“Science Populariser” Awards for Dr hab. Sabina Pierużek-Nowak and the Festival of Science Team

15 12 2025

During the final gala of the 21st edition of the nationwide Science Populariser competition, organised by the Science in Poland service of the Polish Press Agency, our scientists were awarded.

The Main Award was given to the Festival of Science Team, which includes Dr Takao Ishikawa, Vice-Dean for Student Affairs. The team was recognised for its pioneering work in science popularisation, which for almost 30 years has allowed large audiences to engage with science, and for consistently maintaining a high academic standard in each edition of the festival.

The Award in the “Scientist” category was presented to Dr hab. Sabina Pierużek-Nowak, Professor at the University, from the Department of Animal Ecology and Evolution at the Institute of Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw. She was awarded for successfully combining scientific research with science popularisation at the highest level. The Award Committee appreciated that her activities help change public attitudes towards predatory species and improve understanding of the need to protect them. She has been active for over 30 years in the popularisation and conservation of so-called “difficult” species, such as the wolf.

The candidates were evaluated by a Competition Committee made up of representatives of the scientific community, science communicators, and the editorial team of the Science in Poland portal. The committee was chaired by Professor Michał Kleiber – Chair of the Polish National Commission for UNESCO, former President of the Polish Academy of Sciences, former Minister of Science and Information Technology, and one of the initiators of the competition.

This year’s edition received 76 applications, of which 65 were accepted. Twenty-four finalists were selected in five categories: Animator, Institution, Media, Scientist, and Team. The Science Populariser competition has a tradition of over 20 years and enjoys lasting recognition in the scientific and educational communities.

We warmly congratulate all the award winners!