A physics professor at Durham University has been honoured with a distinguished award from his homeland, Poland.
Marek Szablewski received Poland’s equivalent of an MBE in recognition of his dedicated service to the Polish Scouting Association, which operates internationally.
Last month, Professor Szablewski was presented with the Order of Polonia Restituta at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw.
The accolade was bestowed by the country’s current president, Karol Nawrocki, during a formal ceremony.
This award ranks as Poland’s second-highest civilian honour. It is given to both military and civilians as well as on foreigners for outstanding achievements in the fields of education, science, sport, culture, art, national defense, economics, social work, civil service, or for supporting positive international relations.
It was first instituted by Józef Klemens Piłsudski, a man widely regarded as the father of the second Polish Republic, founded in 1918.
Through his voluntary efforts, Prof Szablewski has risen to become president of the Polish Scouting Association.
The organisation spans 14 countries across four continents and counts around 7,000 members worldwide.
Reflecting on the recognition, Professor Szablewski said: “This award is a wonderful recognition of our scouting organisation, and of all the hundreds of volunteer leaders and helpers around the world who give up their time for the good of young people.
“Personally, it’s not something I ever expected to receive and I’m still very pleasantly surprised.
“It feels like the culmination of many years work and receiving the award at the Presidential Palace was particularly poignant for me.
“My mother, grandmother and uncle, along with other Polish civilians, took refuge in the air raid shelter beneath the palace when Warsaw was bombed at the start of the war in 1939.”
The Polish Scouting Association organises worldwide activities including camps, jamborees, and gatherings for young people of Polish descent.
Its programmes promote teamwork, resilience, leadership, practical skills, and a strong connection to Polish culture, history, and traditions.
Born in Sheffield, Prof Szablewski has been involved with the association for over four decades.
His involvement includes attending many events and visiting groups abroad, most recently participating in the association’s 10th World Jamboree held last year in North Carolina, USA, which drew over 1,200 attendees.
Durham University’s Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien, extended her congratulations to Prof Szablewski.
She stated: “Marek’s extensive work with the scouting movement, supporting so many young people to develop skills and knowledge for life, is highly deserving of this prestigious national award.”
