Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences (MMRI PAS) is the largest Institute of Division V: Medical Sciences PAS as well as being the only PAS Institute that conducts research in medical biology, experimental medicine and clinical medicine. Pursuant to the Resolution of Polish Academy of Sciences Mossakowski Medical Research Centre PAS was established on July 1, 1967, acquired the status of the Institute in 1983 (MMRI PAS) and since 2002 the Institute has been under the patronage of the outstanding neurobiologist and long-time director of the Institute, Professor Mirosław Mossakowski in 2002.

MMRI PAS is one of the leading research institutes in Poland which has been acknowledged by 'A+' category obtained in medical sciences. MMRI PAS is both unique and versatile as the institutes combines basic research, pre-clinical studies and translation for clinical application. The research priorities are the Institute response to key health problems of society and pertain to civilisation and age-related diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, obesity, type 2 diabetes, ostheoporosis  as well as the ageing process itself. The analyses of their underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are carried out at molecular and cellular levels using the state-of-the-art bioengineering methods (genome editing, induced pluripotent cell lines derived from patients, organoids) as well as on whole organisms using animal models. Research is also conducted using material of human origin. Moreover, the Institute is also engaged in designing new analgesics, anti-cancer drugs and bactericidal agents.

MMRI research collaboration involves both national and worldwide research centres and the Institute research excellence is evidenced by its membership in the renowned scientific consortia including:

• Biological and Biomedical Imaging Infrastructure – Bioimaging Poland (BIPol) [POL: Infrastruktura Obrazowania Biologicznego i Biomedycznego – Bioimaging Poland (BIPol)] consortium entered on Polish Roadmap for Research Infrastructure by decision DIR/PMIB/2020/143 of 2nd July 2020
• Biocentrum Ochota [POL:Konsorcjum „Biocentrum Ochota”]
• Centre for Advanced Technologies in Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Applied Computer Science [POL: Konsorcjum „Centrum Zaawansowanych Technologii w zakresie Biomedycyny, Biotechnologii i Informatyki Stosowanej (CZT BIM)]
• Pre-clinical Trial and Technology Centre [POL: Konsorcjum „Centrum Badań Przedklinicznych i Technologii (CEPT)”]

In 2012  MMRI PAS acquired the status of the Leading National Research Centre (KNOW), and in 2017 it obtained the right to use a prestigious sign of HR Excellence in Research, the right which has been retained since the decision of the European Commission in 2023. Such awards obligate our Institute to constant improvement in the policy of human resources in compliance with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct thereby ensuring a transparent and fair researcher recruitment process, stability of employment and possibilities of professional development.

The Institute also includes the Animal House where laboratory rodents (mice, rats and Mongolian gerbils) are bred and maintained in Specific-Pathogen-Free conditions. The Animal House is composed of breeding and experimental section plus the laboratory for molecular diagnostics of genetically modified animals. The Animal House provides animal material for biomedical research for both the Institute employees and external researchers. The animal model also used in research by MMRI is the zebrafish. Specialist laboratories implement research projects and provide commercial services for biotechnology and medical pharmaceutical companies within the Preclinical Research and Services Zone. Preclinical research is conducted in the following therapeutical areas: oncology, neurology, experimental pharmacology, regenerative medicine, theranostics, immunology, neurodegeneration. In the Preclinical Research and Services Zone, we provide, among others: vital assessment of morphological changes using highly sensitive imaging techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, luminescence and fluorescence techniques (IVIS)), analyses of biological material in confocal and electron microscopy laboratories, assessment of the activity of tested substances on animal models, access to a cell culture laboratory, service of importing mouse strains and their breeding, or animal keeping for experimental purposes.

The Institute participates as a consortium partner in two Doctoral Schools: Doctoral School of Translational Medicine Bench to Bedside – B 2 B 4 PhD and Doctoral School of Information and Biomedical Technology Institutes of PAS (TIB PAN). MMRI PAS was awarded Erasmus Charter for Higher Education and is now Erasmus ECHR Card holder. The Institute implemented OCH!Dok project concerning interdisciplinary doctoral studies, unique in the country, financed by the Operational Program Knowledge, Education, Development (POWER). In 2017, MMRI PAS received the first prize in the competition as the most pro-doctoral institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PROPAN).  From then on, our doctoral students have been recognised annually with the awards of the Polish Academy of Sciences. 

In partnership with Polish Association of Neuropathologists the Institute publishes "Folia Neuropathologica" scientific journal (http://www.termedia.pl/Journal/-20). The journal is indexed Journal Citation in Research.