At the University of Freiburg, a commemorative plaque recalls the association of the former chemist and President of the Republic, Ignacy Moscicki, with one of the most renowned universities in Switzerland.

Poles at Freiburg University

The bilingual Catholic University of Freiburg was founded in 1889 on the initiative of Pope Leo XIII. From its inception, it allowed students to study in both French and German, reflecting the city's situation near the borders of Germany and France. The university first offered studies in the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Literature. Only a year after its opening, however, it expanded its educational offer to include studies in theology and then, thanks to the work of physicist Jozef Wierusz-Kowalski (1966-1927) - in 1896. - sciences. Throughout its history, it has not only educated but also employed many eminent Polish scholars, including Professor of Chemistry Tadeusz Estreicher (1871-1952) or Professor of Oriental and Slavonic Philology Konstanty Regamey (1907-1982). Few today know that its most famous Polish student and employee was the later President of the Second Republic, Ignacy Mościcki.

Ignacy Mościcki's stay at the University of Freiburg

Mościcki began his adventure with the university in 1897. As a student at the university, he attempted to supplement his knowledge of physics and mathematics. He was soon appointed assistant to Professor Józef Wierusz-Kowalski. Under his tutelage, Mościcki became interested in electrochemistry, obtaining highly acclaimed results. At the beginning of the next century, however, he made his research independent and moved from Freiburg to Visp to work at the capacitor and nitrogen plants. Towards the end of his life, he wished to return to the abandoned cooperation with the university. However, this idea was not realised due to health problems.

Commemorative plaque

Mościcki's period at the University of Freiburg was honoured with a rectangular marble commemorative plaque in the hall at the Aula Magna. The plaque is decorated at the top with an image of a crowned eagle, below which is an inscription in Polish and Latin: "President of the Republic of Poland / Listener and Assistant of the Friburg University 1897-1901/ Ignacy Moscicki MDCCCLXVII-MCMXLVI / Praesident Rei Publicae Poloniae qui in Universitate Friburgensi student et docuit 1897-1901".