Photo: Lviv Polytechnic National University

On Tuesday, the Rector of our University was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of Lviv Polytechnic National University. This prestigious distinction was conferred on Professor Arkadiusz Wójs by the Senate of the Ukrainian university in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of cooperation between the two institutions and his outstanding scientific achievements.

The conferment ceremony took place during a special event in Lviv, with the laudation delivered by Professor Igor Helzhinsky. The Vice-Rector of Lviv Polytechnic emphasized that the title of Doctor Honoris Causa is awarded to individuals who embody the highest academic standards, push the boundaries of scientific achievement, and promote the idea of the university as a space of freedom of thought, responsibility, and service to humanity.

“This honorary doctorate is another step toward unity, deep dialogue, and partnership between our universities,” said Professor Igor Helzhinsky. “It represents the renewal of an invisible yet lasting bridge between the academic cultures of our two countries, and a confirmation that science transcends borders and time, and that its greatest representatives create new meaning in historical connections.”

The supervisor of Professor Arkadiusz Wójs’s honorary doctorate added that, in his person, the academic community of Lviv Polytechnic sees a partner who, thanks to his international experience, networks, authority, and ability to build intellectual communities, can strengthen the university’s ambitions to enhance its international presence and integration with the European Research Area.

“By conferring the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of Lviv Polytechnic National University, we affirm that we regard the Professor as a friend, adviser, and intellectual partner, capable of cooperation in times of great challenges and great opportunities. Great science is born where trust, respect, and a shared vision prevail,” concluded Professor Igor Helzhinsky.

Photo: Lviv Polytechnic National University

Historical ties and shared heritage

“I accept this distinction with a feeling of profound gratitude,” said Professor Arkadiusz Wójs during the ceremony in Lviv. “To receive the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, the highest academic distinction, from one of Europe’s most important universities is an immense honor and responsibility. And to receive it from a ‘mother’ university—as this is how we think of Lviv Polytechnic in Wrocław—is also deeply moving. This moment will remain in my memory for the rest of my life.”

In his address, the Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology emphasized that the distinction also has a deep historical dimension, as there are few pairs of universities in Europe whose histories are as closely intertwined as those of Lviv Polytechnic and Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

“After the Second World War, professors, doctors, engineers, and graduates of Lviv Polytechnic came to Wrocław and became co-creators of the new Wrocław University of Science and Technology,” said the new Doctor Honoris Causa. “Wrocław owes Lviv not only its academic staff, but also its academic culture—excellence and integrity in research, a high professional ethos, and the unique atmosphere of curiosity and free, creative thought characteristic of great universities throughout history. The legacy of the Lviv school of mathematics and engineering continues to live on within the walls of our University.”

The Rector of Wrocław Tech also emphasized that the future of a free Ukraine—its path toward reconstruction and further development—will depend to a large extent on the condition and engagement of technical universities.

Photo: Lviv Polytechnic National University

“A strong state needs education and science. Research, engineering, and bold innovation underpin modern manufacturing, secure energy systems, efficient transport, advanced IT systems, and medical technologies,” he explained during Tuesday’s ceremony, noting that Lviv Polytechnic currently plays a key role in Ukraine’s defense.

“I also treat today’s distinction as a commitment to further develop cooperation between our universities—today, in times of war, and in the future, when Ukraine, in conditions of peace, will face the enormous task of rebuilding its economy and infrastructure,” said Professor Arkadiusz Wójs.

“Universities are extremely important institutions in all times. May our two great technical universities remain forever united by friendship and scientific and academic cooperation—for the good of our cities, our countries, and our shared Europe,” he added at the conclusion of his speech.

This is the fourth Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology to receive the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of Lviv Polytechnic National University. Professor Wójs was accompanied at Tuesday’s event by Professor Tadeusz Więckowski, who received this distinction in 2011 and continues to cooperate closely with the Ukrainian university. Previously, the title was also awarded to Professor Andrzej Wiszniewski (1993) and Professor Andrzej Mulak (2001).