NCU News
Campus life
University Day - a day full of prizes and awards
- The diversity of our community and the countless fields and directions of our research provide a solid foundation for our position - said prof. dr habil. Andrzej Tretyn, NCU Rector, in his speech during the University Day celebrations. - We are successfully seeking answers to questions that have always preoccupied humanity and are taking on the latest challenges facing civilisation.
The main celebrations of the University Day took place on 19 February. Traditionally, they began with the laying of flowers at the monument to Nicolaus Copernicus on the 553rd anniversary of the astronomer's birth. The celebrations then moved to the University Main Auditorium, where the University community was joined by a large group of distinguished guests, including parliamentarians, local government representatives and rectors of other universities.
In his speech, prof. dr habil. Andrzej Tretyn summarised the university's successes over the past year and pointed out the challenges facing the university community in the coming months, such as the historic thermal modernisation of the University Library and the Rectorate buildings and the second edition of the Research University Initiative programme – Research University programme.
No one needs to be convinced of how important the status of a research university has been in the development of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in recent years - said the NCU Rector. – This was particularly true of scientific research, the opportunities to conduct it, the significance of its results and its international dimension. But progress in this area has had an impact on all of the University's activities, strengthening the quality of education, consolidating its position as a reliable and valued partner in international projects, and, most importantly, developed cooperation within the university, helped to create interdisciplinary research teams and, with them, valuable and lasting bonds. We are a research university and will remain so regardless of the outcome of our efforts and formal status – I want to declare this clearly.
In recognition of achievements
A special part of this year's celebration was the presentation of university awards. Convallaria Copernicana, awarded since 2004 by the University Senate for outstanding contributions to science or special services to the development of the University, went to dr Cecylia Iwaniszewska, the first graduate of astronomy at the Nicolaus Copernicus University, a long-time employee of the Nicolaus Copernicus University Astronomical Observatory, as well as a social activist and populariser of astronomy. On behalf of the laureate, who was absent for health reasons, the award was received by her son, Prof. Jan Iwaniszewski.
Photo: Mikołaj Kuras
The Laurus Aesculapii Award, an honorary distinction granted since 2024 for outstanding contributions to science and special merits for the development of the NCU Collegium Medicum, was awarded to prof. dr habil. Ryszard Oliński, one of the organisers of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz, founder of the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation at the Medical Academy in 1991-1996, and from 2012 to 2016 – Rector's Plenipotentiary for Science and International Cooperation. His scientific work focuses primarily on the pathogenesis of cancer and the use of molecular biology, genomics and proteomics methods for its early detection, as well as the development of new methods for the treatment of malignant tumours.
Photo: Mikołaj Kuras
During the University Day celebrations, the winner of the Ratio et Spes Scientific Award was also announced. This year, it was awarded to Prof. Ronald J. Krotoszynski Jr., a lecturer at the University of Alabama School of Law, where he is a professor in the John S. Stone Chair, Director of Research, and Director of the Constitutional Studies Programme and Civic Engagement Initiative. The Scientific Council of the Award appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of Prof. Krotoszynski's publication 'Free Speech as Civic Structure. A Comparative Analysis of How Courts and Culture Shape the Freedom of Speech' and its subject matter relating to current issues that have a significant impact on the lives and functioning of both individuals and societies.
The celebrations in the Auditorium were accompanied by the presentation of the Medal for Merit for the Development of the University, awarded to dr habil. Jerzy Boehlke, NCU Prof., economist, and dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management in 2016–2024.
Photo: Mikołaj Kuras
This was a way of recognising the professor's contributions to the University, especially in the area of developing international cooperation and cooperation with the social and business environment.
Awards and titles
The title of Honorary Professor of the Nicolaus Copernicus University was awarded to dr habil. Jerzy Łukaszewicz from the Faculty of Chemistry and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Modern Technologies.
Photo: Mikołaj Kuras
This distinction is awarded to professors with outstanding scientific achievements who have ended their active professional careers in the past academic year by retiring. The distinction, awarded by the Senate of the Nicolaus Copernicus University at the request of the Honorary Distinctions Committee, symbolically highlights the irreplaceable contribution of the laureates to the development of science and the education of future generations of researchers.
During the University Day celebrations, a group of new NCU Ambassadors were also introduced. These are NCU alumni who have achieved significant success in science, culture, art, politics or business, and who promote the University in their daily activities.
Photo: Mikołaj Kuras
The new NCU Ambassadors are:
- Artur Anuszewski – graduate of geography at the Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences (1977), traveller, geographer, photographer, author of books and press publications, publisher;
- Agnieszka Głowacka – graduate of economics at the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management (1997), vice-president of ERBUD – one of the largest construction groups in Poland;
- Przemysław Grudziński – graduate of history at the Faculty of Humanities (1972), historian, Americanist, lecturer, diplomat, civil servant, author;
- Arkadiusz Myrcha – graduate of law at the Faculty of Law and Administration (2009), lawyer, member of the Polish Parliament, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice;
- Zdzisław Preisner – graduate of geography at the Faculty of Biology and Earth Sciences (1973), traveller, geographer, publisher, photographer.
- Sławomir Redo – graduate of law at the Faculty of Law and Administration (1972), lawyer, long-standing UN expert, Visiting Professor of United Nations Law and member of the United Nations Studies Association;
- Józef Robakowski – graduate of artefact studies and conservation at the Faculty of Fine Arts (1967), academic professor, artist, curator, art historian;
- Mirosław Zeidler – graduate of artefact studies and conservation at the Faculty of Fine Arts (1970), expert on historical artefacts, conservator, antiquarian, art dealer.
On 19 February, during the ceremony in the Nicolaus Copernicus University Main Auditorium, diplomas were also awarded to new habilitated doctors and doctoral students were promoted.
Photo: Mikołaj Kuras
Another important event was the signing of an agreement between the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and the Marshal's Office concerning joint research and teaching projects related to food production and agrotechnology, which opens up new development opportunities and strengthens cooperation between the University and the regional authorities. The document was signed by Rector prof. dr habil. Andrzej Tretyn and Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship.
In addition to the principal celebrations in the NCU Main Auditorium, the University Day programme also included other events:
The presentation of the state decorations to distinguished employees of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń;
The concert entitled 'Classic Hit List' performed by the Toruń Symphony Orchestra with the participation of Korean pianist Hyunjin Roh, winner of the 13th International I.J. Paderewski Piano Competition;
The opening of the exhibition 'Why do we need art? Why do we need science?' at the RE Gallery on the ground floor of the Rectorate;
The opening of the exhibition 'Stefan Knapp. Alchemist and Visionary' at the Centre of Contemporary Art in Toruń (20 February, 7 p.m.);
The inauguration of the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of graphic arts at the Nicolaus Copernicus University (20 February, Artus Court, Wozownia Art Gallery).
