Silesian University of Technology and the City of Gliwice have strengthened their cooperation
On May 28th, 2026, on the balcony of the City Hall in Gliwice, the signing of the “Akademia City–University” agreement took place, which opens a new stage of cooperation between the Silesian University of Technology and the City of Gliwice. The document was signed by Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Pawełczyk, the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology and Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka, Mayor of the City of Gliwice.
The agreement confirms long-term relations between the university and local government and a declaration of further development of joint activities in the area of education, science, innovation, culture, and social life. Its aim is to connect the academic potential of the Silesian University of Technology with the development of the city and the needs of its inhabitants.
– The cooperation of the City of Gliwice with the Silesian University of Technology began in 1945, when it was decided to create a technical university here. Today it is difficult to imagine Gliwice without the Silesian University of Technology and vice versa – emphasized the Mayor of Gliwice Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka.
As the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology pointed out, the signed agreement is a symbolic new opening and the result of a joint reflection on the directions of further development of cooperation.
- We would like the University to be more present in the city and the city to be more present at the University. We want to organize events for people of all ages – from children to seniors – to invite residents to lectures, workshops, and meetings. At the same time, we want our scientists to become even more involved in the life of the city, observe its needs, and support its development with their knowledge and experience. We also have the opportunity to carry out international projects with partners from abroad – said Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
The Rector also drew attention to the importance of building the image of Gliwice together as a city of science, culture, sport, and modern solutions. He also emphasized the role of the city in supporting student activity and organizing academic events.
The Mayor of Gliwice indicated that the scope of cooperation covers many areas that already bring tangible results.
– There are really many areas. These include scientific, economic, business, cultural and social activities. The city is already using the achievements of the University and is convinced that together we can do even more. Previous experience shows that it is worth strengthening this cooperation – Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka pointed out.
One of the important goals of the agreement is also to promote Gliwice as an attractive place to study and develop professional careers, as well as to encourage young people to study in this city and ultimately choose this city for life.
In front of the cameras, the parties symbolically signed a document containing key areas of cooperation, i.e.:
· joint promotion of the city, science, and culture of the region,
· building a sense of belonging through projects involving residents, including students and young people, in the life of the city,
· cooperation in the organization of scientific events and conferences promoting the city, schools in Gliwice, as well as initiatives and scientific potential of the University,
· development of lifelong learning and civic learning,
· promotion of the University and its didactic offer among school youth,
· co-organization of exhibitions, concerts, and presentations of students’ creativity, supporting the idea of a student-friendly city,
· development of social, educational, and cultural initiatives improving the quality of life of residents,
· Promoting the potential of Gliwice as an academic centre, innovative and oriented toward the future and needs of its inhabitants,
· participation in national and international cooperation networks.
The signed agreement “Akademia City–University” confirms the common vision of the city’s development and creates new opportunities for the implementation of projects serving residents, students, academia, and socio-economic partners. Thanks to the combination of the potential of local government and one of the largest technical universities in the country, Gliwice and the Silesian University of Technology intend to respond even more effectively to the challenges of contemporary times and jointly create the future of the region.
fot. Maciej Mutwil
