The unveiling of a plaque commemorating prof. Wacław Szybalski took place on October 30 in Sopot. The plaque was placed on the building at 10a Goyki Street, where prof. Wacław Szybalski lived from 1945 to 1949. The event was attended by representatives of local authorities, authorities of universities from The Fahrenheit Union of Universities in Gdańsk, authorities and employees of the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, representatives of the Professor Wacław Szybalski Foundation, as well as family members and friends of the Professor.
‘The person of prof. Wacław Szybalski is most worthy not only of reading the information on the placard, but also of learning more about his biography. I like it very much when art goes out into the city space, and I am equally happy when information and knowledge about the great inhabitants of Sopot is also available to everyone,’ said the Mayor of Sopot, Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim.
The Rector of UG, prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski, thanked prof. dr hab. Ewa Łojkowska, President of the Board of the Professor Wacław Szybalski Foundation, who is the initiator of commemorating prof. W. Szybalski with a commemorative plaque. ‘Prof. W. Szybalski is the only scholar who has been honoured with as many as three honorary doctorates from all three universities in Gdańsk,’ emphasised the Rector. He also mentioned that the University of Gdańsk has had a Professor Wacław Szybalski Named Chair for three years, which is held annually by outstanding figures of world science. ‘I am also very pleased that we are going beyond the standard mission of the university and imbuing the city with the memory of outstanding scholars. And this house will certainly become a kind of symbol of the city when it comes to prominent representatives of the world of science coming from Sopot.’ There is a plaque on the side of Haffner Street dedicated to prof. Jerzy Limon.
The Dean of the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, dr hab. Ewelina Król, prof. UG, also spoke about prof. W. Szybalski's merits. She emphasised that the support, both scientific and financial, received from prof. W. Szybalski was crucial 30 years ago in the process of establishing the faculty.
The following also spoke: Senior Rector of the Gdansk University of Technology prof. dr hab. inż Janusz Rachoń, President of the Professor Wacław Szybalski Foundation Stanisław Kosiedowski, Chancellor of the Medical University of Gdańsk prof. dr hab. Jacek Bigda and a representative of the Professor's family Michał Skwarło. Prof. Ewa Łojkowska introduced the biography and scientific achievements of Prof. Szybalski.
The placard commemorating prof. Szybalski was officially unveiled by the Rector of UG, prof. Piotr Stepnowski, the Mayor of Sopot, Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim, the President of the Management Board of the Professor Wacław Szybalski Foundation, prof. Ewa Łojkowska, and Michał Skwarło.
Immediately after the ceremony, a talk about prof. Wacław Szybalski and refreshments were held at the headquarters of the Art Incubator, 3 Goyki St. During the meeting, there was an opportunity to purchase a book about the professor published in 2018 by Wydawnictwo UG.
