For the fifth time, the Day of Polish Science, coinciding with the birthday of Nicolaus Copernicus, is being celebrated. This year, 19 February marks the 551st anniversary of his birth. This holiday is an inspiration to follow some of the greatest Polish researchers and an opportunity to summarise the achievements of Polish science and express appreciation for contemporary Polish researchers. It is also an opportunity to strengthen interest in science and its popularisation in society.
To remind, in Poland there are 135 public universities, 212 non-public and 17 church universities, as well as 211 scientific institutions. In 2022, more than 1.2 million people studied in Poland.
On the occasion of Polish Science Day, a gala ceremony was held in the auditorium of the Warsaw University of Technology, during which the Minister of Science, Dariusz Wieczorek, presented awards to the most distinguished representatives of the scientific and academic community. The laureates were honoured for their merits in five categories: for significant achievements in research, teaching, implementation, organisational activities and lifetime achievement.
During the ceremony, Minister Dariusz Wieczorek drew attention to the role of science in economic development and pointed to the need for closer cooperation between science and business.
“We have excellent staff, excellent scientists, excellent achievements. Let us not feel ashamed of it, let us talk about it, because we have reasons to be proud of. Science is needed by the Polish economy; it is essential in creating new jobs. Today, Polish companies should be obliged to provide funds for research and development”, he persuaded.
“We will continue the dialogue and develop common positions with the scientific community to best meet its expectations. Today marks the beginning of a new era for Polish science. I would like this government’s term to be remembered as the best one for the development of Polish science”, summarised Minister of Science Dariusz Wieczorek.
Adrian Andrzejewski