Prof. Sir Kelvin James Anthony Davies, a world-renowned biochemist and researcher into the mechanisms of ageing, has been awarded the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Medical University of Gdańsk. The ceremony took place at Artus Court in Gdańsk.
The degree was conferred in recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as his pioneering research on oxidative stress, ageing processes and the mechanisms responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Professor Davies is regarded as one of the world’s foremost authorities in these areas of science.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the University authorities, members of the MUG Senate, representatives of the academic and scientific communities, and Professor Davies’ family. The Rector of the MUG, Prof. Michał Markuszewski, emphasised the significance of the distinction conferred upon Professor Davies.
The conferment of the of the Doctor Honoris Causa degree is not merely an academic act. It is also a public affirmation of the values that connect science with society, knowledge with responsibility, and the University with the city it serves. Today’s ceremony takes place in a special year, the year of the 80th anniversary of the MUG. For eight decades, our University has educated physicians, pharmacists, nurses, researchers and healthcare professionals; developed research and innovation; served patients; and contributed to the advancement of medicine in Poland and beyond. The jubilee encourages us to look back with gratitude, but also to think responsibly about the future. It reminds us that a university is built by generations: by those who founded it, those who developed it, and those who today shape its further path. Today’s ceremony becomes part of this history. By honouring Professor Davies, we also declare what kind of University we wish to be: open to the world, faithful to the highest standards of science, rooted in tradition and courageous in asking research questions. The Doctor Honoris Causa degree is the highest academic dignity that a university may confer. It is awarded to individuals whose achievements transcend the boundaries of institutions, countries and disciplines; to scholars whose work shapes the development of science, inspires successive generations of researchers and makes a lasting contribution to the progress of humankind.
The course of the proceedings preceding the conferment of the Doctor Honoris Causa degree was presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Maria Bieniaszewska. The laudation in honour of the laureate was delivered by the promoter of the proceedings, Prof. Michał Woźniak from the Department of Medical Chemistry, who presented Professor Davies’ scientific achievements and his contribution to the development of contemporary biochemistry and biomedical sciences. Notably, in referring to Professor Davies’ work, Professor Woźniak drew, among other things, on Ancient Greece and even Star Wars.
– Our young people are the padawans of science, who, as yet another generation of researchers, benefit from your expertise and your agora, your remarkable work. For this, I thank you profoundly, on my own behalf and on behalf of the entire academic community of the MUG. There is no doubt that his presence among the distinguished group of Doctors Honoris Causa also brings honour to our Alma Mater. Dear Doctor Honoris Causa: may the Force be with you!
The reviewers in the proceedings were Prof. Magdalena Górska-Ponikowska from the Medical University of Gdańsk, Prof. Grzegorz Węgrzyn from the University of Gdańsk and Prof. Francesco Cappello from the University of Palermo.
The culmination of the ceremony was the presentation of the Doctor Honoris Causa diploma by the Rector, Prof. Michał Markuszewski, and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Maria Bieniaszewska. Following the official conferment of the dignity, Prof. Davies joined the group of the most distinguished figures honoured by the Medical University of Gdańsk.
In his address, the newly appointed Doctor Honoris Causa thanked the MUG academic community for the distinction.
– I did not expect to hear about Star Wars today. I am truly honoured. I do not know whether I deserve this title, but I certainly accept it with gratitude and joy. No one achieves anything alone, especially in science, because our achievements are made possible by the work of those who came before us. At this point, I would particularly like to thank Dr Joanna Davies, who is not only my wife, but also a scientist and rheumatologist, with whom I worked together in the laboratory.
Prof. Sir Kelvin James Anthony Davies is recognised as one of the most eminent researchers in the fields of ageing and oxidative stress. His scientific output includes hundreds of publications cited by researchers around the world. The results of his research have contributed to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms responsible for cellular ageing and the development of numerous age-related diseases.
The event at Artus Court does not conclude the ceremonies associated with the conferment of the degree upon Professor Davies. On Tuesday, 9th June, at Atheneum Gedanense Novum, Prof. Michał Markuszewski and the honouree will unveil the name of the Doctor Honoris Causa on the commemorative plaque. Guests will also have the opportunity to sign the commemorative book.
