31 grudnia 2021
Another year of education and research, climate change and sustainable development actions, positioning in rankings, as well as achievements of our scientists and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below there are selected most meaningful events that the UW community faced in the passing year.
UW during the COVID-19 pandemic
At the beginning of May, 2021, in the UW Library building, the University of Warsaw opened the Vaccination Point for its students and employees. Additionally, the “Arm in Arm” campaign was launched to promote vaccination against coronavirus among academic community. The UW employees and doctoral candidates were also offered no-cost tests for SARS-CoV-2.
In December, UW Rector’s ordinance allowed for an additional remuneration for special working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This corona bonus is a one-time premium.
UW for climate and environment
As the first among other Polish universities, UW joined the global Race To Zero campaign. The project aims at rallying leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth.
The UW Rector’s Team for Ecology and Climate Crisis issued a document that describes strategic ”milestones” to be achieved by the University of Warsaw in the forthcoming years. The Agenda refers to the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations.
”Green University of Warsaw” is a competition for interdisciplinary projects that relate to modern research in the field of pro-environmental issues, related to activities for the protection of biodiversity, conserving natural resources, and shaping pro-ecological attitudes. Closing date for the call is 13th January, 2022.
The investments of the multi-annual development plan
The implementation of the program has been extended from 2025 to 2027. In March, the competition to design the building at Furmańska street was won by the “Piotr Bujnowski – Architekt” architecture studio. The construction of the building of the UW Faculty of Psychology started in May. In December, the authorities of the University of Warsaw signed a contract with Mota-Engil Central Europe for construction and assembly works of the students residence hall at the Slużewiec Campus.
UW in rankings
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 include more than 1,500 universities across 93 countries and regions. In January, the University of Warsaw hit the 123rd position among 172 other universities which were assessed for their performance in four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. The ranking included only two Central European universities: University of Warsaw (123 rank position) and Charles University in Prague (79 rank position).
In March, QS Quacquarelli Symonds, global higher education analysts, released the new edition of the QS World University Rankings – the world’s most-consulted source of comparative information about university performance. The assessment covered 19 study programmes at the University of Warsaw, with Archaeology, Modern Languages and Philosophy programmes on top positions of the ranking.
According to QS University Rankings, the University of Warsaw ranked first among the best Polish universities. UW was classified on 308 rank position worldwide, 130 rank position in Europe and the first place in the ranking in Poland. Academic reputation and employer reputation were features found as the most remarkable ones in the UW performance.
In the Perspektywy Ranking, the University of Warsaw was found a leader in terms of the largest number of the best fields of study – there are 23 of them. Ahead of the Warsaw University of Technology, which has 17.
In the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2021 (ARWU), the University of Warsaw and the Jagiellonian University were ranked in 401-500 among over 1,800 universities from all over the world. ARWU uses six objective indicators to rank world universities, including the number of alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals, number of highly cited researchers selected by Clarivate Analytics, number of articles published in journals of Nature and Science, number of articles indexed in Science Citation Index – Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index, and per capita performance of a university.
Scientific achievements of UW researchers
Prof. Jacek Jemielity from the Centre of New Technologies and Prof. Cezary Cieśliński from the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Warsaw received the 2021 Foundation for Polish Science Prize in chemistry and materials sciences for developing chemical modifications of mRNA as tools for therapeutic applications and studies on cellular processes.
Dr Paweł Polkowski from the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Warsaw won the 2021 National Science Centre Award (NCN Award) for his work in arts, humanities and social sciences. Dr Polkowski studies the rock art of Egypt and Sudan.
Dr Maria Górna, from the Faculty of Chemistry and the Biological and Chemical Research Centre at the University of Warsaw, appeared on the list of 100 Women of 2021 by Forbes Women Polska among many celebrities and activists in business, politics, culture and media.
Prof. Patrycja Grzebyk, Prof. Andrzej Wysmołek, Dr Wojciech Figiel and Dr Takao Ishikawa received the UW Rector’s Didactic Award. The award criteria recognise and distinguish academics who have remarkable achievements in teaching and introducing innovative methods.
The Copernicus Medal 2021 was awarded to the interdisciplinary advisory team for COVID-19 at the President of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Dr Aneta Afelt from the UW Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling is a member of the honoured team.
In December, Prof. Jacek Klinowski, an outstanding Polish chemist from the University of Cambridge, received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Warsaw.
On 15th December in the Senate Hall of Kazimierzowski Palace, a ceremonial renewal of a doctorate was held for Prof. Ewa Wipszycka-Bravo.
