PROFESSOR PIOTR TOMASIK HAS PASSED AWAY

We are sad to announce that on October 31, 2024, prof. Piotr Tomasik passed away. In the years 1973-1978 Professor was an employee of the Higher Pedagogical School (now the University) in Częstochowa. He promoted many doctors – employees of our University.

Prof. Piotr Tomasik was born in Drohobycz on 19 May 1937 and studied at the Faculty of Chemistry of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology from 1954 to 1959. He completed his master's degree in petrochemistry after defending his master's thesis "An innovative method for removing residual acidity from lubricating oils and petroleum fractions". From February 1959 to September 1961, he was an assistant at the Department of Organic Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical University of Wrocław, where he conducted research in the field of synthesis of new barbiturates and taught practical organic synthesis. In the years 1961 - 1967 he worked at the Department of Organic Chemistry of the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. He conducted research on acylphosphites and heterocyclic chemistry (mainly pyridines). He defended his doctoral dissertation "On the chemical and polarographic reduction of 3,5-dinitropyridine and some of its derivatives" in September 1966 under the supervision of prof. Zofia Skrowaczewska. From 1967, he worked as an assistant professor at the Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Petrochemistry Laboratory in Wrocław, where he conducted research on the application of correlation analysis to the reactivity of the pyridine system and heterocyclic synthesis in the pyridine series. From February 1973 to June 1978, he was employed as an assistant professor at the Higher Pedagogical School in Częstochowa, heading the Department of Organic Chemistry. Professor was constantly developing research in the field of correlational analysis, new pyridine reactions and the synthesis of new heterocyclic systems, mainly pyrazolquinolines. From July 1978, he took the position of associate professor of chemistry at the Department of Chemistry and Physics of the Agricultural University in Krakow. He continued his research in the field of new syntheses in the pyridine system, correlation analysis, synthesis of new heterocyclic systems, as well as chemical modification of starch and cereals. From 1985 to 1987 he held the position of full professor at the Faculty of Science of Garyounis University in Benghazi (Libya) and was the head of the Organic Chemistry Section in the Department of Chemistry, teaching organic chemistry. In December 1990, he was awarded the title of full professor. From 1991 to 1993 he was employed as a full professor at the University of Zimbabwe. In the years 1996-2007 he was the head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Agriculture in Krakow. He retired in October 2007 to continue his research and teaching duties on a part-time basis. From 1 October 2010 to 1 September 2017, he was an employee at the Krakow School of Health Promotion, where he lectured on the basics of chemistry, food chemistry and biochemistry, the basics of cosmetics biotechnology and food nanotechnology, also developing research in the field of psychophysics.

On September 1, 2017, he took the position of Head of the Research and Development Department at Nantes Nanotechnological System. Inc. in Bolesławiec.

Prof. Tomasik gave over 160 lectures at Polish universities, scientific and industrial institutes throughout Poland and many countries. He had extensive international experience, which he gained working at the University of Alabama, Iowa State University, Saginaw Valley State University in the USA, Academia Sinica in Taipei, Taiwan, University of Zimbabwe, Garyounis University in Benghazi, Libya, Tokyo University and during shorter visits to numerous universities in Europe, the Far East and the USA. His research interests included organic synthesis, polysaccharide chemistry and technology, nanotechnology, weak electrical phenomena, the effect of static magnetic fields on living matter and psychophysics. Prof. Tomasik was the author or co-author of 55 monographs and extended chapters, over 20 review articles, 7 textbooks, over 400 research papers and 66 patents.

Professor Tomasik was not only an excellent scientist, but also a mentor and inspiration for many people with whom he cooperated. His passion for science, unwavering determination and extraordinary ability to share knowledge have earned him great respect and recognition. Professor was constantly looking for answers to difficult questions, and his works contributed to significant discoveries that influenced the lives of many people. He was always ready to support others, share his experience and inspire the next generations. His contribution to the development of science and the formation of young minds will forever remain in our hearts.

Although now we have to say goodbye to Professor, his spirit and the values he preached will be with us forever. Let us remember him with a smile, not in sorrow, celebrating his life, which was full of love and passion. His legacy will live on in us and in everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing Him.

May his soul rest in peace.