The Copernican Academy, this new centre in the Polish system, has great potential and all the possibilities to become an international corporation that creates a platform for cooperation between scientists of many nations and diverse specialisations,” stressed Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, whose letter was read out during the Copernican Awards gala at the Royal Castle in Warsaw.

The first ever Copernican Awards were presented on Tuesday 20 June at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. The award, granted by the Presidium of the Copernican Academy, is a form of recognition for the achievements of researchers who push the boundaries of previous knowledge of mankind.

The first prize winners were astronomer and cosmologist Prof. P. James E. Peebles and physicist Prof. Barry C. Barish.

“Their research expands the boundaries of human cognition”.
During the gala, a letter from Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was read out, congratulating the laureates and cheering the activities of the Copernican Academy.

“The Copernican Prizes, our country’s newest distinction in the field of science, are the realisation of the concept of appreciating the achievements of the most outstanding researchers whose works expand the boundaries of human cognition,” explained the Head of Government in a letter addressed to the gala participants and the laureates themselves. As Prime Minister Morawiecki further emphasised, the award is also a way of recognising individuals who have made a special contribution to enriching the wonderful achievements of the human mind. “It is also a form of building the prestige of the institution. The Copernicus Academy, this new centre in the Polish system, has great potential and all the possibilities to become an international corporation that creates a platform for cooperation between scientists of many nations and diverse specialisations,” – added the head of government.

“For it is science and culture that shape people, society and the nation, and are an opportunity for understanding and community building that transcends national boundaries. They also offer a unifying language and values that are important to all. They are the foundation on which we can build the prosperity and strength of modern Poland,” Prime Minister Morawiecki further emphasised.

In the letter, the head of government also noted that the formula for the composition of the Copernican Academy, which includes Polish and foreign scientists, ensures creative cooperation. “It also popularises the heritage of the Academy’s patron, Nicolaus Copernicus, and his versatile interests, which are reflected in the areas of research defined in this new institution,” the politician noted.

“It is you, people of science, who determine our common future. This intellectual and creative effort is the condition for civilisational progress and the basis for innovation in the economy and many other areas of life,” added Prime Minister Morawiecki.