Scientists from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw led by dr hab. Michał Tomza, together with the experimental group of prof. Tobias Schaetz from the University of Freiburg, were the first to observe Feshbach resonances between single ion and ultracold atoms. The results of their work were published in “Nature”. The article was also highlighted on the journal’s cover.
UW students’ achievements
In ASC Student Supercomputer Challenge 20-21, the world’s largest supercomputing hackathon, UW students won gold in Machine Learning “Language Exam (LE) Challenge” and bronze in PRESTO application.
Students of the UW Faculty of Economic Sciences are silver medallists in the European finals of the Rotman European Trading Competition.
UW Management students promote entrepreneurship in older age. Their project ”Seniors in Business” was distinguished in the TV programme ”Zwolnieni z teorii” for its social impact via media.
The UW chess team of students and doctoral candidates participated in the Collegiate Chess League for the first time. Twice a year, collegiate chess teams from all over the world and any skill level compete in a one-of-a-kind competition to fight for the CEA Collegiate Chess Champion title. The UW team was undefeated, yet lost the first place to the University of Chicago in the final match.
Other interesting events of 2021
On 10th June, for almost two hours, the effects of a partial solar eclipse could be seen from all over Poland. Such a phenomenon was observed in 2015. Now, anyone interested could observe the effects of the solar eclipse under the watchful eye of astronomers from the University of Warsaw.
On 13th June, the Amorphophallus titanum – a tropical plant whose magnificent inflorescence can be admired every few years – bloomed in the UW Botanical Garden.
Source: www.en.uw.edu.pl
28 grudnia 2021
Opening for the PhD student position in the OPUS 21 NSC „Key odorants selection based on their kinetic and degradation with the atmospheric components within the prediction of odorous range of wastewater treatment plants”. Project leader: dr eng. Radosław Barczak. Deadline for applications: 28 February 2022. For more info see >> pdf
23 grudnia 2021
The recruitment commission announces that the competition for the PhD student positions in the NSC SONATA BIS 10 project: „A quest for soft matter single crystals: complex self-assembling materials cooked to perfection with lasers” was won by: Filip Powala, MSc.
Congratulations!
22 grudnia 2021
Position of Research Assistant (a group of science positions) in the OPUS project entitled „Physico-chemical principles of antioxidant action: from solvent effect and mechanistic studies to interfacial phenomena in biologically relevant systems” financed by NCN is open for application. Project leader: Prof. dr hab. Grzegorz Litwinienko. Deadline for applications: 31 January 2022. For more info see >> pdf
16 grudnia 2021
Applications are invited for 1 (one) position of post-doc (adiunkt) (a group of research positions) in the OPUS-LAP project entitled „3DED-QCr: Three-dimensional electron diffraction meets quantum crystallography” financed by the National Science Centre, Poland is open for application. Project leader: prof. dr hab. Paulina M. Dominiak. International partner: prof. Lukáš Palatinus. Deadline for applications: 15 January 2022. For more info see >> pdf
15 grudnia 2021
Applications are invited for 1 (one) postdoctoral research position in the Department of Chemistry and CNBCh, Warsaw, Poland. The position is available in the project entitled „Alkaline air battery”, under OPUS 20 no. 2020/39/B/ST4/02548 founded by the National Science Centre. Head of the project: Damian Kowalski, PhD. Deadline for applications: 14 January 2022. For more info see >> pdf
10 grudnia 2021
Professor Jacek Klinowski, an outstanding Polish chemist from the University of Cambridge, received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Warsaw.
“I consider it my great honour and privilege to grant the highest possible University honorary title to Prof. Jacek Klinowski. Prof. Klinowski is perceived as a superior person, a highly ethical person, a person of moral character.” – Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, UW Rector, stated.
The ceremony of awarding the honorary title took place on 8th December in the Senate Hall of Kazimierzowski Palace. As Prof. Klinowski expressed in his speech, “the conferred title of Doctor Honoris Causa is a great honour. As, in 2005, sir Roger Penrose was the last person the University of Warsaw granted this prestigious title, I would like to emphasise how difficult it would be for me to place my humble person among such eminent scientists.”
Prof. Jacek Klinowski is a world famous authority in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. “Worldwide known and respected not only for his magnificent achievements in pioneering research into zeolite chemistry but also for his commitment to the promotion of the Polish culture and research work,” as described by Prof. Krzysztof Woźniak, the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, and added “Prof. Klinowski has become the best Polish ambassador in the University of Cambridge. Throughout many years of his work at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, he has been occupying the leading position among the most distinguished and recognizable scientists. Well-known and highly-appreciated for his excellent lectures, scientific breakthrough work and interdisciplinary discoveries. Undoubtedly, Prof. Klinowski represents all the qualities of an excellent Polish scientist and researcher.”
