It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Janusz Kozłowski on January 17th, 2025, at the age of 88. Professor Kozłowski, Emeritus President of the International Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences and member of its Honorary Committee, 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 Vice-President of the International Council for Philosophy and Humanistic Studies, as a further testament to his international reputation.
As the founder of UISPP Commission 8, ‘The Upper Palaeolithic of Eurasia’, Professor Kozłowski was instrumental in creating a leading forum for research in this area, fostering collaboration across borders and advancing our understanding of prehistoric societies. Together with Professor Marcel Otte, he established Commission 8 following the Congress of Nice in 1976. Under its aegis, they explored the margins of Europe, always seeking to understand external influences in regions such as Morocco (El Alya), Turkey (Karain), Moldova (Mitoc), Iran (Yafteh), and Egypt (as seen in the accompanying photograph), among others.
Born 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. 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, where he brought together scholars from both sides of the Iron Curtain during a pivotal era in history.
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.
May he rest in peace.