Dr Adam Sitarek is a historian, the Head of the Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Lodz. He is an author of scientific and popular science papers devoted to the history of Jews in Lodz and the region, especially the Holocaust period. His fascination with the history of Lodz goes beyond the occupation period. He loves to share knowledge. Privately, he is a husband, a father, a musician in the post-punk band Wieże Fabryk and an Aussie dog owner.
What inspired you to become a scientist?
First of all, my family history has played a huge role – most of all, wartime experiences. Secondly, I was greatly influenced by my academic teachers, who have shown me the wealth of materials and taught me how to use research tools. Last but not least, the subjects of my research are a great inspiration for me – victims and survivors of the Holocaust, whose voice calls for attention. Their experiences, in the context of the current events, take on universal significance.
What impact does your work have on the surrounding reality?
Personally, I find it surprising how important the work of Holocaust and Polish-Jewish relations researchers is in the contemporary world, and how much it ignites the minds of the participants in the public discussion. This is particularly visible in the debates that regularly recur in the Polish (and not only) media space.
How do you understand the term: profession of a scientist?
The profession of a scientist is associated with great responsibility for research, perseverance in pursuing the goal. However, it also requires great creativity and openness to new phenomena and possibilities that science, even such a classic discipline as history, faces.
More information about Dr Adam Sitarek’s work
Piramida nienawiści G. Allporta - UNIKANIE [Allport's Scale of Prejudice and Discrimination – AVOIDANCE] (in Polish)
Piramida nienawiści G. Allporta - PRZEMOC FIZYCZNA [Allport's Scale of Prejudice and Discrimination – Physical Attack] (in Polish)
Piramida nienawiści G. Allporta - DYSKRYMINACJA [Allport's Scale of Prejudice and Discrimination – Discrimination] (in Polish)
Piramida nienawiści G. Allporta - EKSTERMINACJA [Allport's Scale of Prejudice and Discrimination –Extermination] (in Polish)
Matzevahs in Gold and Colours – an Inventory Project of Historians from the University of Lodz
Adam Sitarek, badacz łódzkiego getta, autorem książki historycznej roku [Adam Sitarek – a researcher of the Lodz ghetto, an author of the historical book of the year] (in Polish)
Jak się mieszka na cmentarzu. "Te bloki nie powinny tu stać! Przecież zbudowali je na kościach" [What's it like to live in a cemetery? "These blocks shouldn't be here! They have been built on bones"] (in Polish)
Scientific achievements
Source: Dr Adam Sitarek (Centre for Jewish Studies, Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Lodz)
Edit: Michał Gruda (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)
The mission of the University of Lodz is to conduct reliable research and actively disseminate facts and research results so as to wisely educate future generations, be useful to society and courageously respond to the challenges of the modern world. Scientific excellence is always our best compass. Our values include: courage, curiosity, commitment, cooperation and respect.