AGH University master’s student recognised by ASMS

Małgorzata Hopciaś carries out research on the influence of long-term morphine administration on the rat liver proteome. The analysis showed relatively permanent changes in the protein composition of this tissue. The results presented during the conference focused on the issue of addiction to opioids such as morphine, heroin, and fentanyl.

The impact of opioids on molecular changes in the structures of the central nervous system is studied by the Team for Biochemistry and Neurobiology of the Department of Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, that Małgorzata Hopciaś is part of. The results obtained by the team may be of significant importance for the development of personalised pharmacotherapy, particularly in the treatment of pain of various origins, addiction therapy, and the treatment of patients who abuse opioid analgesics. The team is led by Professor Piotr Suder who is also the supervisor of the award-winning student.

Most members of the Team for Biochemistry and Neurobiology participated in the ASMS 2025 conference, presenting their research findings during thematic sessions devoted to forensic science, mass spectrometry imaging, proteomics, neurodegenerative diseases and cancers, and art analysis.

The ASMS Undergraduate Student Award recognises students whose academic achievements and commitment to research in mass spectrometry demonstrate an exceptional level of excellence. It is worth mentioning that the award is given not only for the presentation of research results at the conference, but also for comprehensive, documented achievements gained during their studies.

Out of hundreds of submissions from all over the world, the committee selected ten students, including Małgorzata Hopciaś. This prestigious award is a testament to her commitment and the high standard of her work. Along with a commemorative diploma, the student received a prize and the opportunity to participate in two conference sessions, during which she presented the results of her research.

The ASMS conference is the most influential event in the field of mass spectrometry and related techniques. Each year, it brings together several thousand participants representing academia, industry, and government. The interests of the conference participants include both the development of modern techniques and instrumentation in mass spectrometry and fundamental research in chemistry, geology, forensics, biological sciences, and physics.