Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) is a learned society and scientific body founded in 1871, headquartered in Warsaw, Poland. It is one of the oldest and largest societies of its kind in Central Europe. PAN comprises five departments: Mathematics and Computer Science; Physical, Astronomical and Earth Sciences; Chemistry; Biology and Biotechnology; and Social Sciences. The current president of PAN is prof. Jarosław Wąsowski, elected on 11 November 2020.
The Polish Academy of Sciences functions as a basic organizational unit of the country’s science infrastructure, carrying out fundamental research as well as applied research within the framework of international cooperation. Fundamental research allows for free development of intellectual potential while also serving as an important source for new technologies and applications that support economic growth.
The Polish Academy Of Sciences has many responsibilities some include: providing expert opinions to state organs on legislative initiatives concerning science, ratifying international treaties in the field of science and technology, giving awards to distinguished scientists as well as awarding scholarships to young researchers.
The first president of the Polish Academy Of Sciences was Jakób Łubieński who served from 1872-1878 followed by Aleksander Jabłonowski who served until 1888 then August Cieszkowski held office till his death in 1909. The next several presidents were Stanisław Staszic (1909-1914), Antoni Edward Odyniec (1914-1920), Wojciech Ostrowski (1920-1926), Edward Abramowski (1926-1930), Stefan Kostanecki (1930-1935), Janusz Gudaniec ( 1935-1938) , Kazimierz Fajans ( 1938-1945). After World War II ended Adam Supel became the first post war president serving from 1945 till 1950 when he was succeeded by Karol Olszewski . Other notable past presidents have included Bronisław Malinowski , Ludwik Rudnicki , Tadeusz Kotarbiński , Zygmunt Wróblewski , Henryk Niewodniczański , Roman Ingarden , Leszek Kołakowski , Maciej Wiszniewski .