Prof. Robert Hołyst receives Lifetime Achievement Award at Polish Science Gala

We are thrilled to inform that Prof. Robert Hołyst from the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF) has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Minister of Science and Higher Education. The award was presented during the Polish Science Gala in Toruń, held at the Jordanki Cultural and Congress Center as part of the Polish Science Day celebrations. This distinction is awarded to individuals whose lifelong contributions have significantly shaped scientific research and academic development.

Polish Science Gala on the occasion of Polish Science Day

The Polish Science Gala, organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in collaboration with Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (UMK), is an annual event recognizing outstanding achievements in Polish academia. The 2025 edition, held on February 19, coincided with the 80th anniversary of UMK.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the highest distinctions granted at the gala, recognizing 20 outstanding researchers whose contributions have left a lasting mark on their fields. In total, 150 individuals were honored across five categories, highlighting significant achievements in scientific research, education, innovation, and academic leadership.

Prof. Robert Hołyst: a leader in Science and Innovation

With a distinguished career spanning over 300 scientific publications and 53 patents, Prof. Hołyst has made significant contributions to physical chemistry and statistical physics. His research has been internationally recognized, with invited lectures at institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge. His work in diffusion in complex fluids and thermodynamics has led to advancements in both fundamental science and practical applications.

Beyond research, Prof. Hołyst has played a key role in shaping Poland’s scientific landscape. As director of IChF (2011-2015), he introduced organizational reforms that improved research structures and secured major EU grants exceeding €12 million, significantly enhancing the Institute’s global standing.

A dedicated mentor, Prof. Hołyst has supervised over 30 PhD students and established the Dream Chemistry Award and Gold Medal of Chemistry, fostering scientific excellence among young researchers. Reflecting on the honor, he remarked:

“I truly appreciate my work and the wonderful people around me at IChF. The friendly atmosphere and scientific freedom have allowed me to fulfill my academic dreams. I am sincerely grateful to my colleagues for creating such an inspiring place for research.”

The Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Robert Hołyst.

The photo of Prof. Robert Hołyst was taken by Dr. Karol Karnowski.

Polish Science Gala photo source: Ministry of Science and Higher Education, by Mikołaj Kuras. Link: https://www.gov.pl/web/nauka/torun-uczcil-swieto-nauki--uroczysta-gala-nauki-polskiej.