The Grand Gold Medal for many years of significant contribution to the study of Slovak literature and culture abroad was awarded to Prof. Joanna Goszczyńska from the Institute of Slavic Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN). The award was given by the rector of the Comenius University in Bratislava, Prof. Marek Števeček.

The medal is an expression of recognition for the scientific work of permanent, exceptional value, constituting the contribution of Prof. Joanna Goszczyńska in the development of education and culture of both nations. The Rector of the Comenius University awarded it for the significant participation of a Polish Academy of Sciences researcher in Slovak-Polish cooperation in Slovak and Slavic literary studies.

Prof. Joanna Goszczyńska has been working at the Institute of Slavic Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, previously she was a lecturer at the University of Warsaw for many years. She is a long-time chairwoman of the Polish part of the Slovak-Polish Commission of Humanities established at the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Poland.