It was a remarkable evening in Toruń. Three researchers from the University of Zielona Góra were recognized during this year’s Polish Science Gala. The Minister of Science and Higher Education’s awards were presented on Wednesday, February 19, to Dr. Eng. Marta Gortych, Prof. Dr. Hab. Paulina Komorowska-Birger, and Dr. Hab. Tomasz Ratajczak, Prof. UZ. These scientists from Zielona Góra joined the ranks of Poland’s most distinguished researchers. The awards were granted in five categories:
20 awards for lifetime achievement,
33 awards for significant contributions to scientific research,
4 awards for outstanding achievements in teaching,
6 awards for significant contributions to applied research,
2 awards for outstanding achievements in organizational activities.
Minister Marcin Kulasek emphasized the significance of the laureates' accomplishments: "Your achievements prove that Polish science is at a world-class level, and our universities continue to develop. Each of you has a real impact not only on the advancement of technology, medicine, the economy, and education but also on the daily lives of millions of Poles." The minister also discussed the ministry’s priorities for improving working conditions for scientists, including increased funding for research, combating pseudoscience, simplifying grant procedures, and strengthening international cooperation. "We want Polish scientists to have an even greater influence on shaping European science policy" he added.
Professor Paulina Komorowska-Birger was honored with the Minister’s Award for her lifetime contribution to science. She studied at the Faculty of Ceramics and Glass at the PWSSP (now the Academy of Fine Arts) in Wrocław from 1985 to 1990. In 2012, she received the title of Professor of Art. She has been working at the University of Zielona Góra since 1992. Over the years, she has held various positions, including: Deputy Director of the Institute of Art and Visual Culture (1999-2002), Head of the Department of Art and Visual Culture (2005-2008), Vice-Dean for Student Affairs at the Faculty of Arts (2008-2012), Member of the Polish Accreditation Committee (2012-2024), Director of the Institute of Visual Arts (2015-2016, 2019-2024), Chair of the Scientific Discipline Council for Fine Arts and Art Conservation (2019-2024). She currently leads the Drawing and Artistic Glass Studio at the Institute of Visual Arts. She has exhibited her works in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Poland and internationally. Her works are part of collections at the National Museum in Poznań, the Museum of the Lubusz Region, and institutions such as The Studio Corning Museum of Glass (USA) and the Ao Dai Museum in Vietnam.
Professor Tomasz Ratajczak from the Institute of Polish Philology was recognized for his outstanding scientific achievements. His award-winning research includes a series of monographs on historical prayer books of various denominations, published by PWN (2019) and DiG (2018, 2023). Leading scholars praised his work: Prof. Dr. Hab. Jakub Z. Lichański (University of Warsaw): “Such a comprehensive study has not been done before, though its necessity has been frequently emphasized.”Prof. Dr. Hab. Krzysztof Migoń (University of Wrocław): “Ratajczak’s publications bring new value to the humanities, filling previously unrecorded gaps in many disciplines and enriching research methodologies.”
Prof. Ratajczak earned his Ph.D. in literary studies (Nicolaus Copernicus University) and his habilitation in social sciences (University of Wrocław). He received multiple grants, including the Excellent Science – Support for Scientific Monographs grant (2022), and has been awarded seven times by the Rector of UZ for his research and organizational contributions.
Dr. Eng. Marta Gortych, from the Institute of Environmental Engineering, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to education. She has been teaching at the University of Zielona Góra since 2011, focusing on energy storage and flood protection. Her lectures integrate the latest technological advancements, which students highly appreciate.
Between 2021 and 2023, she coordinated an international educational project Modern Energy Storage Methods in the Spree-Nysa-Bóbr Region, conducting lectures and workshops for 200 students from Germany and Poland. She also supervised Polish students at Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) in Cottbus and organized specialized four-day courses at UZ for BTU students. Her dedication extends beyond standard coursework, as she organizes additional classes to enhance students’ skills and prepare them for professional challenges. She also developed educational materials on thermal energy storage and energy efficiency, published on the project’s website. The recognition of these outstanding researchers highlights the University of Zielona Góra’s contribution to Polish and global science.
