On 12 September, the last part of the World Copernican Congress, which takes place during the 550th anniversary of the birth of the world-famous astronomer, began at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. During the opening ceremony of the Toruń part of the event, a letter of intent was signed regarding the establishment of the International Copernican Research Centre.
'The World Copernican Congress has come full circle, returning to the place where it began on 19 February 2023. For 210 days, our congress revolved around Nicolaus Copernicus, his life, work and times', said Prof. Andrzej Sokala, Rector of the Nicolaus Copernicus University during the opening of the meeting in Toruń. He also discussed the rich programme of the Toruń part of the WCC, whose scientific core consists of six thematic sections: History of Astronomy, History of Medicine, Cultural Studies, Medicine, Youth and Teaching. They will be accompanied by numerous events: exhibitions, concerts and debates as well as conventions and meetings.
The World Copernican Congress was organised by three universities: the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, the Jagiellonian University and the University of Warmia and Mazury, as well as the Institute of the History of Science of the Polish Academy of Sciences. After the opening in Toruń, which took place on the birthday of Nicolaus Copernicus, the Congress moved to Krakow, where it brought together economists, philosophers and researchers of the history of these disciplines. In June in Olsztyn, attendees discussed the biography of the famous astronomer: his life, education and social activities in Warmia, as well as monuments directly related to the figure of Nicolaus Copernicus.
The collaboration initiated during the preparations for the Congress will be continued. On 12 September, a letter of intent regarding establishing the International Copernican Research Centre was signed by the rectors of the three universities: Prof. Andrzej Sokala, Prof. Jacek Popiel and Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski.
As stated in the document, previous work and discussions indicate that there is still much more to be done in terms of Copernican research, and the great astronomer and his legacy are still fascinating for scholars from around the world. The Centre will serve to further develop Copernican research and support networking opportunities, including international ones, that were made possible thanks to the Congress.
‘Choosing teamwork instead of pursuing research projects alone often brings promising results. The success of the World Copernican Congress was made possible only through the collaboration between our three universities and the Polish Academy of Sciences, which shows that contemporary research and science communication need to be carried out as a joint initiative’, said Prof. Jacek Popiel.
‘I am very happy that there will be something meaningful left after the Congress. The agreement we sign today establishes something that will live on, spreading the ideas and values that are important to us’, said Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski.
