On 15 June 2026, the headquarters of the National Research Institute of Animal Production (NRIAP) in Balice hosted a landmark event. The Institute officially inaugurated its Innovative Aquaculture Centre and honoured distinguished members of staff with state and ministerial awards in recognition of their outstanding service and professional achievements.
The ceremony was opened by the Director of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, Dr Eng. Tomasz Jacek, who emphasized that Polish science and agriculture are not only responding effectively to contemporary challenges but are also setting new directions for innovation and sustainable development.
The event brought together numerous distinguished guests, including Beata Kempa, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Poland, Dr Eng. Krzysztof Jan Klęczar, Governor of the Małopolska Region, Members of Parliament, representatives of local authorities, directors of cooperating research institutes and government agencies, university rectors, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as researchers, managers of the Institute’s Experimental Stations and employees of the National Research Institute of Animal Production.
People at the Heart of the Institute
Following a film presenting the Institute’s mission and achievements and addresses by invited guests, the ceremony continued with the presentation of awards to employees. As Director Dr Eng. Tomasz Jacek remarked:
“Our Institute is far more than modern buildings and advanced technologies. Its true strength lies in its people.”
In recognition of exemplary and exceptionally conscientious service, Beata Kempa, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Poland, presented Gold Medals for Long Service, awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland, to fourteen employees of the Institute.
The ceremony continued with the presentation of the “Meritorious for Agriculture” Honorary Badges. The names of the recipients were announced by the Deputy Director for Research, Prof. Sylwester Świątkiewicz, while the decorations were jointly presented by Dr Eng. Krzysztof Jan Klęczar, Governor of the Małopolska Region, and Dr Eng. Tomasz Jacek, Director of the Institute. During this part of the ceremony, a congratulatory letter from Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz was also read.
The awards ceremony concluded with the presentation of the “Meritorious for the National Research Institute of Animal Production” distinctions by Dr Eng. Tomasz Jacek, Director of the Institute, and Prof. Grzegorz Żak, Deputy Chair of the Institute’s Scientific Council.
Sustainable Aquaculture for the Future
The scientific part of the programme began with an expert lecture delivered by Dr Eng. Przemysław Pol, who outlined the history, current status and future challenges facing Polish and European aquaculture.
The highlight of the event was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the Innovative Aquaculture Centre. Director Dr Eng. Tomasz Jacek noted that the investment, implemented under the motto “Sustainable Aquaculture for the Future”, was valued at PLN 5.5 million. The Centre is one of seven strategic projects financed through Poland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO), with a combined value exceeding PLN 30 million.
Following the official opening and a guided tour of the Centre’s state-of-the-art research facilities, guests were invited to the historic Radziwiłł Palace, where they enjoyed a culinary demonstration by Piotr Lenart featuring lamb from native Polish sheep breeds, followed by a ceremonial luncheon.
Acknowledgements
The Institute extends its sincere gratitude to all partners whose support contributed to the success of this important event.
The ceremony was held under the Honorary Patronage of Stefan Krajewski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Eng. Krzysztof Jan Klęczar, Governor of the Małopolska Region, and Dorota Kęsek, Mayor of the Zabierzów Municipality.
Special thanks are also extended to the event partners: the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARMA), the National Institute of Rural Culture and Heritage, the Kraków Technology Park, the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund (KRUS), the Regional Water Management Authority in Kraków, INWESTROL IZ Ltd., the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Kraków, and the John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice.
The Institute also expresses its appreciation to the media partners for their extensive coverage of the event, including Kraków.pl, TVP3 Kraków, Gazeta Krakowska, and Radio Kraków.
The National Research Institute of Animal Production thanks all guests, partners and employees for joining this special occasion and celebrating another important milestone in the advancement of Polish science and sustainable agriculture.
