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“It was a very significant and meaningful event, even though I was formally granted the title three years ago. Due to the pandemic, the ceremony was postponed. This celebration was, I would say, very dignified. President Duda personally handed out each nomination. I was deeply moved, especially because my wife and parents accompanied me. We were all touched by the atmosphere,”
shared Prof. Lubiatowski, orthopedic surgeon and board member of Rehasport.
The President Called for... Permission to Rebel
Among the honored scholars, medical professionals formed the largest group, with 22 recipients.
“President Andrzej Duda gave a truly excellent speech—free of politics, but rich in patriotism. He emphasized that every professor has a responsibility, and he asked us to aim high. He expressed his hope that someone among us would one day win a Nobel Prize, saying he believes Polish science is capable of such achievement. That is, in his view, part of the president’s duty—regardless of political affiliation,”
recalled Prof. Lubiatowski.
The Rehasport specialist also highlighted another powerful message delivered by the president:
“He asked us to commit to mentoring the younger generation—to help them grow and, as he put it, rebel. Not to rebel without cause, but to challenge the status quo of knowledge. To not accept things as they are, but to question and push boundaries. Young people often crave deeper understanding—we need to support that. And as professors, we should also be active in public life. That’s part of the responsibility that comes with this title,”
he added.
A Historical Setting for a Memorable Moment
Professor Lubiatowski also appreciated the historical ambiance of Belweder Palace:
“The hallways are lined with photographs of Marshal Józef Piłsudski. But what truly struck me was the sight of the historic ‘Round Table’ displayed behind glass, along with the original microphones from over 30 years ago and nameplates of key figures from that time—Lech Wałęsa, Tadeusz Mazowiecki, Władysław Frasyniuk, and others. Despite political differences, that legacy hasn’t been forgotten,”
the orthopedic surgeon noted.
