On 19 February 2025, the 5th Polish Science Gala took place — the most important national event celebrating academic excellence. During the ceremony, held at the Jordanki Cultural and Congress Centre in Toruń, three researchers from Wrocław University of Economics and Business (UEW) received prestigious Awards of the Minister of Science and Higher Education.
The Polish Science Gala – celebrating excellence in research
The Gala accompanies the Polish Science Day, established in 2020 and celebrated annually on 19 February, the birthday of Nicolaus Copernicus. This unique occasion recognises the achievements of outstanding scholars whose work has a tangible impact on society and the economy.
Each year, the Minister’s Awards are granted in five categories: for scientific, teaching, implementation, and organisational achievements, as well as for lifetime achievement. These awards represent one of the highest honours bestowed upon researchers and academics in Poland.
UEW laureates of the Minister’s Awards
Prof. Dr hab. Ewa Stańczyk-Hugiet – award for lifetime achievement
Dr hab. Natalia Szozda, Prof. UEW – award for significant achievements in scientific activity
Prof. Dr hab. Bogusława Drelich-Skulska – award for significant achievements in organisational activity
Profiles of the laureates
Prof. Dr hab. Bogusława Drelich-Skulska
Vice-Rector for International Cooperation and Head of the Department of International Economic Relations at UEW. Her research focuses on international business, development economics, and regional economic integration in East Asia. She has authored or co-authored over 10 monographs and 140 scholarly articles.
In 2010, she founded the Centre for Asian and Pacific Studies at UEW. Prof. Drelich-Skulska has held visiting professorships in Australia, Denmark, Estonia, Japan, Germany, and Switzerland. She actively contributes to international organisations, including AACSB’s Innovation Committee, the Board of Trustees at IHI Zittau (TU Dresden), and the Advisory Board on Accreditation at Woxsen University (India).
In 2024, she received the “Star of Internationalisation” award from the Perspektywy Educational Foundation.
Prof. Dr hab. Dr h.c. Ewa Stańczyk-Hugiet
Head of the Department of Advanced Management Studies at UEW, Prof. Stańczyk-Hugiet is a leading scholar in strategic management. Her research covers knowledge management, business ecosystems, interorganisational networks, and coopetition. She has authored or co-authored over 300 scientific publications and is actively involved in mentoring young academics.
She has served as Dean and Vice-Rector and is currently Deputy Chair of the Committee on Organisation and Management Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences. In 2023, she was awarded an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) by WSB University.
Dr hab. Natalia Szozda, Prof. UEW
A recognised expert in logistics and supply chain management. Currently, she serves as Head of the Department of Logistics and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Management. Her research explores demand management, digital transformation of supply chains, and interorganisational collaboration.
She is the author of the acclaimed monograph Product Management in the Supply Chain in the Era of Digital Transformation (2022), which received an award from the Polish Academy of Sciences Committee on Organisation and Management in 2024.
Prof. Szozda is also engaged in mentoring and promoting young researchers through projects such as the TopYoung100 initiative and the Logis student research group.
Recognition and congratulations
The Rector, the Senate, and the entire academic community of the Wrocław University of Economics and Business extend their heartfelt congratulations to the laureates. Their achievements strengthen the University’s reputation as a centre of research excellence and innovation on both the national and international stage.
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