The Minister of Science and Higher Education Awards were presented during the Polish Science Gala on 19 February 2020 in Toruń. The event was a substantial part of Polish Science Day celebrations – a new, official Polish holiday. Three outstanding University of Gdańsk scientists were among the award recipients: Prof. Anna Machnikowska, Prof. Grzegorz Węgrzyn and Prof. Jacek Zaucha.

“ I wish the Polish Science Day shapes our collective identity. I wish our countrymen knew clearly how much we owe to scientists and academics and how much depends on them. Yes, this day will strengthen social respect for science and academia. It will inspire future generations to follow the steps of masters, geniuses and giants. It is hard to even imagine what would happen to Poland, to the world if we lacked those that seek truth in everything, regardless the general judgement.” – said Jarosław Gowin, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, during the ceremony.

The Minister of Science and Higher Education decided to grant 88 awards – 75 individual and 13 team awards. Higher education institutions received 54 awards, Polish Academy of Sciences institutes received 10, 13 awards were granted to the representatives of Central Council of Higher Education, 10 were granted to the members of  Central Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles, the chairperson of the Polish Science Foundation also received the award.

In total, 138 scientists were awarded by the minister.

Polish Science Day is the appreciation for the achievements of Polish scientists. The 19 February was selected as a date of celebration to commemorate Nicolaus Copernicus birthday and recognize his merits to astronomy.

Information source: https://www.gov.pl/