INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

During today’s celebrations of Nicolaus Copernicus University Day, Marshal Piotr Całbecki, Vice-Marshal Zbigniew Ostrowski and the university’s rector, Prof. Andrzej Tretyn, signed an agreement on scientific and educational cooperation in areas related to agrotechnology and food production. The agreement includes, among other things, joint research and educational projects, student internships, and cooperation on expert studies concerning issues important for the region’s development.

“The agreement signed today opens a new chapter of joint activities in areas that are crucial both for our region and for the entire country. I am convinced that combining the university’s scientific potential with the executive capacity of the regional government will bring tangible benefits to both the academic community and the region as a whole. This document is a commitment to action and an expression of our confidence in the strength of partnership between science and public administration. As a regional authority, we fully understand the fundamental developmental role of science,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki in his speech before those gathered in the university’s main auditorium. “Universities have for centuries been at the heart of civilisational development.”

The implementation of the agreement will be overseen by the plenipotentiary of the regional board for science, research and implementation, Prof. Bogusław Buszewski — president of the Jan Czochralski Science and Technology Centre — and the vice-rector of the university, Prof. Radosław Sojak.

This year’s prestigious annual awards presented on the occasion of the University Day went to: retired astronomer, populariser of astronomy and social activist Dr Cecylia Iwaniszewska (Convallaria Copernicana); biochemist specialising in cancer pathogenesis and the use of molecular biology in the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases Prof. Ryszard Oliński (Laurus Aesculapii); and Prof. Ronald J. Krotoszynski Jr., lecturer at the University of Alabama School of Law and director of the Constitutional Studies Program and Civic Engagement Initiative at that university (Ratio et Spes Scientific Award).

Today’s ceremony also included a doctoral promotion and the presentation of diplomas to new habilitated doctors.

Nicolaus Copernicus University Day is traditionally celebrated on the birthday of Nicolaus Copernicus (19 February 1473 — the great astronomer was born in Toruń), but the university community and its friends have been celebrating since yesterday. On Wednesday there was a ceremony presenting state medals and decorations, as well as a concert by renowned Korean pianist Hyunjin Roh. This morning, representatives of academic staff and students laid flowers at the monument to Nicolaus Copernicus in the Old Town Square and at the monument to the university’s first rector, Ludwik Kolankowski.

Beata Krzemińska
Press Officer of the Marshal’s Office

19 February 2026