On 3 November, celebrations were held to mark the 95th birthday jubilee of Professor Zenon Mróz, an outstanding scientist, teacher, and mentor to many generations of researchers at the Institute of Fundamental Technological Science, Polish Academy of Sciences.
Fulfilling the wish of the honored jubilarian, celebrations were intended to foster scientific thinking and took the form of a seminar on the subject related to the Professor’s academic interests. Many distinguished participants included prof. Tomasz Kapitaniak, Dean of Division IV: Technical Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, friends, coworkers, and IPPT PAN employees.
The ceremony was opened by prof. Tadeusz Burczyński, IPPT PAN Director, who emphasized prof. Mróz’s significant scientific contributions. Prof. Stanisław Stupkiewicz, prof. Mróz’s former doctoral student, currently head of Department of Mechanics of Materials at IPPT PAN, served as Chair of the jubilee ceremony. Professor Stupkiewicz delivered a laudatory speech, outlining the jubilarian’s life and scientific achievements.
The formal part of the meeting included three presentations:
- Stanisław Pietruszczak (McMaster University, Kanada) – On hydromechanics of rock mass containing a discrete fracture network
- Jacek Tejchman (Politechnika Gdańska) – Modelling of the dynamic behavior of concrete in compression using a unique coupled DEM/CFD technique
- Giuseppe Giambanco (University of Palermo, Włochy) – Phase-field approach for modeling strain localization in beams in the presence of damage and plasticity
The informal part of the celebrations brought together friends and coworkers, exchanging wishes and sparking conversations that recalled many good memories of working together.
Profesor Zenon Mróz – an outstanding scientist, teacher, and mentor
Professor Zenon Mróz is one of the most distinguished Polish scholars in the field of mechanics of materials and structures. His research has laid the foundations for the development of plasticity theory, soil mechanics, and structural optimization.
Professor Mróz has been with IPPT PAN since 1955. He received his doctoral degree in 1959, based on a thesis prepared under the supervision of Prof. Wacław Olszak, founder of IPPT PAN. In 1964, prof. Mróz obtained his habilitation degree, and in 1971, he was awarded the title of professor.
He became a corresponding member of the Polish Academy of Sciences in 1986, and an ordinary member in 2004.
Professor Mróz has been awarded six honorary doctorates (honoris causa) by the University of Miskolc, Hungary; Faculté Polytechnique de Mons, Belgium; University of Waterloo, Canada; University of Minnesota, the US; and the Cracow University of Technology and Białystok University of Technology, reflecting international recognition of his scientific achievements. He was also awarded the prestigious Warner T. Koiter Medal, conferred by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). In 2015, he received the title of MASTER of IPPT PAN.
Professor Mróz has authored numerous internationally recognized scientific papers and has supervised 24 doctoral students, including a future generation of outstanding scientists who now hold prominent academic positions in Poland and abroad.
Professor Zenon Mróz has always combined exceptional scientific acumen with consistency, passion, and a high standard of expectations for himself and his colleagues. His relentless pursuit of excellence inspired independent thinking and fostered scientific boldness among his students and collaborators. He has become a role model for generations of researchers in both professional conduct and scientific work ethic.
On the occasion of his 95th birthday, we extend our heartfelt wishes to Professor Zenon Mróz for good health, enduring energy, and continued satisfaction from his remarkable scientific and mentoring Achievements.
PHOTO GALLERY OF OUR CELEBRATIONS:
