On 17 October, the Polish Academy of Sciences Scientific Center in Paris hosted a unique interdisciplinary event dedicated to outstanding Polish researchers whose work has shaped, and continues to shape, European science. The meeting accompanied an exhibition prepared for Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, jointly developed by the PAS foreign centers in Brussels, Rome, Berlin, Vienna, and Kyiv.

The day opened with introductory remarks delivered by Prof. Aldona Katarzyna Jankowska, Director of the PAS Scientific Center in Paris, who welcomed the guests and expressed her gratitude for being able to host such distinguished researchers from institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The welcoming remarks were followed by Dr Tomasz Poprawka, Director of the PolSCA Office in Brussels, who explained the genesis of the exhibition and its main goal, which was to show excellent Polish researchers from the past and present who are working on topics that align with the European Union’s strategic objectives.

Lightning session

The programme began with a lightning session featuring concise presentations by leading researchers from the Polish Academy of Sciences, representing various scientific disciplines — from medical physics and polar geochemistry to history, biotechnology, and materials science.

Speakers included:
• Prof. Paweł Olko, Institute of Nuclear Physics PAS – expert in medical physics and radiation dosimetry
• Prof. Monika Kusiak, Institute of Geophysics PAS – geochemist and polar explorer focusing on isotope geochemistry
• Prof. Maciej Górny, Tadeusz Manteuffel Institute of History PAS – historian of East-Central Europe and intellectual history
• Prof. Janusz Lewiński, Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS – chemist specializing in mechanochemistry and advanced materials
• Prof. Andrzej Gamian, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy PAS – biochemist and immunologist, Director of the Institute

The session highlighted the impact of Polish science on European and global research, celebrating innovation and international collaboration.

In the Footsteps of Giants — panel session

After the lunch break, which initiated fruitful discussion, participants took part in a panel titled “In the Footsteps of Giants — voices of the past, questions of the present”, moderated by Dr Anna Nawrocka (Polonium Foundation). The conversation explored key contemporary challenges: trust in research, the role of science communication, scientific diplomacy, and the perception of Polish science abroad. The panellists also touched on the personal dimension of research — how to preserve curiosity and joy in a competitive academic environment.

One of the topics that divided the panellists was the approach to science communication. In Prof. Lewiński’s opinion, it is better to leave this communication to scientists, who have the knowledge to explain their own research. Prof. Kusiak has a different view, stating that science communication professionals are better equipped to do this, as they have more experience, more efficient tools, and a better understanding of how to reach specific audiences. There was one aspect that everyone agreed on — promoting accessible and inspiring science should begin early in life, especially among children.

Networking

The event concluded with a networking session, providing space for informal conversations and opportunities to develop future collaborations — a fitting continuation of a day devoted to exchange, inspiration, and cross-border scientific community building.

The accompanying exhibition “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” remains open to visitors at the PAS Scientific Center in Paris until 28 October 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We warmly invite all those interested in science, history, and culture to discover the stories and contributions of exceptional Polish scholars.