The ceremony was attended by a large contingent of representatives from the academic community across Poland, as well as Prof. Buszewski's close family.
When asked about his feelings at this significant moment, Prof. Buszewski responded: ‘I am deeply honored. It means a great deal to me as a scientist that my peers recognize and appreciate the work I have done in my career. This award marks the culmination of a stage in life, giving me the chance to look back and view my achievements from a broader perspective. It feels especially meaningful given my connection to those who have advanced science and technology, particularly in these challenging times. As we grapple with issues like funding for science and the search for true scientific innovation, it is essential to consider whether we are driven by career ambitions or by a genuine commitment to science. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, there are also charlatans who scheme to bring their achievements to market by skimping on everything.’
Prof. Buszewski explored these themes in his acceptance lecture, titled ‘Truth or falsehood in science, but is it only in science?’.
Professional Career
Prof. Boguslaw Buszewski is internationally recognized as a leading expert in analytical chemistry, bioanalysis, and environmental chemistry. He graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1982 from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin.
He earned his doctoral and postdoctoral degrees from the Department of Chemical Technology at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava in 1986 and 1992, respectively. In 1999, he was awarded the academic title of Professor of Chemical Sciences.
In 1994, Prof. Buszewski joined the Faculty of Chemistry at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, where he established and led the Division of Environmental Chemistry and Ecoanalytics, and later the Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalysis. He currently serves as President of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Centrum Naukowo-Technologiczne im. prof. Jana Czochralskiego [Prof. Jan Czochralski Kuyavian-Pomeranian Science and Technology Center in Toruń], which he founded.
Publications, Citations, Research, and Mentorship
In her address, Prof. Szynkowska-Jóźwik highlighted Prof. Buszewski’s impressive scholarly output, which includes 781 publications cited over 22,825 times, and the Hirsch index of h=64, according to the Scopus database. She noted, ‘These metrics place him not only among the most cited Polish chemists but also among the world’s leading scientists whose research has profoundly impacted science and technology.’ Prof. Buszewski’s groundbreaking work has set new directions in Polish and global analytical chemistry, environmental analysis, and bioanalysis. His approach combines knowledge gained from foundational research with practical applications - a philosophy evident in his 58 patents, 38 of which have been implemented. His innovations include methods for separating microorganisms using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), new types of dressings for difficult-to-heal and post-operative wounds, technologies using microorganisms to biosynthesize nanocomposites, and the extraction of biologically active compounds from Polish crops.
He has also conducted research at the intersection of cellular biology and cellular external environment, which falls into the field of life sciences – life chemistry. Those studies have included not only environmental chemistry and biotechnology but also medical chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, toxicology, and what is known as various -omics such as proteomics, genomics, and metabolomics. The Professor has also pursued research into bioanalytes - potential biomarkers for early cancer detection - using advanced sensors. Over his career, Prof. Buszewski has advised 46 doctoral candidates, 25 of whom have gone on to become researchers in their own right.
International Recognition
Throughout his career, Prof. Buszewski has actively collaborated with renowned institutions across Europe, the United States, Japan, Australia, and South Africa. He has held prestigious research fellowships, including those with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation at the University of Tübingen and the Crafoord Foundation at Lund University in Sweden.
Leadership and Service
Prof. Buszewski has held numerous prominent roles in scientific organizations, including membership in the Central Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles and the vice-chairmanship of the Council for Scientific Excellence. He served as President of the Polish Chemical Society for two terms and is a full member of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.
Awards and Honorary Doctorates
Prof. Buszewski has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Knight's and Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, the Gold Cross of Merit, the Medal of the National Education Commission, and the Societas Humboldtiana Polonorum, Kemula, and Heisenberg medals. His previous honorary doctorates include degrees from the University of Technology in Bratislava, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Trnava, the Military University of Technology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, Poznan University of Technology, and Technical University of Cluj-Napoca.
Personal Interests
Prof. Szynkowska-Jóźwik also touched on Prof. Buszewski’s interests beyond science, noting his love for music, sports, nature, and travel, which inspire his ideas and activities. Known for his warmth and openness, she noted, Prof. Buszewski is surrounded by friends who hold him in high esteem and affection. His ability to form lasting, meaningful connections is yet another facet of his remarkable character.