On December 4, 2024, the Awards Ceremony of the Foundation for Polish Science took place. This event, widely regarded as the most prestigious scientific distinction in Poland and often referred to as the “Polish Nobel,” honors outstanding achievements in science.

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The Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) is an independent, non-governmental institution established in 1991, serving as Poland’s largest non-budgetary source of funding for scientific endeavors. Its mission is to support exceptional researchers and innovative projects that contribute to the advancement of science and society.

The Foundation for Polish Science Prize is a prestigious honor awarded for achievements of critical importance to the development of science, culture, and society in Poland. It recognizes scientists whose discoveries and work have a groundbreaking impact on contemporary science and contribute significantly to the country’s progress.

Since 2005, Professor Maciej Żylicz, a distinguished Polish biochemist and molecular biologist, has been leading the Foundation for Polish Science. He is a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the Polish Academy of Sciences, the German Academy of Leopoldina, and the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). Professor Żylicz has been honored with honorary doctorates from several Polish universities and numerous state awards, including the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.

This Year’s Laureates:

• Dr hab Sebastian Glatt (Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University) – for research into molecular mechanisms in biological processes.
• Dr hab. inż. Janusz Lewiński (Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, and Institute of Physical Chemistry, PAN) – for discoveries in inorganic chemistry and nanomaterials.
• Dr hab Krzysztof Sacha (Institute of Theoretical Physics, Jagiellonian University) – for pioneering work on quantum time crystals.
• Dr hab Marcin Wodziński (Department of Jewish Studies, University of Wrocław) – for research on Jewish culture and history.

The Nicolaus Copernicus Academy and FNP Laureates

Among the members of the Nicolaus Copernicus Academy are three past recipients of the FNP Prize:

• Prof. Krzysztof Marian Górski (2020 laureate) – awarded for developing methodologies for analyzing cosmic microwave background radiation maps, which are key to understanding the early stages of the Universe’s evolution.
• Prof. Andrzej Udalski (2002 laureate) – honored for the OGLE project, which provided groundbreaking data for studying gravitational microlensing and the structure of our Galaxy.
• Prof. Leon Podkaminer (1997 laureate) – recognized for research on the economic transformation of Central and Eastern Europe and analyses of European integration.

The ceremony was not only an opportunity to celebrate scientific achievements but also to inspire young researchers. The event emphasized the vital role of science in addressing modern challenges.

On Photo: Professor Andrzej Udalski and Professor Krzysztof Górski.

The Foundation for Polish Science Prize has been awarded to a total of five astronomers, including two members of the Nicolaus Copernicus Academy. In addition to those mentioned above, the laureates also include:

Prof.  Aleksander Wolszczan, awarded in 1992,
Prof.  Bohdan Paczyński, awarded in 2000,
Prof.  Grzegorz Pietrzyński, awarded in 2019.