IAS Visiting Lecturer Prof. Marcin Wodzinski recipient of the 2024 FNP Prize

The 2024 Prize of the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP), also known as the “Polish Nobel”, was granted to 2024/2025 IAS Visiting Lecturer Prof. Marcin Wodziński. 

Prof. Wodziński, who heads the Taube Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Wrocław, received the Prize in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences, “for an innovative study of Hasidism that explains the role of culture, politics, and geography in shaping religious identities and interethnic relations.”

Prof. Marcin Wodziński is one of four recipients of this year’s prize. Besides Humanities and Social Sciences, the prize was granted in three additional scientific fields to: Prof. Sebastian Glatt in the field of Life Sciences; Prof. Janusz Lewiński for Chemical and Material Sciences; and Prof. Krzysztof Sacha in Math, Physics and Engineering.

The award, the FNP states, “honors outstanding achievements and scientific discoveries that push the boundaries of cognition and open new research perspectives, provide an exceptional contribution to Poland’s civilizational and cultural advancement and assure the country with a significant position for undertaking the most ambitious challenges of the modern world. The amount of the award is PLN 250,000 (c. €57,000).” The NFP Prizes have been granted since 1992, this year being the 33rd edition. 

“By transforming the study of Hasidism, Wodziński has reshaped the study of Jewish history in Eastern Europe and of the interactions between Jewish and non-Jewish communities”, mentions the FNP, and adds: “Notably Wodziński’s work is a groundbreaking contribution to the better understanding – both in Poland and abroad – of the elaborate, complex, and sometimes tragic history of the Jews and of the equally intricate relations between Poles and Jews”.

The Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) offers its warmest congratulations to Prof. Wodziński, on receiving the prestigious degree.