1ST CONGRESS
OF THE POLISH SOCIETY OF NEURO-ONCOLOGY (PTNO)
Bydgoszcz 09-10 stycznia 2026
ul. Grodzka 36,
85-109 Bydgoszcz
January 9–10, 2026 marked a special moment in the history of Polish neuro-oncology.
On these days, Bydgoszcz hosted the 1st Founding Congress of the Polish Society of Neuro-Oncology (PTNO). The event was attended by 160 participants, including representatives of basic sciences and clinicians from various centers in Poland and abroad. The Congress was opened by the President of PTNO, Prof. Marek Harat, and the opening session featured lectures by two distinguished Polish scientists working in the United States: Prof. Maciej Mrugała and Prof. Waldemar Priebe.
We were also honored by the presence of the Honorary Patrons of the event: Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship; Rafał Bruski, Mayor of Bydgoszcz; Prof. Marek Adamski, Rector of the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology; and Prof. Janusz Kowalewski, Director of the Oncology Center in Bydgoszcz (the Society’s headquarters).
Over the course of two days, more than 50 lectures dedicated to tumors of the central nervous system were delivered. The high scientific level of the meeting was reflected in lively discussions and an intensive exchange of experience, often continuing beyond the lecture hall.
We hope that this interdisciplinary meeting will mark the beginning of many joint research projects and further fruitful collaboration.
Thank you for your participation,
The Organizing Committee of the PTNO Congress
Bydgoszcz 2026
Honorary Patrons of the Congress
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to invite all those interested in neuro-oncology to the First Founding Congress of the Polish Society of Neuro-Oncology, which will take place on January 8–9, 2026, in Bydgoszcz.
The Society was officially registered in July 2025, and its operational principles were discussed during the Founding Group meeting held in May 2025 in Bydgoszcz. These principles are included in the Society’s statute; however, the practical framework for our activities will be developed during the General Assembly of Members, which will take place during the Congress.
During the General Assembly, members will also elect the new governing bodies of the Polish Society of Neuro-Oncology — the President, who will lead the Society for the next two years, and the Board members, whose term will last four years. I encourage everyone not to miss this opportunity to share ideas for the Society’s future direction and to present them at the Assembly.
Our Society will become what its members make it — through their energy and commitment.
The First Congress is intended as a review of the people and fields of research that shape Polish neuro-oncology. I hope it will bring together everyone in Poland who conducts research on tumors of the central nervous system. The topics of the Congress are open to anyone wishing to present their work — both completed studies and ongoing or planned research projects.
This meeting will allow us to get to know one another and establish collaborations so that future research can be planned and carried out in the most effective way possible under Polish conditions. I would like the sessions to take the form of presentations followed by short discussions, or workshops, where research ideas can be presented, analyzed in depth, and refined together. We will assess whether this format proves useful and helps in preparing high-quality research projects.
Distinguished Polish scientists in the field of neuro-oncology — conducting their research in some of the world’s most prestigious scientific and oncological centers — have already confirmed their participation. This will be an excellent opportunity to gain inspiration and establish new collaborations.
After the scientific sessions, we will have the chance to enjoy jazz music, build friendships, and exchange ideas informally — about research, work, and life itself.
The Congress is co-organized by the Neuro-Oncology Section of the Polish Society of Neurosurgeons and the Radiosurgery Section of the Polish Society of Radiation Oncology, and it is held under the patronage of Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, and Rafał Bruski, Mayor of Bydgoszcz.
I look forward to welcoming you to Bydgoszcz.
Marek Harat
President of the Polish Society of Neuro-Oncology
Polish Society of Neuro-Oncology
based at the Franciszek Łukaszczyk Oncology Center
ul. dr Izabeli Romanowskiej 2, 85-796 Bydgoszcz
