Three scientists from the University of Gdańsk were among the winners of this year's Minister of Science and Higher Education Awards. The awards ceremony took place on 20 February 2026 during the Polish Science Gala at the Polish Theatre in Warsaw - one of the most important annual events in the academic community, organised to celebrate Polish Science Day.
Laureates from the University of Gdańsk
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to prof. dr hab. inż. Adriana Zaleska-Medynska from the Faculty of Chemistry (exact and natural sciences). This award is given to outstanding scientists whose many years of consistent work have significantly contributed to the development of their respective disciplines.
The award for significant achievements in scientific activity was presented to dr hab. Magdalena Żadkowska, prof. UG from the Faculty of Social Sciences (social sciences). This award honours researchers whose projects and publications set new directions for research and strengthen the position of Polish science on the international stage.
The award for significant achievements in organisational activities was presented to dr hab. Joanna Różycka-Tran, prof. UG, Faculty of Social Sciences (social sciences). This distinction is given to individuals who make a special contribution to the development of scientific institutions and the building of a strong, efficiently functioning academic environment.
Polish Science Gala - a celebration of the academic community
During this year's gala, over 150 people were awarded - individually and as part of research teams - in five categories: for scientific, teaching, implementation and organisational activities, and for lifetime achievement. In his speech, the Minister of Science and Higher Education, Marcin Kulasek, emphasised that science is a living process based on the sharing of knowledge and experience, and that the achievements of the award winners have not only an academic dimension, but also a social and civilisational one. The event was attended by representatives of the government, local authorities, university rectors and special guests, including astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, who received the gold medal ‘Meritorious for Polish Science - Sapientia et Veritas’.
Polish Science Day
The gala was held as part of the celebrations of Polish Science Day, which falls on 19 February, the anniversary of Nicolaus Copernicus' birthday. This holiday is an expression of recognition for the achievements of Polish scholars and their contribution to the development of a modern and competitive state. The Minister of Science and Higher Education's awards are one of the most important distinctions in the Polish academic community. Their aim is to recognise innovators and leaders whose scientific, teaching and organisational activities have a real impact on the shape of contemporary science and the future of society.
