Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw, received an honoris causa doctorate from the Catholic University of Santa María in Arequipa, Peru. The award ceremony took place on 9th September.
During the celebration of the 64th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic University of Santa Maria in Arequipa (Universidad Católica Santa María), Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak was honored with the highest academic distinction – a honoris causa doctorate, presented to him by Dr. Jorge Luis Caceres Arce, Rector of the UCSM University.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the university authorities, the local community, state and diplomatic institutions, and representatives of the University of Warsaw: Robert Grey, Chancellor of the University of Warsaw, and Konrad Zawadzki, Deputy Director of the University of Warsaw Biological and Chemical Research Centre.
The laudation was delivered by Prof. Angelica Corso Salas, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology at the UCSM University, who called Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak an “architect of bridges”: “If I have to use a metaphor from biotechnology, I would say that Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak is a catalyst who accelerates the formation of bonds between worlds that are too often separated: science, business, politics, sports, and society”.
In her speech, Prof. Corso Salas cited the University of Warsaw Rector’s international academic career, his contribution to building social dialogue, and his involvement in public life – from consulting and collaboration with businesses to integrating academia with the economic sector. She also emphasised that his decision to remain in Poland despite foreign offers demonstrates his exceptional sense of mission.
During the ceremony, Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak delivered a lecture entitled “President Trump’s Economic Policies and the University”, in which he discussed the impact of US economic policy on the higher education sector, global knowledge flows, and research funding. He compared different university models in Europe and America.
“Universities cannot be passive observers of change. They must be active players in shaping the economy, technology, and democracy,” said Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak during his lecture.
In his closing remarks, the Rector of the University of Warsaw announced that the University of Warsaw will fund five scholarships for UCSM students and staff, enabling them to come to Warsaw and pursue research projects. This initiative aims not only to support mobility but, above all, to create a real space for long-term collaboration with UW research teams.
“We want young researchers from Arequipa to develop in dialogue with our scientists – in laboratories, project teams, and an academic environment that values openness and partnership,” said Prof. Nowak.
