Pierzynowska's research focuses on a search for new therapeutic strategies to treat genetic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Her Ph.D. project aimed to develop a method to treat Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases using genistein, a naturally occurring compound called isoflavone.
The 30-year-old Pierzynowska was one of four finalists in the competition. The remaining academics came from Pakistan, Cameroon and Italy.
The award jury consisted of experienced scientists from countries including the United States and Canada.
The Future Science Future Star Award, which is granted by Future Science Publishers and the BioTechniques International Journal of Life Science Methods, aims to honour outstanding life-science researchers whose work is set to impact human health.
(mk/gs)