Ceremony of doctoral and post-doctoral students promotion. Doctor honoris causa of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin – Prof. Viktor Korzun

On 23 April 2024, a ceremony was held in the auditorium of the Congress Centre of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin for the promotion of doctoral and postdoctoral students. The title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin was also conferred on Professor Viktor Korzun.

The ceremony was opened by the Rector, Prof. Krzysztof Kowalczyk. In his speech, he emphasised the great hope he placed in doctoral students and the joy with which the academic community of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin has welcomed Prof. Viktor Korzun as its honorary doctor.

 ‘Today, when we honour an outstanding scientist and cereal breeder with the highest academic laurel, has a special meaning (…) Looking at the development of civilisation, we can confidently say that it is closely linked to scientific development and the invaluable work of many researchers (…) who contribute to making our lives easier, safer and better. It is to them that successive generations owe their development and improved standard of living.’ – emphasised the Rector.

The Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation, Prof. Bartosz Solowiej, presented the doctorates, who then took the oath with the words ‘Spondemus ac policemur’. The deans of the faculties promoted the doctorates, who were then officially accepted by Rector Prof. K. Kowalczyk as doctoral candidates at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin.

Michal Mozejko, a representative of the doctoral students, took the floor and in his speech thanked the supervisors and the University authorities. He also addressed his fellow doctoral students: ‘Each of us has sacrificed a lot for this moment and endured moments of doubt and uncertainty. (…) This is a reason for inner pride. While at the same time remembering that the good and important things in life are often not easy. I think, however, that on this solemn day, you recognise how valuable the lesson was and, at the same time, how right the path we took was and what opportunities it opened up for us. Whichever direction each of us goes, we will always keep our Alma Mater in our heartfelt memory and return to it with great fondness and joy.’

This was followed by the postdoctoral students profiles presentation, who received their diplomas from the hands of the Rector, and the presentation of newly appointed professors, who received commemorative statuettes.

Distinguished doctoral theses were also awarded, which were presented from the rostrum by Prof. Adam Wasko, Vice-Rector for University Development.

The final point of the ceremony was the conferment of the Doctor Honoris Causa title to Professor Viktor Korzun. He is a practitioner professionally associated with the breeding and seed company KWS, and his scientific activities concern the creation of genetic mapping technologies and the construction of molecular genetic maps of major cereal species. He created the first genetic map of common wheat, using SSR markers.

‘Prof. Viktor Korzun applies Louis Pasteur’s principle: ‘Science has no homeland, because human knowledge encompasses the whole world’. The new doctor honoris causa of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Professor Viktor Korzun, is one of the media’s sought-after ‘authorities of our time’. We can call Professor Viktor Korzun an ambassador of modern technologies, because his achievements and openness to the wide world of science, unite both young and experienced scientists, students and people of good will, on all continents.’ – said Prof. Aleksandra Badora in her laudation.

The Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation, Prof. Bartosz Solowiej, read out the Senate’s resolution, while the Rector, Prof. Krzysztof Kowalczyk, delivered the ceremony. The distinguished jubilarian was presented with flowers by representatives of the ‘Jawor’ Song and Dance Ensemble.

The event culminated with a lecture by the newly appointed dhc of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Prof. Viktor Korzun, entitled. ‘Boosting innovation in cereal breeding’. Among other things, the professor presented issues related to genomic selection – based on genetic markers – in breeding programmes.

Artistic accompaniment was provided by the Academic Choir and the ‘Orion’ Hunting Signal Ensemble.

phot. DRiP