Early Academic Pursuits 📚
Prof. dr hab. Renata Urban-Chmiel began her academic journey by specializing in veterinary sciences, particularly focusing on ruminant diseases and veterinary prevention. She completed her education with distinction, eventually becoming a recognized expert in infectious diseases. Her early academic pursuits laid a strong foundation for her future contributions to veterinary medicine and scientific research.
Professional Endeavors 🏅
From 01.10.2016 to 30.05.2021, Prof. Urban-Chmiel led the Department of Veterinary Prevention and Bird Diseases, and since June 2021, she has continued her leadership role in Lublin. As a specialist in ruminant diseases, her career has been marked by both academic leadership and active involvement in various research and development projects. Notably, she has been a key member of the Commission for Veterinary Surgeons’ Specializations since November 2024. Prof. Urban-Chmiel’s work has seen her lead multiple international collaborations, including a prestigious scholarship with the Borlaug program in 2009, under the US Embassy’s Department of Agriculture.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Prof. Urban-Chmiel has made significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine, particularly in the area of infectious diseases and animal welfare. Her research has focused on pathomechanisms of respiratory diseases in cattle and sheep, with a specific emphasis on immunoprophylaxis. She has also explored alternative infection control methods using bacteriophages, probiotics, and plant-based extracts, aiming to reduce antibiotic dependency in animal farming. Her research extends to studying the etiological factors of diseases like Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), particularly the role of viruses such as BHV-1, BRSV, and BVD.
Impact and Influence 🌍
Prof. Urban-Chmiel has significantly influenced both academic and practical aspects of veterinary science. With over 226 publications, including 118 conference reports, and involvement in creating five patents, her work has been widely cited, demonstrating its impact on the field. Her collaboration on projects such as “An Integrated Approach to Control of Bovine Respiratory Disease” with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USA) and various European universities has made notable strides in advancing veterinary science globally.
Academic Cites 📑
Prof. Urban-Chmiel’s academic influence is evident in her H-index of 18 and over 1,336 citations. Her total impact factor (IF) of 145,782 highlights the far-reaching effect of her research. Her publications on bacteriophages, animal welfare, and veterinary prevention have been pivotal in shaping current veterinary practices. Her collaboration with international experts has placed her at the forefront of veterinary research, particularly in ruminant diseases.
Technical Skills 🛠
Her technical expertise spans a range of areas, including bacteriophage isolation and characterization, immunology, molecular biology, and animal welfare. Prof. Urban-Chmiel has pioneered alternative infection control methods, such as using bacteriophages and probiotics to combat diseases in farm and companion animals. She has also worked on the development of therapeutic and preventive treatments for common conditions in livestock, including respiratory and limb diseases.
Teaching Experience 🎓
Prof. Urban-Chmiel has played a significant role in shaping veterinary education through her teaching and curriculum development. She developed and implemented various programs, including courses in animal welfare, veterinary prevention, and herd health management for veterinary medicine students at the University of Lublin. Additionally, she has taught at multiple international institutions and participated as a national coordinator in Erasmus projects. As a mentor, she supervised multiple doctoral dissertations, master’s theses, and bachelor’s theses, contributing to the academic development of young veterinary professionals.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟
Prof. Urban-Chmiel’s legacy is characterized by her extensive research and teaching contributions, which continue to influence the field of veterinary medicine. Her work on animal welfare and alternative infection control methods is paving the way for more sustainable practices in animal farming. Moving forward, her ongoing projects, such as the NCN-funded research on bacteriophages for controlling pathogenic E. coli, promise to make lasting contributions to the scientific community. She is expected to remain a leading figure in the veterinary sciences, with a continued focus on improving animal health, welfare, and disease control.
Awards and Recognition 🏆
Throughout her distinguished career, Prof. Urban-Chmiel has received numerous accolades, including the Prime Minister’s Award for an outstanding doctoral thesis, the Medal of the National Education Commission, and recognition for her scientific and creative achievements. Her work has led to her being nominated for prestigious prizes, such as the Eureka – Discovering Polish Inventions DGP competition. These accolades reflect the high regard in which she is held within the scientific and veterinary communities.
International Collaborations 🌐
Her international collaborations have been a cornerstone of her professional journey, including partnerships with institutions in Hungary, Austria, Finland, Spain, and the USA. These collaborations have not only enriched her own research but have also contributed to the global advancement of veterinary sciences, particularly in the study and prevention of infectious diseases in livestock.
Commitment to Scientific Advancements 🔍
Prof. Urban-Chmiel remains at the forefront of scientific inquiry, actively contributing to national and international research committees and expert panels. As an expert in the evaluation of research and investment projects for the National Science Center and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, she is shaping the future of veterinary research funding and policy.