The Senate of the University of Gdańsk has bestowed an honorary doctorate on Prof. Anders Grubb, an eminent scientist and doctor. Prof. Grubb is a world-famous specialist in clinical chemistry, particularly medical diagnostics and biochemistry. The award ceremony was held on 28 September 2018 at the Faculty of Chemistry during a formal session of the Senate of the University of Gdańsk.
Professor Anders Grubb has received this highest academic distinction for his outstanding achievement in medical chemistry and his influence on the development of a new research area at the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Gdańsk (Resolution of the Senate of the University of Gdańsk no. 17/18 of 26 April 2018).
The title was bestowed following a motion by the Council of the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Gdańsk. The promotor was Prof. Dr hab. Zbigniew Grzonka, Dean of the former Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry and former Rector of the University of Gdańsk, while Prof. Dr hab. Eng. Jerzy Ciarkowski (University of Gdańsk), Prof. Dr hab. Mariusz Jaskólski (Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań) and Prof. Ulf Lerner (University of Gothenburg) were appointed as reviewers.
The ceremony for bestowing the honorary doctorate was headed by Prof. Dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski, Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation and professor of chemical sciences of the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Gdańsk. After the Academic Choir of the University of Gdańsk under the direction of Prof. Dr hab. Marcin Tomczak performed the Polish national anthem, the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, Prof. Jerzy Piotr Gwizdała officially opened the session of the Senate and welcomed all the assembled guests. The eulogy was delivered by the promotor, Prof. Dr hab. Zbigniew Grzonka. The Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry, Prof. Dr hab. Mariusz Makowski, read from the text of the diploma in Latin, after which the Rector of the University of Gdańsk promoted Prof. Anders Grubb in the presence of the promotor, Prof. Dr hab. Zbigniew Grzonka, two reviewers of the doctoral dissertation: Prof. Dr hab. Eng. Jerzy Ciarkowski and Prof. Dr hab. Mariusz Jaskólski as well as UG Senators, the Council of the Faculty of Chemistry and all the guests. After the Academic Choir sang Gaudeamus Igitur, the honorary doctor delivered a very interesting lecture on the subject of his own career path and his major scientific achievement, in co-operation with colleagues, i.e. the discovery of and thorough research into Cystatin C, a protein used, amongst others, in the diagnosis of kidney diseases. In his speech Prof. Grubb included plenty of interesting data and with a great sense of humour tried to convince the audience that chemistry is not just a science but also fun. The ceremony was concluded with a concert made up of a compilation of eight songs by Abba, performed by members of the Academic Choir who in this way wished to pay their respect to the Swedish guest of honour.
Short biographical note of the honorary doctor:
Professor Anders Grubb, an outstanding scientist, doctor and biochemist, an internationally renowned specialist in clinical chemistry, especially in medical diagnostics and biochemistry. His academic interests revolve around clinical chemistry, medical diagnostics and biochemistry and concern, amongst other things, the study of the relationships between the structure and function of proteins and their application in medical diagnostics, especially the diseases of kidneys. Professor Grubb’s impressive academic output comprises nearly 350 academic articles, cited worldwide (with the h-index value approximating 70 and one of the highest in the world). For years professor Grubb has been working with the scientists from the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Gdańsk and some of his work has been written in cooperation with UG researchers. His career has been connected mainly with Lund University but he has also worked as a doctor in the Departments of Internal Diseases and Clinical Chemistry at a hospital in Malmö, linked to Lund University, where he gained professional experience and completed subsequent levels in his career, from an intern, through consultant and to professor. He retired in 2011 but is still professionally active, holding the post of Professor Emeritus and is involved in scientific research and didactics. Professor Grubb has also received numerous prestigious science prizes, including the Astrup Prize for outstanding research in the field of clinical chemistry, the Fernström Prize for exceptional biomedical research, the Kone Award of the British Society for Clinical Biochemistry for excellence in clinical chemistry, the Swedish Society of Medical Sciences Award for excellent research work and the Lorentz Eldjarn Prize.
Compiled by: UG Press Office
