#TalentyUPL – Rafał Banaszkiewicz

Just a few years ago, he had no plans to go to university. Today, he is the recipient of one of the most prestigious scholarships in Poland and is developing his academic career in the field of Animal Science. Rafał Banaszkiewicz – a second-year Master’s student – speaks about his passion for animals, academic challenges, and the motivation that drives him forward.

We are pleased to present another interview in the #TalentyUPL series, in which we shine a light on members of the University community. The initiative highlights the diversity of development paths and passions which – despite their different directions – share a common foundation: consistency and dedication in pursuing one’s goals.

The first edition of the series features six stories of recipients of the Minister of Science and Higher Education Scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year – six individual experiences demonstrating that success is not a matter of chance, but the result of perseverance, conscious choices, and daily hard work.

Zuzanna Skwarek: Let’s start at the beginning – have university studies always been a part of your plan for the future?

Rafał Banaszkiewicz: To be honest – no. After secondary school, I never really assumed that I would go to university. In the end, however, many people encouraged me to give it a try. That is how I ended up studying Animal Science – a degree that immediately caught my interest. I grew up in the countryside, and my parents were involved in cattle and poultry farming, so I had contact with animals from an early age. Looking back now, I can see it was the most natural and best choice for me.

Z.S.: What made you become involved in academic activities?

R.B.: At the beginning, people played a huge role. I came across some excellent lecturers, including Dr Eng. Kamil Drabik – the supervisor of my student research society. I joined the Student Research Society for the Biology, Breeding and Use of Poultry, and that proved to be a turning point. We conduct research on, among other things, poultry nutrition and behaviour – including broilers, laying hens, and Japanese quails. We have access to the university farm in Felin, where, as students, we are able to carry out our own research projects.

Z.S.: Which experiences during your studies have been the most transformative for you?

R.B.: Definitely taking part in academic conferences – both national and international, such as UWPSA. They are very demanding experiences, full of stress, but at the same time incredibly rewarding. They give you a sense that what you are doing truly matters.

Z.S.: Were there moments of doubt along the way?

R.B.: Of course. I think every student experiences them – especially when the workload becomes overwhelming and there is hardly any time left, even to write an article. Despite that, I always managed to get through those moments.

Z.S.: What helped you keep going?

R.B.: Certainly my own determination, but also the support of other people. Dr Eng. Kamil Drabik and MSc Eng. Karolina Wengerska – the supervisors of our research society – play a huge role for me. They motivate and support us, give us opportunities for development, send us to conferences, and help us with our academic work. That truly means a lot.

Z.S.: And what motivates you from within?

R.B.: The desire to become a better version of myself – more aware, more educated, and with a deeper understanding of the world and my field.

Z.S.: Do your interests extend beyond university life?

R.B.: Yes – for several years now I have been running a small domestic ornamental poultry breeding programme. I have my favourite breeds, and in a way this passion connects with my research. In practice, it helps me a great deal in conducting it.

Z.S.: If you had to compare yourself to an animal…?

R.B.: (laughing) Staying on theme – probably to an ornamental chicken, perhaps a silkie. They are very friendly and incredibly soft to the touch, so why not?

Z.S.: Returning to the scholarship… do you already have a plan for how you will use it?

R.B.: At the moment, I am thinking about pursuing a PhD. The rest will probably become clearer with time.

Z.S.: Finally – what would you say to people who are uncertain about their path?

R.B.: Fight for what you want and look for additional opportunities for development – for example, by joining student research societies. Work hard, but above all, work on yourself.

Z.S.: Thank you for the interview.