We are making a concrete effort to ensure that the achievements of Polish scholars and international research projects with their participation become one of the flagships of modern Poland, marking its potential and development prospects, also in the field of science. I trust that the recently established Copernicus Academy will serve this purpose,” said President Andrzej Duda during the ceremonial inauguration of the 2023/2024 academic year of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice.

President Andrzej Duda spoke about the Copernican Academy and the importance of Nicolaus Copernicus’ achievements on 9 October, during the opening ceremony of the academic year at the Silesian Medical University.

Addressing the academic community, the politician recalled the ongoing Year of Nicolaus Copernicus established by the Senate. – One of the most eminent scholars of all time, the perpetrator of an epochal turning point in the history of human thought,’ Duda stressed.

– By reminding ourselves and the world of the figure of the genius from Frombork, not only an astronomer, economist and diplomat, also a cartographer, but above all a practising physician, we are making a concrete effort to ensure that the achievements of Polish scientists and international research projects involving them become one of the flagships of modern Poland, marking its potential and development prospects, including in the field of science,’ the President explained.

– I trust that this will be served by the recently established Copernicus Academy, an institution of a new type, co-creating an institutional structure that also includes the National Science Centre, the National Centre for Research and Development, NAWA and the Łukasiewicz Research Network,” the politician further pointed out.

In wishing the students and teaching staff well for the new academic year, the President also emphasised the unique importance of medical studies. – According to Hippocrates, medicine is the noblest of all sciences. It is hard not to agree with this, given that this field requires a great deal of work and sacrifice, in the name of protecting the most precious goods – life, health, freedom from suffering, fulfilment in personal and professional life, unlimited by illness or disability,” added Duda.