Professor Andrzej Januszajtis, Honorary Citizen of Gdańsk, has passed away | Gdańsk University of Technology

Professor Andrzej Januszajtis was a figure of particular merit both for Gdańsk and for our university. He devoted his entire professional life to the Gdańsk University of Technology – as a graduate of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, a researcher, co-founder and first dean of the Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, as well as the author of one of the most highly regarded academic textbooks, i.e. the three-volume ‘Fizyka dla politechnik’ (‘Physics for Technical Universities’), which for years has been the basis for the education of technical students.

Associated with the Gdańsk University of Technology throughout his entire life

He began his studies at the Gdańsk University of Technology in 1948. After obtaining his bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, he joined the Physics Laboratory II at the Gdańsk University of Technology, where, under the supervision of Professor Ignacy Adamczewski, he conducted research in the field of ionising radiation detection and dosimetry. In 1964, he earned his PhD degree, and from 1969, he worked as an assistant professor.

In 1981–1983, he was the director of the Interdepartmental Institute of Physics, and then co-founded and headed the newly established Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, performing the function of its first dean. Until his retirement, he worked at the Department of Molecular Physics at Gdańsk Tech. He was also a lecturer at the nationwide Television University of Technology and a visiting professor at Lund University in Sweden.

A scholar, humanist and guardian of Gdańsk's heritage

Alongside his academic work, Professor Januszajtis was a passionate researcher of Gdańsk's history, architecture, clocks, bells and carillons. He authored and co-authored dozens of books and publications devoted to the city, including fundamental studies on Gdańsk's science, technology and monuments.

Thanks to his commitment, many priceless works of art and monuments returned to Gdańsk, including a wing of the altar of the Ferber Family from St. Mary's Church and volumes from the former book collection of the Danzig Research Society, now in the collection of Gdańsk Tech Main Library. The professor also supervised the reconstruction of the astronomical clock in St. Mary's Church and sought to restore the carillon in St. Catherine's Church.

Public service and honours

In 1990, he became the chairman of the first City Council of Gdańsk in the Third Polish Republic. He was the president and a member of many social and cultural organisations, including the ‘Nasz Gdańsk’ Association and the ‘Horologium’ Society.

He was honoured with numerous awards for his services, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Officer's Cross and Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, and the Medal of the 100th Anniversary of Independence. In 2002, he was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Gdańsk, which is the highest municipal distinction.

Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.