as proprietary technologies supporting animal health and responsible production. A specialist in microbiology and molecular genetics, she has co-authored 17 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to more than 30 patent applications.