# Konrad Bieliński > Polish mathematician, informatician **Wikidata**: [Q11742655](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11742655) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/konrad-bielinski ## Summary Konrad Bieliński is a Polish mathematician, computer scientist, and political activist. He is best known for his significant role in the Polish opposition movement, specifically as a member of the Solidarity trade union and a participant in the historic 1980 Gdańsk Shipyard Strike. ## Biography - **Born:** August 24, 1949, in Warsaw, Poland - **Nationality:** Poland - **Education:** University of Warsaw - **Known for:** Contributions to mathematics and informatics, and leadership in the Polish pro-democracy movement. - **Employer(s):** University of Warsaw (Affiliated) - **Field(s):** Mathematics, informatics, political activism, protest movements ## Contributions Konrad Bieliński’s career is defined by a dual commitment to scientific rigor and political liberty. As a mathematician and informatician affiliated with the University of Warsaw, he worked within the field of informatics—the study of computational systems for data storage and retrieval—during a period of significant development for the discipline in Poland. Beyond his academic work, Bieliński was a vital contributor to the Polish socio-political landscape. He was a key participant in the Gdańsk Shipyard Strike of 1980, a landmark event that catalyzed the formation of the Solidarity (Solidarność) movement. As a member of Solidarity and the Stowarzyszenie Wolnego Słowa (Association of Free Speech), he helped organize and sustain the intellectual and practical framework of the Polish opposition against the communist regime. His work in these organizations focused on the intersection of activism and the protest movement, leveraging his background to support the logistics of the underground and open democratic struggle in Poland. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Konrad Bieliński's primary profession? A: Konrad Bieliński is a mathematician and computer scientist (informatician). He is also widely recognized as a prominent political activist in Poland. ### Q: What role did Konrad Bieliński play in Polish history? A: He was an active member of the Solidarity movement and participated in the 1980 Gdańsk Shipyard Strike. His activism was instrumental in the protest movements that eventually led to democratic changes in Poland. ### Q: Has Konrad Bieliński received any official honors? A: Yes, he was awarded the Commander with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta, one of Poland's highest state decorations, in recognition of his contributions to the nation. ## Why They Matter Konrad Bieliński is a significant figure because he represents the crucial alliance between Poland's academic intelligentsia and the labor movement during the late 20th century. While his professional background is in the technical fields of mathematics and informatics at the University of Warsaw, his legacy is inextricably linked to the fight for civil liberties. By participating in the 1980 Gdańsk Shipyard Strike, Bieliński helped launch the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc, an event that eventually led to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. His involvement in the Stowarzyszenie Wolnego Słowa underscores his dedication to freedom of expression and the dissemination of information under censorship. Without the organizational efforts of individuals like Bieliński, the transition from a specialized academic environment to a broad-based national movement for sovereignty might not have achieved the same level of strategic success. ## Notable For * **1980 Gdańsk Shipyard Strike:** Active participant in the pivotal strike that led to the creation of Solidarity. * **Solidarity (Solidarność):** Long-time member and activist within the independent trade union movement. * **Order of Polonia Restituta:** Recipient of the Commander with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta. * **Academic Affiliation:** Distinguished mathematician and informatician at the University of Warsaw. * **Free Speech Advocacy:** Member of the Stowarzyszenie Wolnego Słowa (Association of Free Speech). ## Body ### Academic and Professional Career Konrad Tomasz Bieliński was born on August 24, 1949, in Warsaw. He pursued his higher education at the University of Warsaw, Poland's largest university. Professionally, he is classified as a mathematician and a computer scientist. His work in informatics focuses on the study of computational systems, particularly those designed for the storage and retrieval of data. His academic contributions are cataloged under several international identifiers, including VIAF ID 311340565 and NUKAT ID n2012163668. ### Political Activism and the Solidarity Movement Bieliński's life is marked by his deep involvement in the Polish protest movements. His most notable contributions include: * **Gdańsk Shipyard Strike (1980):** He was a participant in this historic strike, which served as the foundation for the Solidarity movement. * **Solidarity Membership:** He served as a member of the Solidarity trade union, contributing to its mission of labor rights and national sovereignty. * **Stowarzyszenie Wolnego Słowa:** He is a member of this association, which focuses on the promotion of free speech and independent media. ### Personal Life and State Recognition Bieliński is married to Ewa Maria Kulik-Bielińska. For his extensive service to the Polish state and his role in the democratic transition, he was awarded the Commander with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta. His image and historical contributions are preserved in the archives of the Kancelaria Senatu and the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN). ## References 1. Czech National Authority Database 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. [Source](https://polskiemiesiace.ipn.gov.pl/mie/form/r50691426,Bielinski-Konrad)