On 29 May 2025, Professor Magdalena Rabizo-Birek, a distinguished literary scholar from the Institute of Polish Studies and Journalism at the University of Rzeszów, was awarded the "Meritorious for Polish Culture" medal.

This honour, bestowed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, is granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to the creation, promotion, and protection of culture.

A Lifelong Commitment to Literature and Culture

Professor Magdalena Rabizo-Birek has been active as a literary critic since 1989, collaborating with Poland’s leading artistic and literary journals. She has been associated with the quarterly Fraza for over 30 years and has served as its editor-in-chief since 1998.

Engaged in the cultural and literary life of the country, Professor Rabizo-Birek serves on the juries of numerous poetry competitions, has organised exhibitions at the State Gallery of Contemporary Art in Przemyśl, and has co-founded several cultural organisations, including the Literary and Artistic Association Fraza, the K.K. Baczyński Literary Association, and the Subcarpathian Society for the Promotion of Fine Arts.

She has also been a long-time co-organiser of the Góry Literatury festival and a member of the jury for the Wisława Szymborska Prize.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Rabizo-Birek on receiving this exceptional distinction!