Visit of the Saxon Academy of Sciences Delegation to the PAS

On 17 September 2025, the Polish Academy of Sciences hosted representatives of the Saxon Academy of Sciences in Leipzig (Sächsische Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Leipzig – SAW). The delegation was led by Professor Hans-Joachim Knölker, President of the Academy, accompanied by Professor Wolfgang Huschner – Vice President, Professor Matthias Schwarz – Secretary of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Class, and Professor Jürgen Haase – member of the same Class.

The guests were welcomed by Professor Marek Konarzewski, President of the PAS. The meeting was also attended by representatives of our Academy: Professor Mirosława Ostrowska – Vice President, Professor Igor Kąkolewski – Director of the PAS Centre for Historical Research in Berlin, Professor Paweł Kulesza – Chair of the Board of Curators of Division III PAS, Professor Adam Kubas – Director of the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS, Professor Karol Palka – Director of the Institute of Mathematics PAS, Professor Maciej Janowski – Director of the Institute of History PAS, and Dr. habil. Maciej Górny – Deputy Director of the Institute of History PAS.

The meeting began with a presentation by Professor Konarzewski about the Polish Academy of Sciences. This was followed by a talk by Professor Knölker on the Saxon Academy of Sciences. Established in 1846 as the Royal Saxon Society of Sciences, the SAW now brings together more than 200 scholars from various fields, who meet regularly to exchange views, discuss methods and research results, and engage in long-term basic research projects.

Directors of PAS institutes invited to the meeting presented the work of their respective units. The presentation session was concluded by Professor Igor Kąkolewski, who outlined the activities carried out by the PAS Centre for Historical Research.

In the closing discussion, Professor Knölker proposed organising joint German-Polish workshops for young researchers in Leipzig in 2026. Climate change and biodiversity were identified as potential areas of focus. Professor Konarzewski emphasised that cooperation between the PAS and SAW could build on existing contacts between Polish and German researchers – at present, 53 PAS institutes are already collaborating with partners in Germany – and should be further strengthened.

Following the meeting with the PAS President, the SAW delegation also held talks with the management of the PAS Institute of History.

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