"Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: An Exhibition of Polish Scientific Legacy"
The Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) has launched an exciting new exhibition titled "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants. Polish Scientists and Scholars in Europe – Legacy and Present Day," which has been opened in Brussels on June 23, 2025. This exhibition is a collaborative effort by six PAS foreign stations and aims to promote Poland’s rich scientific history alongside its ongoing contributions to European research.
The exhibition explores how Polish scientists have shaped and continue to influence various fields of research, from medicine and immunology to culture, physics, chemistry, climate science, and biodiversity. It emphasizes the idea that current discoveries build upon the pioneering work of past scientists, such as Marie Skłodowska-Curie, Jan Czochralski, and Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska. Through thematic sections, the exhibition highlights the achievements of both historical figures and modern researchers, illustrating the continuity of scientific achievements within a European context.
A key feature of the exhibition is the intergenerational continuation of the scientific legacy, linking past legends with contemporary experts. For example, Marie Skłodowska-Curie’s groundbreaking work in radioactivity is connected to Prof. Paweł Olko’s advancements in medical physics, while Jan Czochralski’s method for crystal growth relates to modern materials science innovations.
The exhibition also emphasizes Poland’s active participation in European research programs, such as Horizon Europe, indicating the active involvement of researchers in EU-funded projects, mobility fellowships, and international collaborations.
The exhibition had its premiere at the Transnational Science Cooperation: Fostering Collaborative Research in Europe and Poland conference organized by Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange - NAWA that was held on 23 and 24 June 2025., and will visit other European capitals strengthening Poland’s scientific ties across Europe. The driving force in developing the concept was Prof. Igor Kąkolewski (director of CBH PAS in Berlin) and Dr Tomasz Poprawka (director of PolSCA PAS in Brussels), while Andrzej Hoja (CBH PAS, Berlin) was responsible for curating the exhibition.
All six the foreign centres of PAS were involved in gathering materials for the exhibition, searching the archives and contacting the researchers. They are as follows:
Berlin – Centre for Historical Research (CBH PAN)
Brussels – Polish Science Contact Agency (PolSCA)
Kyiv – PAS Representative Office
Paris – PAS Scientific Centre in Paris
Rome – PAS Scientific Station in Rome
Vienna – PAN Scientific Centre
The exhibition celebrates Poland’s enduring scientific legacy, highlighting how heritage and innovation go hand in hand to shape the future of European research.
photos by Andrzej Hoja
