Reaching difficult decisions always takes some time in our editorial office. It starts with a brainstorming session which usually – though not always – turns into a small argument or even a heated dispute. That was the case when we were compiling the list of nominees for the prestigious award granted by our Readers. We asked our journalists to review the archive of their articles from the past year and select individuals who have done the most good for our society. We set one – essentially obvious – condition: no politicians, celebrities, or influencers.
And then it began. Emails were sent asking for nominations, followed by more reminders that time was running out and decisions had to be made. There were also hallway discussions and late-night phone calls. Why is this candidate more important than another? At one point, someone suggested introducing awards in different categories so that more people could be recognised. But no – journalists, masters of selection and concise communication, struggling to create a short list…
I won’t reveal any more from behind the scenes of our editorial process. What matters is that, after intense deliberations, we have a list of 12 nominees for the Gazeta Wyborcza Readers’ Person of the Year Award. It includes human rights defenders, artists, scientists, and businesspeople. It is a collection of the very best of a good, civic-minded, and friendly Poland.
We have done our part, now it is your turn. Voting in our poll runs until the end of April. The name of the winner will be announced in May, at our anniversary gala.
The poll is ongoing.
Take part in the vote!
Voting is open until: 30 April 2026, 23:59:00
- Krzysztof Baranowski – Polish sailor and yacht captain, currently circumnavigating the globe solo for the third time. VOTE
- Attorney Radosław Baszuk and the “Hajnówka Five” – Human rights defenders at the border. VOTE
- Magdalena Bigaj – Digital Citizenship Institute, engaged in drafting legislation on children’s online safety, author of numerous reports on the subject, involved in all major initiatives such as “Internet for Children” and “Youth Diagnosis 2026”. VOTE
- Ewa Chwałko – Walked 2,000 kilometres alone through the Pontic Mountains in Turkey. In many villages, she was the first “outsider”. During her journey, she focused not only on natural and geographical aspects, but also on the situation of women in Turkey. VOTE
- Artur Ekert – Theoretical physicist, one of the pioneers of quantum cryptography. For years considered our candidate for the Nobel Prize in Physics, and this year he came close to the “Nobel of computer science” – he narrowly missed the Turing Award. VOTE
- Gizela Jagielska – The only gynaecologist in Poland who openly helps women access legal abortion. VOTE
- Rafał Modrzewski – Founder of ICEYE, the most space-oriented company in Poland. VOTE
- Joanna Mosiej, Bartosz Kramek, Natalia Panchenko, Jerzy Wójcik – Organisers of the “Warmth from Poland for Kyiv” campaign, which raised over 10 million PLN for generators for bombed Ukrainian cities. VOTE
- Wojciech Smarzowski – Film director. Creator of art that has the potential to change the lives of real people. VOTE
- Anna Wichlińska – Founder of “Lądownik” – a respite community centre for adults in Lądek-Zdrój. A welcoming and activating space for residents. Together with participants, she organised the “Good Water Festival”. VOTE
- Halszka Witkowska – Suicidologist, Vice-President of the Main Board of the Polish Suicidological Society, founder of the support platform “Life Is Worth Talking About”, author of several books on the subject. VOTE
- Michał Zadara – Theatre director. Recognised for civic courage, persistence, and brilliant artistic projects combining law and art. Together with the Central Foundation, he won one million złoty in court from the State Treasury for identifying those responsible for the Odra River pollution, and as director of the Polish Theatre in Wrocław, he is rebuilding a cultural institution damaged by politicians. VOTE
Source: wyborcza.pl
Read also:
- Solidarity Beyond Borders: “Sisterhood Portraits” Gala and the Success of the “Warmth from Poland for Kyiv” Campaign (16 March 2026)
- The first generators from the “Warmth from Poland for Kyiv” fundraiser set off for Ukraine (23 January 2026)
- “Warmth from Poland for Kyiv” campaign expands assistance to all of Ukraine (22 January 2026)
- Aid campaign for Ukraine raises millions. Hundreds of power generators needed (19 January 2026)
- Warmth from Poland for Kyiv — saving the health and lives of real people (17 January 2026)
