We asked researchers from Wroclaw Medical University who were included in the latest edition of the World’s Top 2% Scientists ranking to complete a short questionnaire about their main research areas and scientific achievements. All participants received the same set of questions. Here, we present researchers recognized for their achievements in 2024.
Prof. Katarzyna Zatońska
1. What is your role at Wroclaw Medical University?
I serve as Head of the Department of Population Health and Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases at the Faculty of Health Sciences.
2. What are your main research interests?
For over two decades, I have been studying risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disorders, analyzing their biological, environmental, social, and behavioral determinants. A key focus of my work is prospective population-based research. I coordinate the Polish arm of the international PURE (Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological Study), which includes over 150,000 participants from 27 countries worldwide.
At the same time, I lead the PICTURE (Population Cohort Study of Wroclaw Citizens) project, which focuses on the health of children in Wroclaw and their parents. I have also been involved in the PONS study, which assessed risk factors among adult populations in Poland, as well as in multicenter studies examining population ageing, the impact of metabolic and vascular factors on cognitive function, and dementia prevention.
3. Why did this field of science become the most important to you?
From the very beginning of my professional journey, I have been fascinated by a fundamental question: why do some people fall ill, while others—despite similar conditions—remain healthy? Over time, I realized that the answers cannot be found in clinical medicine alone, but in population-based research.
My interest in population health stems from the belief that the greatest health benefits can be achieved through systemic actions—prevention and health education. Early prevention is the most effective strategy for improving healthy life expectancy and reducing premature mortality.
As a diabetologist and public health specialist, I see epidemiology and public health as fields that bridge medicine with health policy and enable real improvements in people’s quality of life.
4. Which of your achievements do you consider the most groundbreaking or inspiring?
I consider the establishment and long-term coordination of the Polish PURE cohort my most significant achievement. Since 2007, it has enabled long-term analyses of health changes in both urban and rural populations, with prospective assessment of chronic disease risk factors.
A 95% participant retention rate after 15 years reflects both public trust and the scientific value of the project. The PURE study has led to numerous internationally significant findings, including those related to physical activity, diet, sleep, and obesity in the development of chronic diseases.
These results have formed the basis for many scientific publications and prevention programs in Poland and worldwide. I am also a co-author of international publications in leading journals such as The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, and The BMJ, which have contributed to global changes and guidelines in the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
Another source of great satisfaction is co-creating the PICTURE study, which— for the first time in Poland—simultaneously analyzes the health of children and their parents, building a unique model of intergenerational prevention.
5. Which discovery, idea, or publication by another researcher has had the greatest impact on your thinking about science?
A major influence on my scientific thinking has been my collaboration with Prof. Salim Yusuf, the founder of the PURE study and a leading figure in modern population epidemiology. His work—particularly the global studies INTERHEART, INTERSTROKE, and PURE—demonstrated that simple interventions and changes in modifiable risk factors can lead to meaningful improvements in health outcomes.
Understanding that socioeconomic factors, lifestyle, and the environment are just as important as genetics and clinical medicine has fundamentally changed how I see the role of a scientist—as someone who connects scientific evidence with healthcare practice and public policy.
I also find the concept of “Health in All Policies” particularly inspiring—the idea that decisions across all sectors, from urban planning to education, can and should influence public health.
6. How can your research impact everyday life or the development of society and technology?
My research findings are used to design and evaluate prevention programs targeting cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes, as well as to formulate public health recommendations at both national and international levels.
Analyzing risk factors at the population level allows for more effective planning of preventive strategies, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and reduction of health inequalities. In the long term, this work contributes to improved quality of life and greater public health awareness.
7. If you had unlimited resources and a team, what project would you pursue?
I would establish a National Network for Population Health Research, integrating epidemiological, clinical, genetic, and environmental data on the health of the Polish population.
Such a system would enable not only continuous monitoring of population health, but also early detection of emerging health threats, better planning of preventive measures, and evaluation of intervention effectiveness. I would like Poland to join the group of countries with a continuous, interdisciplinary health surveillance system that integrates science, technology, and public policy.
Only in this way can we build a sustainable foundation for a healthy society—one based on data, knowledge, and collaboration.
8. One piece of advice for young people considering a scientific career
Science is a journey, not a race. It requires patience, courage, and curiosity. The most important thing is to choose a topic that genuinely moves you—because only passion will carry you through moments of doubt and failure.
Do not be afraid of difficult questions, interdisciplinary paths, or teamwork. It is collaboration, exchange of ideas, and openness to new perspectives that lead to the most meaningful discoveries.
And above all—remember that science is a service to people. Every study, even the most theoretical one, should ultimately contribute to improving someone’s life.