Ewelina joined SILS in 2017 as a researcher working on cancer systems biology with Prof. Hans Westerhoff. She subsequently worked in the groups of Molecular Biology and Microbial Food Safety (MBMFS) and Molecular Neuroscience at SILS, and in the Biocatalysis group at the Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences. Her research combined chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and computational approaches, spanning enzyme activity, cancer metabolism, neurodegenerative diseases and drug discovery.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ewelina and her husband Jakub Tomczak were driving forces behind collaborative research into inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. Their joint 2021 paper in Scientific Reports identified ebselen and related compounds as potent inhibitors of a viral protease, providing a starting point for further antiviral research. Ewelina was committed to translating scientific discoveries into practical applications. She founded Nature Innovation Laboratory (NatInLab) and received an NWO Faculty of Impact grant in 2024 to support her ambition to develop new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. She remained actively involved in research projects, publications and GenSiLab, a new venture with her husband, until the end of her life.

Prof. Stanley Brul (MBMFS, SILS) worked with Ewelina on cancer systems biology and later collaborated with her on SARS-CoV-2. He recalls: 'I remember her scientific curiosity and determination, but also how much I enjoyed working with her and exchanging ideas. An unconventional personality with nicely unconventional ideas and approaches'. He was delighted when she received the Faculty of Impact grant, supporting her ambition to translate Alzheimer’s research into new treatments:  'It made me very happy to see how she pursued her own dreams and did so well. Reflecting on her loss: 'I will remember Ewelina with great warmth and affection, she was more than inspirational'.

Our thoughts are with her husband Jakub, her family, friends and everyone who knew and worked with her.