On February 19, 2016, at the age of 65, Krzysztof Mańczyk, M.Sc. in Engineering, passed away. He was a highly regarded specialist in resin and protective coating technology, as well as a modest and kind man.

After graduating in 1973, Krzysztof Mańczyk joined the young team at what was then the Polymer Department of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He began working on polyurethane foams. Even then, he made it clear that he was interested in plastics technology. He contributed significantly to the development of flame-retardant technologies for these insulating materials.

In 1977, driven by his technological interests, Krzysztof Mańczyk joined the team at what was then the Institute of Plastics and Paints. There, he undertook research on the technology of resins, paints, plastics, and protective coatings. He collaborated with numerous companies, where he implemented the results of his research. There, he also served as editor-in-chief of the journal “Farby i lakiery” (Paints and Varnishes), sharing his own expertise and global knowledge with the Polish scientific community.

Krzysztof Mańczyk continued his technological work in industry. As the head of a team at MULTIPLAN, he implemented practical solutions by uniting the group’s efforts. He gained insight into the specifics of working at leading small and medium-sized enterprises in his field.

In 2006, we managed to convince Krzysztof Mańczyk to join us and take on a leadership role in international research projects. He fulfilled this role exceptionally well. Allow me to quote the opinion of our partner, the German Fraunhofer Institute: “Starting with the initially imperfect polymers we received, Krzysztof Mańczyk ultimately produced excellent coatings.” The success of these projects was based on Krzysztof Mańczyk’s work.

Please allow me to quote further from the condolence messages of our international partners: “Krzysztof did not seek the spotlight. He worked quietly and calmly, but always with great intensity and great competence.”

These words aptly characterize Krzysztof Mańczyk. He was a modest man and, at the same time, highly competent. He worked diligently and honestly, yet very effectively, achieving outstanding results. He preferred to let the excellent results of his work speak for him, rather than his words. Krzysztof Mańczyk was a man of few words; he helped and advised through his actions.

Krzysztof Mańczyk was known for spending his free time actively. He loved the mountains. He tried to spend every free moment, summer and winter, in the mountains in Poland or abroad.

Today we bid farewell not only to an outstanding professional, but also to a trusted friend. We will miss him.

Prof. Andrzej Dworak, Ph.D.