Andrzej Klimek

Professor Andrzej Klimek serves as Rector of the Academy of Physical Culture in Krakow since 2024 and Director of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences since 2023, following two prior terms as Rector of the Academy of Physical Education in Krakow (2008-2016, 2020-2024) and Vice-Rector for Student Affairs (2016-2020). A full Professor of Physical Culture Sciences since 2011, he represents the pinnacle of academic leadership in Polish sports science education.

His academic journey commenced at Krakow's 7th Zofia Nałkowska High School (1983-1987) with a biology/chemistry focus, followed by Motor Rehabilitation studies at the Academy of Physical Education (1987-1991) where he won the national PRIMUS INTER PARES competition. He earned his Master of Science (1991, with distinction), PhD in Physical Culture Sciences (1995, with distinction), habilitation in Sports Physiology (2004), and full professorship (2011).

• Master of Science in Movement Rehabilitation (1991)
• PhD in Physical Culture Sciences (1995)
• Habilitation in Sports Physiology (2004)
• Full Professor (2011)

Klimek's research centers on human physiology and sports physiology, generating approximately 100 scientific papers, one monograph, and seven book chapters. His work examines physiological responses to athletic training and rehabilitation protocols, with significant implications for sports performance optimization. Funded by 16 research grants (7 institutional, 9 national), he managed eight projects from the State Committee for Scientific Research, Ministry of Science, and National Science Centre, establishing robust experimental frameworks in exercise physiology.

His extensive recognition includes:

• Gold Medal "Meritorious for Polish Science" (2023)
• Platinum Medal "Polonia Minor" (2023)
• European Olympic Committees Distinction (2023)
• Gold Cross of Merit (2016)
• For Merits to Sport – Gold Badge (2013)

complemented by multiple ministerial awards spanning 25 years.

As an educator, Klimek supervised five doctoral theses and approximately 100 master's theses while conducting human physiology lectures and practical sessions. His editorial leadership spans eight journals including the Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences (Editorial Committee since 2023) and Human Movement (Deputy Editor 2009-2017). He has reviewed 27 doctoral, 18 habilitation, and 10 professorship proceedings, shaping academic standards nationally.

Leading the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Klimek integrates physiology research with sports medicine applications through collaborative networks including the Polish Academy of Sciences' Committee on Rehabilitation. His scientific societies membership spans the International Association of Sport Kinetics (since 2010) and Polish Physiological Society (since 2003), while advisory roles in the Polish Ski Association's Scientific Council and KS AZS AWF Krakow's Research Board demonstrate applied impact in athletic development.