Cooperation of the Silesian University of Technology with the Orlen Group
The Silesian University of Technology and Orlen have concluded an agreement on the Industrial-Scientific Consortium in the field of catalysis "NEXT-CATALYSIS". The initiative aims to establish and strengthen cooperation between the Orlen Group and the best research centres in Poland in the field of developing new catalysts, as well as exchanging knowledge and experience and educating future research and development staff. The University of Warsaw will also be a partner in the consortium.
On behalf of the Silesian University of Technology, the agreement was signed by the University’s Rector, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk, on behalf of Orlen, CEO Ireneusz Fąfara. Thanks to the signed agreement, the Silesian University of Technology will become a leader in cooperation with one of the largest companies in Europe.
- The conclusion of this agreement formalizes and tightens the cooperation between our University and Orlen. Today we are specifying these issues – said Prof. Marek Pawełczyk, the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology. - For our University, this is a unique partner, cooperation with whom opens up a number of opportunities. We start with the topic of catalysis, where we have excellent scientists and great achievements. This is an area for joint research and development work, but also for the development of education for highly qualified staff - said the Rector.
The aim of the Consortium is to implement joint Research and Development Projects, educate future scientists, develop innovative catalytic materials for industrial processes conducted in the Orlen capital group as well as transfer knowledge and build business relations between industry and science.
- Catalysts are widely unknown materials that are used in petrochemical and refinery production. They are extremely important because they improve the operation of devices, extend their life and improve the quality of the materials we obtain. I hope that thanks to this cooperation, the catalysts we use will be even better, and production cheaper and more efficient – emphasized Orlen CEO Ireneusz Fąfara.
The Consortium Leader is Orlen, and the Scientific Partners are the Silesian University of Technology and the University of Warsaw.
Under the agreement, training will be organised for University employees, workshops for students covering issues related to catalytic processes carried out at the Orlen Production Plants, as well as internships or student placements.
- Cooperation with a company like Orlen in the field of education is very valuable. It is extremely important that the industrial partner participates in the student's education from the very beginning. For our students, it is also a chance to get to know the industry from the inside and to complete internships and placements in a large company – emphasized Prof. Anna Chrobok, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education at the Silesian University of Technology
As part of the cooperation with Orlen, University employees will be able to participate in Research and Development Projects implemented within the Consortium. The agreement also provides for the creation in the future, together with Orlen, of specializations concerning catalysis in second-cycle studies, postgraduate studies and implementation doctorates.
The establishment of the Industrial-Scientific Consortium in the field of catalysis "NEXT-CATALYSIS" was initiated by Orlen in 2023, during the 3rd Scientific Conference "Catalysis - present and future". It is intended to intensify work on the development of innovative catalysts that can be used in industrial processes carried out by Orlen, including at the Production Plant in Płock. A key aspect of the Consortium's activities is the exchange of knowledge on the latest trends in the field of catalysis and the creation of lasting relationships between the worlds of science and business. As part of its activities, Orlen will cooperate with scientific partners – also in the area of education of future scientists and R&D employees.
