SGMK - Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School
SGMK is a public educational institution distinguished by its international character, interdisciplinarity and the highest quality of teaching. It was founded in 2023 as a living tribute to the achievements and contributions of the most eminent Polish scholar – Nicolaus Copernicus, on the 550th anniversary of his birth. SGMK aims to educate the future elite by attracting renowned scientists, lecturers and specialists from the top research centers in Poland and the world.
Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School (SGMK), a new institution of academic excellence, integrates five “Copernican” areas in its research activities, offering doctoral programs through the following colleges: the College of Astronomy and Natural Sciences in Toruń, the College of Medical Sciences in Olsztyn, the College of Legal Sciences in Lublin, the College of Philosophy and Theology in Kraków, and the College of Economics and Management in Warsaw. SGMK is authorized to confer doctoral and habilitated doctor degrees in the disciplines of economics and finance, legal sciences, philosophy, theological sciences, astronomy, and medical sciences.
In SGMK’s first academic year, 54 doctoral students commenced their education. Lectures and classes were conducted by scientists and specialists from top research centers (M.I.T., Oxford University, Stanford University, Princeton University, Harvard University, La Sapienza), including a broad group of Nobel Prize winners: Professor William E. Moerner (in Chemistry), Professor Joachim Frank (in Chemistry), Professor Didier Queloz (in Physics), Professor Michel Mayor (in Physics), Professor Arthur B. McDonald (in Physics), Professor James E.B. Peebles (in Physics), and Professor Barry Barish (in Physics). Over 120 scientists, lecturers, and experts from around the world are involved in the University’s activities, with an international faculty of around 50%. The culmination of the academic year was marked by a lecture entitled “The Future of Europe”, delivered by Nobel Laureate in Economics, Prof. Paul Krugman.
The Scientific Council of SGMK is the Presidium of the Copernican Academy, whose members and lecturers include Nobel Prize winners and presidents of leading central banks worldwide.
SGMK carries out a wide range of scientific activities. To date we have organized numerous congresses, conferences and scientific seminars, including: Futurist of The Year 2024 Science Congress (the largest futurological science congress in Europe); AI&EDU SGMK Science Congress (a state-of-the-art congress on the future of technology and AI); SGMK Collegiate Debates: “Transcending Boundaries: Exploring Humanity, Technology, and Meaning in the Contemporary World”, “Artificial Intelligence and Law”, “Next Generation Medicine: Integrating Clinical Knowledge with Translation into Practice,” ‘Astronomy for the Future’; National Conferences of Young Scientists: – ‘Current Legal Issues’; ‘Religion and Society Conference (RSC)’; Special Lecture Series ‘SGMK – University of the Future’; Copernican Lectures ”Nicolaus Copernicus and the Future.” SGMK students and doctoral candidates also participate in national and international scientific conferences.
SGMK scientists, lecturers and doctoral students have authored several thousand scientific publications and articles, including a few dozen already published and being prepared this year under the auspices of SGMK. SGMK’s young scientists have been recognized for their scientific activities with prestigious awards, such as the Young Investigators Awards – ESPK, and the scholarship of the #START program of the Foundation for Polish Science.
The establishment of SGMK draws on the rich achievements of Poland’s most distinguished scholar, Nicolaus Copernicus, whose 550th birthday was celebrated on February 19, 2023. For this reason, the School’s holiday is February 19, which marks the anniversaries of the Patron’s birth.
SGMK is a place of education unlike any other in Poland. It was born from ideas, discussions, and actions of the international academic community from renowned academic institutions. Thanks to the unique know-how of experts—scientists and practitioners collaborating with the University—we can promote Copernican ideas worldwide, utilizing the latest resources and scientific achievements.
VISION
The Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School will be a leader in international interdisciplinary education focused on quality and practical application of knowledge in the digital revolution era, educating future experts in disciplines founded on the scientific achievements of the eminent Pole, Nicolaus Copernicus.
MISSION
The Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School is an interdisciplinary, future-oriented, and high-quality international university with strong roots in Polish scientific and cultural heritage.
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