Recognition for the contribution to the development of science and education of future generations of pharmacists
Professor Biniecki had an invaluable impact on the development of the Faculty of Pharmacy as a university teacher, researcher, manager, and an organizer supporting the quality of education and scientific activity at the faculty. From 1947, the professor was the Head of the Department of Medicinal Products Technology, and from 1964 to 1968 he was the Dean of the faculty.
"The professor left behind a body of work that inspires, challenges and reminds us of the great value of intellectual curiosity, research reliability and devotion to another person," emphasized Prof. Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk, the Vice Rector for Human Resources WUM during the bust unveiling ceremony. "Let this place become a space for reflection for students who are just starting their scientific journey and for all of us who continue this work of building science based on knowledge, ethics and responsibility."
The professor's professional career was devoted to chemistry and research on compounds of pharmacological significance. He is best known for developing two original drugs: gapicomine citrate, introduced in 1970 for the treatment of coronary artery disease and todralazine hydrochloride – introduced in 1964 for the treatment of hypertension.
The professor was also known as a modest, hardworking man, who was dedicated to educating young pharmacists. He was remembered as a researcher who combined passion with great devotion.
"The professor's life is an example of dedication to science, perseverance in pursuing goals and social responsibility of a scholar. The professor is remembered as a man who combined passion with concern for the development of future scientific generations. And this is what we thank the professor for," said Prof. Piotr Luliński, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy.
A character connecting the past with the present
The President of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, Dr Grzegorz Cessak, emphasized the relevance of the philosophy that he followed throughout his career, and which was characterized by: responsibility, innovation and basing decisions on scientific knowledge. Grzegorz Cessak highlighted that Professor Biniecki was one of the creators of the foundations of the modern system of drug regulation.
"Professor Biniecki was not only an outstanding scientist and organizer of academic life, but above all a visionary. He was a man who understood that pharmacy was not only knowledge about medications, but also responsibility for the health and safety of the patient. His thinking was ahead of its time, he was a pioneer when it came to a modern approach to innovation and the development of new drugs," noted Grzegorz Cessak.
Unveiling of the Bust
The bust of Prof. Stanisław Biniecki was funded by the professor's family ten years ago. However, due to the renovation of the faculty building, it was deposited in the Medical History Museum WUM for many years. On March 20, it returned to its rightful place – within the walls of the Faculty of Pharmacy.
The symbolic unveiling was performed by Dean Prof. Piotr Luliński, Vice Rector Prof. Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk and the granddaughter of Prof. Biniecki – Alina Picazio.
Memories of Professor Biniecki's family and colleagues
Alina Picazio emphasized her grandfather's modesty, diligence, and versatile interests (from poetry to Greek epics). She also drew attention to his patriotism – the professor took part in the Warsaw Uprising and underground teaching.
A friend of the family, Marek Stępniak, shared anecdotes about the everyday life of the professor, and presented Dean Piotr Luliński with an extremely valuable gift – a book from Professor Biniecki's library with a handwritten dedication. The book is a French edition of Prof. Biniecki's textbook "Medicinal preparations".
Honoring the senior members of the Faculty of Pharmacy
During the ceremony, Dr Agnieszka Bazylko, the Vice Dean for Education in the Faculty of Pharmacy, presented biographies of the new patrons of the seminar rooms of the faculty. They are:
- Prof. Mirosława Goleniewska-Furman, the Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Botany, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1981-1986, researcher in the biosynthesis of plant metabolites, a recipient of Honoris Causa degree. Room E was named after her.
- Prof. Józef Sawicki, a specialist in environmental toxicology, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1993-1996, 1996-1999, and 2005-2008, and a co-developer of toxicity assessment tests. Room B was named after him.
- Prof. Henryk Bukowiecki, a botanist, pharmacist, lecturer in underground classes, organizer of post-war pharmaceutical education, researcher affiliated with numerous foreign institutions, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, and the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy from 1957 to 1960. Room C was named after him.
- Prof. Władysław Mazurkiewicz, a pharmacognosist, the first Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Dean from 1925 to 1926 and from 1930 to 1931, Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Botany, a reformer of pharmaceutical studies, and an independence activist. Room A was named after him.
- Prof. Witold Rawit-Witanowski, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1938-1939, Head of the Chair and Department of Food Science, biochemist and neurophysiologist, an associate of the Nobel Prize winner Otto Loewi, researcher of neurotransmitters. Room F was named after him.
Unveiling of the anniversary mural
The ceremony ended with the presentation of a mural depicting the most important events in the history of the faculty. The unveiling was performed by Dr Kinga Ostrowska, who had supervised the preparation of the painting. The mural can be seen on the ground floor of the faculty.
- We wrote about the unveiling of the mural on our website in the article entitled "100-years of the Faculty of Pharmacy on a mural"
- We also encourage you to read the article on the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmacy
Apart from the abovementioned speakers, the event was also attended by: Prof. Marcin Sobczak, the Vice Rector for Science and Technology Transfer, Prof. Paweł Włodarski, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr Patryk Rzońca, the Head of the Faculty of Health Sciences, former deans of the Faculty of Pharmacy: Dr Bożena Gutkowska, Prof. Jan Pachecka, Prof. Piotr Wroczyński, Prof. Joanna Kolmas; WUM Deputy Chancellors: Jarosław Prugar and Wojciech Bogusz, chairman of the Discipline Councils: Prof. Marta Struga and Prof. Sebastian Granica; Prof. Maciej Słodkowski, the Director of the WUM Center for Postgraduate Education, the representatives of the Office forthe Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products: Michał Gryz and Jarosław Buczek, and family and friends of Professor Stanisław Biniecki.
