Poland’s Presidential Office mistakenly granted the title of professor to Maciej Chałubiński, a renowned allergist who died in August 2025, highlighting procedural flaws.
Presidential Office Error: Title Awarded to Deceased Professor
The Presidential Office awarded the title of professor to Maciej Chałubiński, a respected allergist. The appointment was published in the “Polish Monitor” on February 18, 2026, despite his death in August 2025.
Decision and Prior Confirmation of Death
The decision concerned the awarding of professorships in medical and health sciences. Maciej Chałubiński was among those honored, even though his death had been publicly confirmed by the medical community and the Medical University of Łódź.
Posthumous Titles Prohibited and Procedural Error
Current regulations prohibit the posthumous awarding of professorships. Therefore, the publication of the appointment constitutes a procedural error at some stage of the process.
The Professorship Award Procedure
The application for the title was submitted to the Presidential Office in 2025 by the Science Excellence Council. This body is responsible for evaluating the scientific achievements of candidates and recommending them for promotion.
Lack of Notification Regarding Professor Chałubiński’s Death
The Presidential Office stated that it was not informed of Maciej Chałubiński’s death – either by the Science Excellence Council or by other institutions. Information about his passing reached them only after the decision was signed by the head of state.
Information Flow Issues Between Institutions
The case revealed a problem with the flow of information between institutions responsible for awarding scientific titles. The procedure, which often takes months, requires continuous updating of candidate data. In this case, an effective verification mechanism was lacking at the final stage.
Lack of Clear Responsibility for Death Notification
It is not clearly defined which institution should formally communicate the death of a candidate and at what stage this information should be considered.
Maciej Chałubiński’s Contributions to Allergology
Maciej Chałubiński was a recognized specialist in the fields of allergology, internal medicine, and clinical immunology. He headed the Clinic of Immunology and Allergology at the Medical University of Łódź and was a member of the board of the Polish Allergological Society.
Corrective Actions and Potential Systemic Changes
The Presidential Office announced that it would take steps to correct the situation within the existing procedures. This will likely involve a formal amendment or annulment of part of the decision. The case may have broader consequences for the entire system of awarding scientific titles, potentially requiring additional control mechanisms to prevent similar errors in the future.
