Thanks to the Polish Consul in Houston, Andrzej Fąfara, as well as the initiative of Prof. Monika A. Kusiak and Dr. Wojciech Kusiak, Polish Fulbright fellows had the unique opportunity to meet Dr. Sławosz Uznański, a Polish astronaut who is set to participate in a mission to the International Space Station in mid-2025.
The discussion was enriched by the bright minds of Fulbright Poland fellows: Małgorzata Dwulat (University of Gdańsk / The City College of New York), Monika Agnieszka Kusiak (Institute of Geophysics PAS / NASA, Houston), Grzegorz Liskiewicz (Łódź University of Technology / Texas A&M University), Katarzyna Posmyk (Wrocław University of Science and Technology / Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Marcin Rabiza (Institute of Philosophy and Sociology PAS / University of California), Joanna Stempień (Institute of Applied Polish Studies UW / Washington University), Emilia Trudnowska (Institute of Oceanology PAS / Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), Tomasz Wiktor (Academy of Fine Arts / Northeastern University, Boston), and Jakub Wojciechowski (Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS / New Jersey Institute of Technology). Additionally, Prof. Igor Kosacki from the University of Houston joined the event.
The panelists, ambassadors of Polish science, discussed topics related to the state of Polish science in the context of global scientific advancements. They also had the opportunity to learn more about the scientific experiments that will be conducted during Dr. Sławosz Uznański’s space mission. A powerful message resonated throughout the discussion: with international cooperation and great courage, there are no limits to conducting scientific research at the highest global level.
During the meeting, participants signed a T-shirt for each other with the phrase welcoming “creatures from beyond the outer world!” This message was originally prepared in 55 languages: science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/golden-record-contents/greetings/.
As the New Year approaches, I would like to wish everyone in 2025 great courage, the ability to push the boundaries of our minds, and the freedom to think creatively and aim high. Remember, the sky is not the limit!
Recap prepared by prof. dr hab. inż. Monika A. Kusiak.
