The event was opened by the Rector of Poznan University of Technology, Prof. Teofil Jesionowski, PhD, DSc, Eng., who emphasized the importance of investing in education and encouraged young people to push boundaries and cultivate curiosity about the world. “The university is a place to realize dreams,” noted Rector Jesionowski.
Prof. Maria Mrówczyńska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, highlighted that Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski is an outstanding personality—not only a scientist but also someone who generously shares his achievements.
The astronaut shared his personal perspective on the IGNIS mission, revealing details about flight preparations (including the traditional card game played by astronauts before launch), the flight itself (aboard a Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon capsule serial number 213, named Grace), and daily life in space.
After his presentation, Dr. Uznański-Wiśniewski presented the IGNIS mission patch and the Polish flag—both of which had travelled to space—to Rector Jesionowski. In turn, the Rector honoured the Polish astronaut with a gold medal for outstanding contributions to Poznan University of Technology.
During the event, two of the thirteen scientific experiments conducted as part of the IGNIS mission by Polish universities and research companies were showcased:
- LeopardISS (KP Labs and Poznan University of Technology) focused on communication and data processing in space. LeopardISS is an advanced computing platform operating aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment was presented by Dawid Łażaj (KP Labs) and Dr. Marek Kraft (Poznań University of Technology).
- Yeast TardigradeGene (Consortium: University of Szczecin, Adam Mickiewicz University, University of Silesia in Katowice) in the field of biology, studied the survivability of genetically modified yeast enriched with tardigrade proteins under space conditions. The project was presented by Dr. Andonis Karachitos (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań).
The program also included an expert panel led by Dr. Krzysztof Walas, Head of ESA SSPL at Poznan University of Technology. The discussion brought together representatives of key institutions in the space, science, and innovation sectors.
Panel participants included:
- Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski – European Space Agency (ESA)
- Prof. Teofil Jesionowski – Rector of Poznan University of Technology
- Olaf Jagiełłowicz – PUT graduate, former Chair of the PUT RocketLab Student Club, Forbes “30 under 30” honoree
- Dawid Łażaj – KP Labs
- Dr. Andonis Karachitos – Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
- Dr. Marek Kraft – co-creator of the LeopardISS experiment, Poznan University of Technology representative
The panel was an opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives on the future of Polish science and the participation of local teams in space projects.
After the academic portion, the astronaut met with representatives of student scientific clubs:
- Adam Mickiewicz University: Astronomical Scientific Club and Natural Sciences Club (Astrobiology section)
- University of Life Sciences in Poznan: SKN Zootechników i Biologów
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences: SKN Pharmaceutical Technology, SKN Ophthalmology, SKN Pediatric Radiology
- Magdalena Abakanowicz University of the Arts: Student Government booth
- Poznan University of Technology (hosts): PUT RocketLab, KN CybAir, KN Spektrum
On the same day, an educational session with workshops was held for primary and secondary school students, aiming to popularise knowledge about space and modern technologies. During the workshops, the astronaut answered “out-of-this-world” questions from children and teenagers.
Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski’s visit was part of the nationwide IGNIS technological-scientific tour “Poland Reaches for the Stars,” organised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Development and Technology, and the Polish Space Agency, in cooperation with the European Space Agency.
Photo gallery from the event: LINK
