On February 19, 2018, the Torun University celebrated its feast – the 545th anniversary of the patron Nicolaus Copernicus’ birth. Jarosław Gowin, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Science and Higher Education was the special guest of the celebrations. 

During the ceremony the university staff was awarded with state and university prizes and  titles: Doctor Honoris Causa, Honorary Professor and Ambassador of the Nicolaus Copernicus’ University. New habilitated doctors and doctors received diplomas.

– Nicolaus Copernicus University is one of the best-growing Polish universities and has a chance to be in the group of so-called research universities – said Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Gowin. We need to let Polish universities differ from each other. The mission of a research university differs from a good vocational school – he added.

The Minister of Science and Higher Education reminded that the government continues to work on the so-called constitution for science. Jarosław Gowin emphasized that he would strive to implement the law in its current form. According to the assumptions of the Act, a group of research universities will be organized. The presence of the University of Nicolaus Copernicus in this cluster is a chance for even greater development of the university.

During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Gowin proposed the initiative to celebrate the Day of the Scientist on February 19 – the day of Nicolaus Copernicus’ birth.