Christopher Hartwell Receives Poland’s Highest Academic Honor

Congratulations to Christopher Hartwell, who has been awarded the title of Professor by the President of the Republic of Poland, the highest academic honor in the country. The Director of the ZHAW International Management Institute at the ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) received his PhD and habilitation in Poland, has written extensively on Poland’s economic transformation, and remains active with students and researchers in the country.

Monday, 14 September 2026

Only about 100 people each year receive the title of professor for life, the highest academic honor in Poland. To receive the honor, candidates must undergo a rigorous selection process.

Hartwell first submitted a comprehensive application to the Council of Scientific Excellence. Eligible candidates must have already earned a postdoctoral degree, be active as independent researchers, demonstrate scientific or artistic achievements that significantly exceed the requirements of the postdoctoral process, and have a track record of outstanding teaching, including the training of academic staff. In April 2026, the Council voted 13-0 in favor of forwarding Hartwell’s application to the President. On 6 August, the President approved the appointment. A ceremonial celebration is scheduled to take place this winter at the Belvedere Palace in Warsaw. For this reason, the award is also known as the “Belvedere Professorship” – named after the former presidential palace.

Christopher Hartwell has received special recognition for his academic achievements and, therefore, maintains close ties to Poland. He earned his doctorate and habilitation there and has been teaching at Kozminski University for many years.