With deep regret, we announce that on January 13, 2024, Professor Krzysztof Belczyński, a researcher at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw, passed away.
Professor Belczyński had been associated with our institute since 1995 when he began his research on novae stars, followed by the synthesis of star populations and the formation processes of compact objects - neutron stars and black holes. He obtained his Ph.D. in physical sciences with a specialization in astronomy in 2001. Between 2000 and 2009, he conducted numerous research internships at foreign research centers. From 2009 to 2017, he was affiliated with the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Warsaw. In 2010, he obtained his habilitation degree, and in 2014, he was awarded the title of professor of physical sciences. Since 2017, he had been employed at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center as a professor.
Professor Belczyński was a theoretical astrophysicist specializing in the study of compact objects such as black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs. He authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications in renowned international journals. He led numerous research projects, including the MAESTRO NCN grant and the MISTRZ FNP program, and served as a supervisor to doctoral students. His research significantly contributed to advancing our understanding of the physics of compact objects and their evolution. His work is crucial for comprehending the nature of gravitational wave sources, which currently stands as one of the most significant topics in scientific research.
Professor Belczyński was an immensely respected member of our team. His knowledge, passion, and dedication to work were incredibly inspiring to all of us. His pursuits outside academia were admired and served as a source of motivation for many. He was colorful and courageous, always smiling, ready to fight until the end. He could chart the most challenging paths and follow them through. We will miss him dearly.
The Team of the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center and Prof. Tomasz Bulik
Chris blazed his own trail among the world's most extreme mountains, including the Himalayas-Karakoram, Baffin Island, Alaska, and Patagonia, garnering accolades and awards. His focus lay not solely on the highest peaks but also on the ones adorned with the steepest walls. He penned numerous accounts of his expeditions, infused with wit and his trademark enthusiasm. A photograph taken on January 22nd, 2006, captures him atop Cerro Torre, a towering 3,100+ meter spire in Patagonia, alongside Marcin Tomaszewski, following what may have been the second ascent of the "compressor" route. Is he gesturing towards the heavens, using his ice axe to pinpoint the location of a future merging binary black hole, predicted by his research? The mountaineering community paid him a fitting tribute, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the field - https://wspinanie.pl/2024/01/krzysztof-belczynski-1972-2024/ and http://kwtorun.pl/index.php?page=news&newsId=1134
Warsaw, January 14, 2024
The last farewell to Krzysztof Belczyński in Warsaw took place on Wednesday, January 24 this year. from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Northern Municipal Cemetery at ul. Kazimierza Wóycickiego 14. The funeral took place on January 29, 2024 (Monday), in Szczecin, at the Central Cemetery at Ku Słońcu 125a Street.
