Is an acting head of the Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of the Medical University in Lublin, Poland. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the Medical University in Lublin, Poland in 1981. Afterwards, he obtained doctoral degree (PhD title) in 1982 and habilitated doctoral degree in 1987 at the same university. Prof. Turski became professor in 1992 after being an academic trainee in Germany, Switzerland, and the USA between 1983 and 1990.
The early period of his scientific work resulted in fundamental discoveries in the field of epilepsy. The „pilocarpine model of epilepsy” developed by him and his colleagues is a popular experimental tool used in research laboratories worldwide to investigate critical aspects of human epilepsy and epileptogenesis.
Nowadays, his main areas of research include studies on the epileptogenesis and mechanisms of action of antiepileptic drugs as well as studies on the pharmacological properties of kynurenic acid – a metabolite of tryptophan. Currently, he is investigating potential usage of kynurenic acid as a nutraceutical or diet supplement. Its aim is to prevent humankind from lifestyle-related diseases.
Prof. Turski is a co-author of over 200 original scientfic publications. He is currently ranked fifth most frequently cited Polish pharmacologist (Pilc A, Buczko W. Nauka 2015, 3:151-160). He supervised doctor theses of 15 young scientists and wrote several chapters in books for students. He is a co-author of 5 patent applications related to kynurenic acid properties.
In 1985/1986 he was awarded Michael Prize in Epilepsy Research by Michael Foundation of Germany – one of the most highly regarded international awards for top contributors to scientific and clinical research promoting further development in epileptology. In 1995 he was distinguished by the Polish Prime Minister for outstanding research activity, while in 1984 and 1998 he received Prize of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He was also awarded by the Minister of Health and Public Care in Poland for his research activity 14 times between 1983 and 2009. In 2008 he obtained a prestigious Academic Grant for Professors – “Master” awarded by the Foundation for Polish Science. In 2013 he was awarded Bronze Cross of Merit (Poland).
Since 2006 Prof. Turski is an elective member of the Committee of Neurobiology of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
