On May 31, 2023, representatives of the world of Polish science were awarded the “Sapientia et Veritas” Medals of Merit for Polish Science. They received them from the hands of Minister of Education and Science Przemyslaw Czarnek. Among the decorated was Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, who received the highest honor – the Gold Medal.

– We want to honor outstanding professors and emphasize your contribution to the development of Poland, Minister said. – Today, we have gathered outstanding professors of Polish universities, working for Poland and doing science for the world, just as Nicolaus Copernicus did. Nicolaus Copernicus was born 550 years ago as a subject of a Polish king, but he made his revolution, in the positive sense of the word, for Europe and the world. Precisely as you dedicate your scientific achievements and your scientific activity, and next to scientific, very often also social, to the entire humanity, Przemysław Czarnek remarked.

The medal “Meritorious for Polish Science Sapientia et Veritas” (Latin for wisdom and truth) is a Polish ministerial award of the Minister of Education and Science for an individual, legal entity or organizational unit for exceptional contributions to higher education and science, including for outstanding achievements in scientific, teaching or organizational activities. It is awarded according to the May 12, 2022 Act, amending the Law – Law on Higher Education and Science and other laws.

The award has three grades – gold, silver medal and bronze medal. It can be awarded to, among others, persons of merit to science and higher education, including those without Polish citizenship, universities, foundations, research institutes, and associations.