Prof. Rafał Szmigielski honored as Best Lecturer at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw

Prof. Rafał Szmigielski, head of the Environmental Chemistry Research Group (Team 17) at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF), has been recognized as Best Lecturer at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University (UKSW) Diamonds Gala, organized by the Student Council of UKSW in Warsaw. This prestigious award, granted based on student votes, highlights his dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

At IChF, Prof. Szmigielski conducts research on atmospheric chemistry, air pollution, and its impact on health, as well as chemical communication mechanisms in forest ecosystems. His interdisciplinary approach integrates physical chemistry, ultrasensitive mass spectrometry, organic synthesis, biochemistry, and modeling, providing crucial insights into environmental influences on public health and improvement of air quality.

The UKSW Diamonds Gala is one of the university’s key academic events, recognizing outstanding lecturers, engaged students, and institutions that contribute to the advancement of science and education. The fact that these awards are granted by students themselves makes this recognition particularly meaningful. The event was attended by the Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education.

For 16 years, Prof. Szmigielski has been teaching at UKSW, inspiring young generations and sharing his expertise. This award acknowledges his commitment to education and his efforts to bridge scientific research with academia. Reflecting on this recognition, he stated:

"This distinction makes me reflect on how important it is to expand communication channels between the scientific world—often complex and not always intuitive—and the broader public, including students. Teaching requires patience and consistency, but at the same time, it provides motivation to continue scientific explorations in chemistry. In addition, contact with young people allows us to more easily recruit new master's and/or doctoral candidates for cutting-edge research work conducted in the environmental chemistry team at IChF."

The award granted to Prof. Szmigielski aligns with the 70th anniversary of the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS and Poland’s current Presidency of the EU Council, highlighting the significance of IChF’s research in addressing global environmental and health challenges.

Congratulations to Prof. Szmigielski on this achievement.

The profile photo of the laureate was taken by Grzegorz Krzyżewski.
Source of information and photos from UKSW: https://uksw.edu.pl/nasza-niezwykla-spolecznosc-ii-gala-diamenty-uksw/
Text: Apj