Mikolaj Kocikowski, PhD

Hello! I’m a computational biologist with a PhD in cancer research & bioinformatics. Before my PhD, I worked in industrial R&D on an antibody drug now on the market.

I research immunology, genetic sequencing and antibody discovery, in contexts such as cancer, Covid and veterinary studies. This involves methods such as transcriptomics, immune repertoire analysis, protein engineering, NGS, HPC. I am currently learning about network biology in precision medicine and the "dark transcriptome".

My doctoral research focused on profiling and targeting immune checkpoints - the “gas” and “brake” pedals of our immune cells - to enhance cancer immunotherapy. I’ve also developed a “toolbox” of reagents, methods and data to facilitate the study of cancers naturally occurring in dogs as a model for human malignancies. To this aim I used wet-lab techniques along with computational ones.

Outside my core work, I’ve explored various interests such as lecturing immunology in a top-security prison, serving as a mentor for Polonium Foundation and racing mountain bikes. I enjoy writing about science and more. Sometimes I photograph and I’m a mediocre bachata dancer too.

PS I’m also developing the ‘Intro to Science’ guidebook - please email me if you would like to contribute!