Great Creator of New Ideas
The UW Senate granted the prestigious title of Doctor Honoris Causa at the request of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, on 24th June 2020. The professional achievements of the candidate were reviewed by: Prof. Jerzy Datka from the Jagiellonian University, Prof. Marek Potrzebowski from the Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and Prof. Maria Ziółek from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
“Among a large number of passionate scientists and dedicated researchers, there are few to be perceived outstanding creators of new ideas. Prof. Klinowski is one of the elite scientists as a man of numerous gifts, remarkable diligence and intuition,” reviewed Prof. Potrzebowski.
Source: www.en.uw.edu.pl
08 grudnia 2021
We are publishing the letter from Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, UW Rector. The letter presents the UW authorities attitude to the pandemic reaching the territory of our country. It also refers to the last spring decision on a regular mode of study in the University of Warsaw.
In the letter from 7th December 2021, UW Rector reminds the fact that the University of Warsaw is the first Polish University to declare formally to ”be determined to return the regular mode of study in the direct presence of both the tutor and the participants. Also, the letter deals with the potential responsibility for any drawbacks of the decision to provide only regular mode of teaching and learning”.
− From an economic point of view, the decision on the mode of education in 2021/2022 was taken as early as possible to help students from other parts of the country determine whether they move to Warsaw, rent a flat or a room in the UW residence hall. Therefore, the fact that we are committed to our decision about the regular mode of study shows our profound concern that our community members could make their life decisions while trusting the declarations they receive – as UW Rector explained.
UW Rector emphasizes the fact that the UW authorities discuss regularly the situation with the Student Council and the PhD Student Council. The students’ representatives claim they prefer regular courses to the online ones. Together with the Student Council and PhD Student Council we monitor the situation and analyse our students’ attitude to the health safety at UW. Also, UW Rector comments on the survey conducted in September this year. The survey result indicates the medium level of vaccination amounting to 80 per cent in UW students and 90 per cent in UW academic teachers and administration staff. These results place the University of Warsaw on one of the safest places as for the coronavirus infection risk.
UW Rector’s letter to the academic community
Source: www.en.uw.edu.pl
The recruitment commission announces that the competition for the postdoctoral positions in the NSC grant OPUS 16 „Selective transport of biologically relevant anions through lipid bilayers” was won by the following candidates: Dr. Nasim Akhtar and Dr. Meenakshi Pahwa.
Congratulations!
02 grudnia 2021
On the 3rd December the University Volunteer Centre (UVC) will be celebrating the 8th anniversary, and the International Volunteer Day 2 days later as well. To commemorate these events, UVC and volunteers prepare several actions and activities like “Mission: Christmas Card” or a pet food bank called “Filling in Pets’ Bellies”.
Since 2013 the University Volunteer Centre has been dealing with the volunteer opportunity promotion, helping to realise new projects reported by the academic community, as well as facilitating the cooperation between volunteers and organizations or institutions in need. Traditionally, within the pre-Christmas time UVC and volunteers organise events that students, PhD students and UW employees are welcome to join.
UVC events in December:
Not only Skłodowska-Curie: Women in Science
Online meeting in English. A Biology student will be talking about great minds of the science world from a women’s view.
6th December (Monday) 4.45 pm
Registration until 10 am, 3rd December via UCW UW.
Online workshop: Polish Language Survival Lesson with @mypolishteacher
If you would like to start your adventure with Polish language join our meeting led by our volunteer and Polish language teacher Sylwia. Before that, you can follow her Instagram @mypolishteacher.
December 9, 4:45 PM
Application deadline: December 3, 10:00 AM
To sign up to workshop Polish Language Survival Lesson please send an email: wolontariat(at)uw.edu.pl
Book Talk – Back to Childhood
Meeting in English conducted by a Management student as well as a founder of a students’ group Good Books and Series. Students of the University of Warsaw and the Medical University of Warsaw will be discussing their favourite childhood books.
16th December (Thursday) 4.00 pm
Registration until 10.00 am, 10th December via UCW UW.
Mission: Christmas Card
Each year before Christmas, anyone is encouraged to send Christmas cards with Christmas wishes. The cards sent to UVC and addressed to seniors will be further delivered to the Nursing Home of the Society of St. Francis de Sales in Warsaw.
Deadline: 15th December. More information.
Zimowa Wałówka – Filling in Pets’ Bellies is an action to help animals in shelters. This is the 8th edition of this action. The collection points for cat and dog food are located in the UVC, in the University of Warsaw Library building, and in the Students’ Council building, and remain open till 28th January 2022. More information.
Source: www.en.uw.edu.pl
