Professor Wojciech Knap laureate of the FNP Prize 2025

Professor Wojciech Knap received the Foundation for Polish Science Prize 2025 in the field of mathematical, physical and engineering sciences for developing new methods of detecting, amplifying, and generating terahertz waves for ultrafast wireless communication. Professor Knap’s research interests include the physics of semiconductors in the far infrared (terahertz radiation), plasmonics of nanostructures and two-dimensional materials, and the application of collective phenomena (such as plasmons and magnons) to the design of novel terahertz radiation detectors and generators. Professor Knap’s research constitutes one of the foundations of the development of modern terahertz technologies worldwide, particularly in the field of ultrafast wireless communication. His discoveries open the way to harnessing the potential of these technologies in medicine, industry, and telecommunications.

Invisible waves that open up a new era of technology

Terahertz waves possess unique physical properties – they can easily penetrate materials such as paper, fabrics, plastics, and wood, while being blocked by metals and water. Their non-ionizing and harmless nature makes them widely applicable in medical diagnostics and industrial inspection, offering a safe alternative to X-rays. Moreover, terahertz waves are capable of carrying much larger amounts of data, which makes them a promising medium for future 5G and 6G communication networks. Professor Wojciech Knap’s research has led to the development of new methods for detecting terahertz waves.

Out of Professor’s Knap initiative, the Centre for Terahertz Technology Research and Applications CENTERA was founded in Warsaw – first at the Institute of High Pressure Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and at present within CEZAMAT at the Warsaw University of Technology. It is one of the main centres in the world to develop terahertz technology and Poland is a clear leader in this field.

Professor Knap is the author of over 740 articles, which were cited over 18,500 times. He developed or codeveloped numerous patents, he was also initiator and coordinator of international research networks for terahertz radiation physics, for example, GDR in France and TERAMIR. Out of his initiative, a spin-off company ”Terakalis” was established, which implements terahertz technologies in industrial applications. In 2022, his project TERAPLASM was distinguished by the European Research Council with one of the most prestigious grants in Europe – ERC Advanced Grant.

The Foundation for Polish Science Prize is awarded for outstanding scientific achievements and discoveries that expand the frontiers of knowledge and open up new cognitive perspectives. It honours work that makes an exceptional contribution to the civilizational and cultural progress of Poland and strengthens the country’s position as a significant partner in addressing the most ambitious global challenges of our time. The FNP Prize is awarded in four areas: mathematical, physical and engineering sciences, life and Earth sciences, chemical and materials sciences, and humanities and social sciences.

The Foundation for Polish Science Prize is an individual award granted by the Foundation’s Council (the Prize Committee), which selects the laureates based on opinions from independent experts and reviewers, primarily from abroad. The laureates are chosen from among candidates nominated by distinguished representatives of the scientific community, who are personally invited to submit nominations by the Foundation’s Council and Executive Board. The value of the prize is PLN 250,000. Full list of laureates and their bios are available on the Organiser’s website.