World Copernican Congress

The event in Toruń was organised on the 550th anniversary of the birth of the eminent astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The main objective of the Congress is to present the state of research into the life and work of the scientist, as well as his impact on the development of science, culture and art.

A number of panels and debates from various scientific fields took place during the event. Among the speakers there were Nobel Prize winners in physics: Prof. Philip James Edwin Peebles, Prof. Michel Gustave Édouard Mayor, Prof. Barry Clark Barish, Prof. Arthur B. McDonald and Prof. Didier Patrick Queloz. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki met with the Nobel laureates.

“I had the great pleasure of briefly talking with our esteemed Nobel laureates about the origins of the world, the various cosmic phenomena, and getting to hear some fantastic, truly amazing information,” - said the head of government.

“He who stopped the Sun, moved the Earth”

The World Copernican Congress started on 19 February, Polish Science Day, which since 2020, has been celebrated on Nicolaus Copernicus' birthday. It is a celebration of all Polish scientists, and there have been many over thousands of years of science. It is a tribute to them all.

In addition, the year 2023 was established by the Parliament as the Year of Nicolaus Copernicus. The scientist had expertise in such scientific fields as mathematics, astronomy, astrology, law, medicine, economics and philology. Copernican heliocentric theory, which refers to the fact that it is the Earth and other planets that revolve around the Sun, is a huge contribution to the development of world science.

“Nicolaus Copernicus, who is the patron of today's meeting, did not lose faith after his groundbreaking discovery. The paradox of Copernicus is that the knowledge that allowed him to make such a great discovery also brought the realisation that the world does not revolve around humans. In short: the more we know, the more we realise how small we are in relation to the universe,” stressed the Prime Minister.

Nicolaus Copernicus on canvas

During his stay in Toruń, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki visited the Old Town City Hall. This was an important part of the head of government's visit. It is there that the portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus is located. The government has allocated funds to protect this priceless painting. The Toruń portrait shows a bust of the astronomer. It is one of the oldest, but above all the most faithful portrait of the scientist.

“I think that Nicolaus Copernicus, who was indeed one of the absolutely exceptional discoverers and scientists, is our patron today to help us separate the wheat from the chaff. To look for that true, profound knowledge that is supposed to expand the boundaries of truth, the boundaries of cognition, but also to give us a better life, to build a better world. May Nicolaus Copernicus be the patron of great Polish knowledge,” said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.