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Biophysics

Biophysics Mourns the Passing of W. Karol Subczynski

January 19, 2026

Witold Karol Subczynski, PhD, DSc, professor of biophysics, passed away on January 12, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded Karol Subczynski, PhD, DScby his wife, daughter, and grandchildren.

Karol received his MSc in physics and his PhD in physico-mathematical sciences with a specialization in biophysics from Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia. He received his DSc in natural sciences with a specialization in biophysics from Jagiellonian University in Poland. Karol then worked as faculty at the Institute of Molecular Biology at Jagiellonian University. During that time, he frequently visited and collaborated with faculty at the MCW National Biomedical EPR Center. Karol came to the MCW Department of Biophysics as an assistant professor in 2000, rising through the ranks to associate professor in 2002 and professor in 2010.

Karol was passionate about his research, and maintained many national and international collaborations. He was skilled in the saturation recovery EPR technique, often employing it in his studies. Karol was thoroughly engaged in manuscript writing, and published nearly 200 manuscripts and reviews during his career; his most recent article was published earlier this month. Karol’s role in the advancement of the science of cholesterol in membranes and its implications in cataract and other diseases, as well as the advancement biological applications of high-field EPR spectroscopy, was huge.

We will miss Karol for his intellectual contributions, deep biophysical insights, warmth, and humanity.

Tagged: Biophysics

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