World-class specialist in the area of dermatology, pathomorphology and endocrinology Prof. Andrzej Tadeusz Słomiński has received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Jagiellonian University. The event took place on 1 December 2022 in the Collegium Maius Assembly Hall. The title was conferred upon Prof. Słomiński following a motion by the JU Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology.
’Following the motion passed by the JU Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology Faculty Board and the recommendations made by Prof. Wiesław Gruszecki from the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin and Prof. Andrzej Mackiewicz from the Poznan University of Medical Sciences, the Jagiellonian University Senate has made the decision to award the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Prof. Andrzej Tadeusz Słomiński for: pioneering and breakthrough achievements in dermatology, pathomorphology and endocrinology research; a study on the role of melanin in the human skin as well as the biology of malignant melanoma; discoveries related to the role of vitamin D in physiological and pathological processes; support for the Jagiellonian University, particularly contributing to its research efforts and furthering the professional careers of young scientists; and opposing Communist regime in Poland’, said JU Rector Prof. Jacek Popiel.
‘Professor Andrzej Słomiński is a distinguished researcher and pathologist, a well-respected authority figure in his field, and a trailblazer that shows others new directions and perspectives. His research output is astounding. He’s the author of 464 original papers and reviews and he’s been cited more than 27,000 times, with his h-index equal to 91’, stressed Prof. Bożena Romanowska-Dixon from the JU MC Faculty of Medicine in her laudatory speech, in which she also briefly outlined Prof. Słomiński’s research and teaching accomplishments. ‘Ever since his immigration to the United States, he has always been able to find the time to help his colleagues, regardless of their location. He kept in touch with his fellow researchers from Gdańsk, Toruń and Kraków. He invited them to the US and constantly urged them to publish more. His contributions to the academic community, commitment to teaching the next generation of doctors, activities in various scientific organisations and achievements in the world of science are worthy of the highest admiration’, she added.
In a short speech, Prof. Słomiński expressed his gratitude for being awarded with the Jagiellonian University's honorary doctorate, stating that he sees it as a great honour. He also added that it is his hope that his years-long collaboration with the University will continue to bear fruit.
Professor Andrzej Tadeusz Słomiński was born in 1954 in Gdańsk, where he graduated from the Medical University of Gdańsk (1979) and then later also earned his PhD (1983). He was involved in the activities of the opposition against the Communist regime that ruled Poland. He was eventually forced to leave the country in 1984.
Since 1985, he has been living in the United States, developing his professional career. In 1993, he successfully applied for recognition of his degree in the US. In 1997, he earned the right to practice as a specialist in dermatology and pathology. From mid-1980s onwards, he has been working at various prestigious American health care centres and higher education institutions, such as Yale University (1985–1989), Toolan Institute for Cancer Research (1989–1990), Albany Medical College (1990–1997), and Loyola University Medical Center (1997–2000). Between 2000 and 2015, he worked at the University of Tennessee as a professor of pathology (and, since 2011, also of internal medicine). In 2015, he took up the position of a professor of pathology and dermatology at the University of Alabama.
Prof. Andrzej T. Słomiński is a member of numerous scientific organisations, including the American Society of Dermopathology, Society for Melanoma Research, PanAmerican Society for Pigment Cell Research, Society for Investigative Dermatology, World Academy of Science and Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also amongst the editors of journals such as Experimental Dermatology, Journal of Pineal Research, Experimental Dermatology, Melanoma Management, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, International Journal of Oncology, Polish Journal of Pathology, Scientific Reports, Anticancer Research, Cancer Diagnosis & Prognosis, Translational Oncology, Molecules, and Medicina.
For his immense contributions for the democratic processes in Poland and for his professional and social work benefitting his home country, he was awarded with the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 2009, and the Cross of Freedom and Solidarity in 2015.
