Prof. Mariusz Z. Ratajczak

Mariusz Z. Ratajczak MD, PhD, DSci, d.hc.

Professor of Medicine

Dr. Ratajczak is an honorary member of the Polish American Medical Society, a professor of medicine, the Henry M. and Stella M. Hoenig, and the endowed chair of cancer biology and the developmental biology research program director at the University of Louisville's Brown Cancer Center. He is also a Professor at the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. He is an internationally known specialist in adult stem cell biology.  His 2005 discovery of very small embryonic-like stem cells in adult bone marrow tissues could revolutionize regenerative medicine. This discovery may lead to new treatments for cancer, heart disease, eye disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Ratajczak is also known for his work on novel mechanisms of mobilization and homing of stem cells, the biological role of extracellular microvesicles, and molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis. Among Dr. Ratajczak’s prestigious awards are the 2022 Individual Annual Award from Ministry of Science for Scientific Achievements, 2014 Karl Landsteiner Life Time Achievement Award from the German Society of Transfusion Medicine and Immuno-Hematotherapy, 2008 President’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship, Research and Creativity from the University of Louisville, the 2008 Cancer Researcher of the Year award, the 2006 Award in Medicine and Biology from the Foundation for Polish Sciences (the highest scientific award in Poland), the 2004 Individual Award from the Polish Ministry of Health for Scientific Achievements and the 2002 Chad Kopple Spirit Award from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Dr. Ratajczak was honored with the doctor honoris causa degree from the Medical University of Silesia.  He has published numerous books and more than 550 peer-reviewed publications and is a frequent speaker at conferences worldwide. His work was cited more than 31 000, and his Hirsh Index = 89. He is a visiting Professor at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and an Honorary Professor at Xiamen University in China.