It is with profound sadness that we received the news of the passing of Professor Andrzej Neimitz, PhD, DSc, Eng., an eminent scientist, esteemed academic teacher, and former Rector of the Kielce University of Technology.
Professor Neimitz was a monumental figure in the world of science, particularly in the field of fracture mechanics. He passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 78. Throughout decades of his academic and teaching career, he made an invaluable contribution to the development of the Kielce University of Technology and the Polish scientific community. He is regarded as the Father of Polish Fracture Mechanics, having founded the Polish Group of Fracture Mechanics and serving as the visionary and organizer of the National Conference on Fracture Mechanics. Professor Neimitz was also a distinguished member of the European Structural Integrity Society (ESIS), which granted him Honorary Membership in recognition of his exceptional merits. For his lifelong contributions to the fields of fatigue and fracture mechanics, the Polish scientific community honored him with the Stanisław Kocańda Medal, marked with number 2.
The Professor was an unquestioned authority, a dedicated teacher, and a mentor to many generations of engineers and scientists. His wisdom, commitment, and kindness will forever remain in the memory of the academic community.
We extend our deepest condolences to his Family and Loved Ones.
Long-time colleagues and Members of the Organizing Committee of the 20th National Conference on Fracture Mechanics
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