Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Graduate of Wawelberg and Rotwand School of Engineering, Faculty of Mechanics (1947) and Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanics and Technology (1954). Prof. Szczepiński received the doctoral degree in 1960, he became IPPT PAN assistant professor (docent) in 1964, associate professor in 1971 and professor in 1977. An outstanding expert in the field of theoretical and experimental research into the mechanics of plastic deformation of metals, load-bearing capacity, mechanics of powders and soils, mechanics of materials including modeling of ductile fracture. In 1976, prof. Szczepiński became a corresponding member of Polish Academy of Sciences and in 1989 –member. 1962-1996 at IPPT PAN. He headed the Department of the Mechanics of Continuous Media. From 1993 to 1998 member of the Polish Academy of Sciences Presidium. In 1993-1995 – chairman of the Division IV: Engineering Sciences Polish Academy of Sciences, 1984-1986 – chairman of the Committee on Mechanics Polish Academy of Sciences, since 1987 – member of the Warsaw Scientific Society, from 1980 to 1997 – member of the Scientific Council of CISM International Centre for Mechanical Sciences in Udine, Italy. From 1980 to 1991 – member of the General Assembly of the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM), from 1997 to 2003 – chairman of the Program Council of Centrum Laserowych Technologii Metali (Center for Metal Laser Technologies, a joint center of Polish Academy of Sciences and Kielce University of Technology) from 1988 to 1994 – member of the Presidium of Centralna Komisja Kwalifikacyjna dla Kadr Naukowych (Central Qualification Board for Scientific Personnel). Doctor honoris causa of WAT Military University of Technology in Warsaw (1989) and Kielce University of Technology (2002).

World War II pilot, member of the Polish resistance movement. Graduate of the AGH University of Science and Technology, Department of Mechanics (1948), where he also received the doctorate (1958) and habilitation degrees (1962). Since 1969 – professor and since 1970 – member of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN). He worked for AGH University (1947-1958) and Cracow University of Technology (1958-1988), also as Vice-Rector and Rector (1965-1968). In 1978-1990 prof. Kaczmarek was an employee and also head of the IPPT PAN Laboratory of Mechanical Systems. He was a specialist in the field of fundamental cutting and erosion engineering and surface layer engineering. Among his other professional activities, prof. Kaczmarek was appointed Minister of Science and Higher Education and Technology, PAN Secretary of Research, member of the Polish Parliament (Sejm) of the 5th and 9th term of office, President of SIMP (Society of Polish Engineers and Mechanical Technicians) and NOT (Polish Federation of Engineering Associations). Author of 14 books, 181 scientific papers, 11 patents, supervisor of 29 doctoral dissertations. Honorary Doctor (Honoris Causa) of: Chemnitz University of Technology, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Poznan University of Technology, Koszalin University of Technology. Honoured with numerous prizes and medals, including Officer of the Legion of Honour of the French Republic and the Gold Palmes (Officier de l’Instruction Publique), Officer’s, Commander’s and Knight’s Cross of the Polonia Restituta Order, series of Orders of Merit, military medals etc.