It is with great sadness that we received the news of the death of Prof. Jacek Semaniak, President of the Central Office of Measures, an outstanding physicist, academic teacher, and long-time rector of Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce.

Professor Jacek Semaniak had been at the helm of the Central Office of Measures since November 2020. He was the initiator of the “Polish Metrology” program, which supports the research and development activities of scientific institutions, and the president of the Polish Metrology Union, which integrates the research community from all over Poland.

As a scientist, he specialized in atomic and molecular physics, conducting research on electron collisions with molecular ions and the processes of ionization and X-ray emission. His achievements include numerous publications, including in such prestigious journals as Nature, Physical Review Letters, Physical Review, and The Astrophysical Journal.

He had been associated with Jan Kochanowski University since 1988, holding many positions at the university, including vice-rector and rector (2012–2020). He was a person of great personal culture, a kind man, a valued superior and manager, a patriot devoted to the affairs of the state, and a lover of history.

The community of the Nicolaus Copernicus Superior School joins in grief with the family and loved ones of Prof. Jacek Semaniak. His dedication to science, academic culture, and public service will remain a source of respect and inspiration for us.