Dr Marta Kolanowska, Prof. of the University of Lodz (UŁ), a researcher from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, was awarded the Otto Wichterle award by the Czech Academy of Sciences. Awards are given to young scientists for their significant contribution to the development of science.

Dr Kolanowska described over 275 previously unknown species of orchids and introduced ecological niche modeling methods to biogeographic studies of orchids. The candidacy of Marta Kolanowska was submitted by the Global Change Research Institute.

Dr Marta Kolanowska studied orchids first in Poland, and after receiving an award under the competition organized by the Embassy of Colombia, also in the El Cocuy National Park. She is a valued specialist in the field of tropical biodiversity analysis.

The jury of the competition appreciated not only the scientific achievements of the biologist, but also the actions she took to protect tropical ecosystems. The researcher participated in the protection of tropical ecosystems together with the Biodiversitatis foundation, of which she is one of the founders.