Julia Gertner‑Hryniewiecka has for years been systematically developing her research interests in military history and the role of women in the armed forces. She is currently preparing her doctoral dissertation on Ludwika and Zdzisław Bibrowski – a married couple who both held the rank of colonel and served in the “People’s” Polish Army during the Second World War, also taking part in foreign missions.
She completed a short-term academic exchange as part of the NAWA PROM programme in November last year. She conducted archival research on cooperation between Polish and Czechoslovak armed forces in the 20th century, with particular emphasis on the role of women, in cooperation with the association Československý legionář – SPIA CZECH, z.s. The outcome of this research is a recently published article on the history of the 1st Independent Women’s Battalion named after Emilia Plater.
Julia’s academic path began during her studies. She participated in the "Talented at School, Brilliant at the University" programme and later became an ambassador of the University of Lodz. Today, she also popularises history on social media, running the Instagram profile “Pani historyk”.
Julia’s story shows that it is worth studying what you love. We are delighted with her continued success and hope to have many more students and doctoral candidates who are equally committed, ambitious and passionate.
