After last year’s success, PKP Intercity once again merges science with rail transport. A new EU200 “Griffin” locomotive, featuring a special livery dedicated to Jan Czochralski – the renowned Polish chemist and metallurgist who developed the crystal growth method still used in integrated circuit production – has hit the tracks.
This is the second edition of the joint project by the national carrier and Tomasz Rożek’s “Nauka. To Lubię” Foundation, aimed at popularising Polish science in an unconventional, mobile way.
A Scientist Who Changed the World – and Polish Railways
Born in 1885 in Kcynia, Jan Czochralski was fascinated by chemistry and metals from a young age. His research on metal alloys and the method for growing silicon single crystals laid the foundations for modern electronics – and consequently computers, smartphones, and advanced control systems, including those in rail transport.
Few know that one of his earlier inventions – the bearing alloy “Metal B” – was used in the rail industry, including for wagon bearings. One could say Czochralski’s story has been rolling on the tracks for over a century.
New Locomotive, New Face of Science
In 2025, PKP Intercity unveiled another locomotive honoring Czochralski. The electric EU200 “Griffin”, manufactured by Newag, is adorned with the scientist’s portrait and graphics depicting the silicon crystal structure – a symbol of his greatest discovery.
As Tomasz Rożek, the campaign’s creator and science popularizer, emphasizes:
“It’s remarkable that trains – symbols of progress and technology – can now tell the story of a Polish scientist whose discovery changed the world. Thanks to our partnership with PKP Intercity, science is literally on the move.”
The new livery is more than a striking visual. It’s an educational journey across Poland – short spots about Czochralski’s inventions, life, and technological impact are broadcast on monitors in trains pulled by this locomotive.
140 Years of Jan Czochralski – A Tribute to Polish Genius
2025 marks a special anniversary – the 140th birthday of Jan Czochralski. That’s why PKP Intercity’s initiative carries symbolic weight. The project includes several educational activities:
- A social media campaign under #szlakiemCzochralskiego,
- Video presentations and quizzes on the “Nauka. To Lubię” platform,
- Educational spots about Czochralski’s inventions shown on PKP Intercity train monitors,
- And the upcoming premiere of a documentary about the scientist’s life and discoveries, scheduled for the Śląski Festiwal Nauki in Katowice, December 6–8, 2025.
Science on the Rails – A Journey with a Message
The locomotive has already begun routes to cities like Warsaw, Poznań, Wrocław, Opole, and Szczecin. Thousands of passengers will “meet” Jan Czochralski during their daily commute – and be reminded that much of the modern technology we use has Polish roots.
As Adam Wawrzyniak, a PKP Intercity board member, notes:
“Our goal is not just comfortable transport, but also inspiration. Rail has always been a symbol of modernity – now we want it to represent knowledge and pride in Polish scientists.”
Second Edition, Same Mission – Popularizing Polish Science
The first locomotive featuring Czochralski appeared in 2024 and was met with enthusiastic feedback from passengers and media. This year’s edition builds on that idea, blending education with modern design and nationwide reach.
It’s a project proving that science can be not only inspiring but also visually stunning and accessible to anyone boarding a train.
