11th Edition of the Benedict the Pole Award

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the ceremonial Senate Hall of the University of Warsaw hosted the awards ceremony for the Benedict the Pole Prize—an honor that, for over a decade, has recognized outstanding explorers and researchers working at the intersection of science, exploration, and intercultural dialogue.

The event opened with a performance by the University of Warsaw Choir, which presented pieces of early Polish music, lending the ceremony a solemn and historical tone. Attendees were welcomed by the Rector of the University of Warsaw, Prof. Alojzy Nowak, and Prof. Mariusz Ziółkowski, Chairman of the Award Committee. A congratulatory letter from the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, was read by Presidential Advisor Mr. Tadeusz Deszkiewicz.

The highlight of the event, a celebration of science and international cooperation, was the honoring of three exceptional figures whose work transcends academic disciplines and national boundaries.

2025 Laureates

Polish Category:

Prof. Ewdoksia Papuci-Władyka
One of the most prominent figures in contemporary Mediterranean archaeology. A professor at both the Jagiellonian University and the University of Warsaw, she has long been involved in research in Paphos, Cyprus, focusing, among other things, on Hellenistic ceramics. Her work has significantly influenced the interpretation of the material culture of ancient Cyprus and contributed to the development of Poland’s academic presence in the region. She is the author of numerous scholarly publications, editor of academic monographs, and a speaker at international congresses.

International Category – Two Equal Awards:

Prof. Kazuhiko Sawada (Japan)
A distinguished Russian studies scholar and historian of Russian-Japanese relations. For decades, he has studied the legacy of Bronisław Piłsudski—a Polish researcher of Ainu culture—publishing dozens of academic articles in Japan, Russia, and Europe. His book on Piłsudski has also been published in Polish. Prof. Sawada collaborates with Polish academic institutions and is a foreign member of the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Prof. Marc-André Selosse (France)
A biologist, ecologist, and science communicator specializing in mycorrhizae—symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi. A professor at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris, he is also affiliated with universities in China and Poland. His accomplishments include over 230 scientific publications, hundreds of popular science articles and books, and editorial work for international journals. He actively supports collaboration between European and Asian scientific communities.

About the Award

The Benedict the Pole Award was established in 2014 at the castle in Łęczyca as a joint initiative of the Polish Chapter of The Explorers Club, the Warsaw Scientific Society, the Łęczyca County Office, and the Łęczyca City Hall. Its purpose is to recognize scientists—both Polish and international—whose academic and exploratory work significantly contributes to understanding the world, fostering international cooperation, and inspiring future generations of researchers.

The Award Committee, composed of respected representatives of the academic, cultural, and administrative spheres, selects laureates each year whose work is of particular significance for the advancement of knowledge about the Earth, seas, cosmos, and intercultural relations.

Previous Laureates Include:

Tomasz Rutkowski – Artificial intelligence expert working in Japan and Poland
Tadeusz Gawin – Journalist and leader of the Polish minority in Belarus
Maria Krzysztof Byrski – Indologist and former Polish ambassador to India
Nikolai Grube – World-renowned expert on Mayan script
Jerzy Dzik – Paleontologist and science popularizer
Mitsuyoshi Numano – Translator of Polish literature and promoter of Polish-Japanese cultural cooperation
Marta Kolanowska – Botanist and discoverer of hundreds of orchid species
Wojciech Kołątaj – Monument conservator involved in archaeological work in Egypt

Honorary Patronage

This year's gala was held under the Honorary Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda.

The project is supported by state budget funds granted by the Minister of Science and Higher Education within the framework of the Excellent Science II Program.