On 13th October 2017, a ceremony honoring the individuals with particular merits in the service of the state and the society took place in the President’s Palace. Among the recipients of the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta were Dr. Witold Cieśla, Vice-Director of the IPPH for Medical Affairs and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Kochanek, PhD Eng., Scientific Secretary of the IPPH. The orders have been presented by Minister Andrzej Dera on behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland.

People awarded by decision of the President of Poland Andrzej Duda are distinguished by their extraordinary achievements in scientific research, teaching, popularizing science in Poland, supporting development of Polish industry and outstanding merits in the service of the state and the society.

It is worth adding that the Order of Polonia Restituta has been established by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland on 4th February 1921, as the second highest Polish order after the Order of the White Eagle. The Chapter of Polonia Restituta guards the honor of the Order. Upon becoming elected, the President of Poland is awarded the Grand Cross of the Polonia Restituta Order and becomes the Grand Master of the Order Chapter.