"Diamond Grant" Laureates Meeting

On March 30th 2012 r. the list of the laureates of prestigious "Diamond Grant" founded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education was announced. Among 100 talented winners, who do their research simultaneously to their studies, as many as 21 representatives of our University were awarded. This excellent result can serve as justification for organizing the meeting at the University of Warsaw.

– When we review the themes awarded in the "Diamond Grant" scheme, we can notice that they refer both to applied sciences as well as to fundamental issues. This means that within the programme of the Ministry the balance between short-term and long-term objectives is maintained, – Rector Marcin Pałys stated. The host of the meeting expressed his gratitude to Professor Barbara Kudrycka for this diversified programme, of unique character in Poland. The wishes of successful career, great discoveries and the strength to withstand any difficulty occurring were passed to the laureates of "Diamond Grant".

Also, an interesting proposal was put forward to 21 representatives of the University of Warsaw. – We wish to offer you employment at the University of Warsaw for the period of "Diamond Grant" operation. Every scientist will receive a similar offer and I sincerely hope they will accept it – the Rector stated.

– I am really glad that you welcomed the idea of organising this meeting in the walls of the most prestigious university in Poland – Barbara Kudrycka, the Minister of Science and Higher Education stated at the beginning of her speech, expressing her gratitude to the Authorities of UW. – The fact that 21 laureates of "Diamond Grant" are the students of UW demonstrates the impressive educational results that can be achieved by the university professors in cooperation with their students – Professor Kudrycka added.

However, the Minister’s speech was addressed above all to the laureates of the prestigious grant. – You are expected to contribute to the increasing role of Polish science, but also to demonstrate good and dignified conduct during your studies and research activities – Professor Kudrycka said to the students. – Who else can bear the responsibility for the future of Polish science? It is your duty, the duty of the most talented and ambitious students. It is the duty of those whose imagination can go beyond any borders and strive for projects whose bravery can shock even the most experienced researchers – the Minister added.

The Minister of Science and Higher Education encouraged the laureates of "Diamond Grant" to set up a kind of "diamond association". The representatives of this organisation could contact the Ministry presenting the problems faced by its members, as well as ideas aimed at improving the programme.

After the Minister’s speech all the guests participating in the ceremony held in the Room of the Senate listened to a presentation outlining several projects developed by the laureates of the grant.

In the second part of the meeting a discussion took place. The discussion was attended, apart from the students, by Professor Marta Kicińska-Habior, the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs as well as by the representatives of the Department of Scientific Policy Instruments and the Legal Department of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

More information on "Diamond Grant" (pl)