CIPSH regrets to announce the passing of Professor Janusz Kozłowski on January 17th, 2025, at the age of 88. Former Vice-President of the International Council for Philosophy and Humanistic Studies, Professor Kozłowski, Emeritus President of the International Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences, was a distinguished figure in archaeology whose work profoundly influenced the study of the Upper Palaeolithic. He also served as President of the International Union of Academies and was a member of Academia Europaea.
Born in Krakow in 1936, Professor Kozłowski received his education at the Jagiellonian University, where he earned his first degree in 1957, followed by a PhD in 1962 and a habilitation in 1967. He was appointed Professor of Archaeology in 1976 and remained at the Jagiellonian University throughout his career, teaching and mentoring students for over six decades. His extensive research and fieldwork, characterized by interdisciplinary approaches and meticulous analysis, have left an indelible mark on prehistoric archaeology.
To his natural scholarly class, Professor Kozłowski added an encyclopaedic knowledge and a remarkably sound judgment, always far removed from academic quarrels. Author of almost 500 books and papers, his leadership extended beyond academia. As Director of the ‘History and Philosophy’ class at the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences, he worked tirelessly to promote international cooperation in archaeological research. His commitment to collaboration was especially evident during his tenure as President of UISPP Commission 8 (on Upper Palaeolithic), where he brought together scholars from both sides of the Iron Curtain, during a pivotal era in history. IN CIPSH, he served in a very important turning phase, when the Council started to redesign its strategy, always offering generous advice.
He will be remembered as an exceptional scholar, a devoted educator, and a generous mentor. His contributions have shaped the discipline of archaeology and inspired generations of researchers. Professor Kozłowski’s legacy will continue to guide the field, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege to work with him.
CIPSH expresses its condolences to Professor Kozlowski family and to his lifetime academic home, the International Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences.
May he rest in peace.