Ceremonial doctoral and habilitation promotions
Ceremonial doctoral and postdoctoral promotions were once again held at the Educational and Congress Centre of the Silesian University of Technology. This year, 35 habilitated doctors and 196 doctors who received their titles both this and last year, were invited to the promotion ceremony. During the event, the title of Honorary Professor of the Silesian University of Technology was awarded to Prof. Andrzej Nowak and Prof. Janusz Kotowicz.
Doctoral promotions and habilitation are some of the most important events at the University. This year's ceremony took place on May 24th - exactly on the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the University.
- We meet at a special moment in the history of the Silesian University of Technology. Just two days ago, on May 22nd, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of our University, which historically falls exactly today. Eight decades ago, our Alma Mater mission began to educate engineering staff and advance science for the benefit of the region and the country. Today, looking at you, the newly promoted doctors, and habilitated doctors, we see another link in this tradition. You are now taking over the baton of generations of scientists who have been building the reputation and achievements of the Silesian University of Technology over the past years – said the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Professor Marek Pawełczyk, at the beginning of the ceremony.
In his speech, the Rector referred to the recent visit of the Nobel Prize winner Prof. Victor Ambros, who on the 6th of May received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the Silesian University of Technology.
“It was an extraordinary event, our University was the first in the world to honour Professor Ambros, just after he received the Nobel Prize. He made a groundbreaking discovery of microRNA, which revolutionized the understanding of gene expression and ushered in a new chapter in molecular biology and medicine, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2024. His presence within the walls of our Alma Mater, a lecture he gave, a scientific seminar and an open meeting with our community, reminded us of the power of science to discover the mysteries of nature and change the world for the better. May the example of Professor Ambros become for all of us, and especially for you young doctors and habilitated doctors, an inspiration and proof that research passion combined with determination can cross the border of knowledge and change the face of the world” – said the Rector.
Prof. Marek Pawełczyk emphasized that the promotion ceremony is the culmination of many years of work, perseverance, and dedication.
- “From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate each and every one of you on this wonderful achievement. Obtaining a doctoral degree, or in the case of scientists with an already established scientific career, a postdoctoral degree, is the crowning achievement of a long intellectual path. This path was not easy, it certainly brought many challenges, sleepless nights, moments of doubt, but also discoveries that gave joy and satisfaction. Your research passion, inquisitiveness and hard work have resulted in the official confirmation of your scientific competence. Each of your achievements is a valuable contribution to the development of your scientific disciplines. These are new solutions, research questions and ideas that enrich the world of science and increase the prestige of our University. Your successes are excellent testimony of your knowledge, skills and qualifications and significantly strengthen the scientific potential of the Silesian University of Technology. It should also be noted that the greatest scientific achievements are rarely the work of one person. Often behind your success are also people who deserve warm thanks today. I would like to thank the promoters and scientific supervisors who accompanied our young doctors at every stage of this journey, sharing their knowledge, experience, and wisdom, mobilizing to effort, pointing directions, supporting. Your role, dear promoters, cannot be overestimated. Without your commitment, we would not be celebrating so many young doctors today. I would also like to thank the families and relatives of our promoted ones. It is thanks to your patience, forbearance, and daily support that our scholars can pursue their passions” - emphasized the Rector.
After the Rector’s speech, the solemn promotions began, which was conducted by Prof. Bożena Skołud Vice-Rector for General Affairs.
- “Your Magnificence Rector, Ladies and Gentlemen, I remember with emotion the day when I received the diploma of a doctor and later a habilitated doctor from the hands of the Rector. I hope you will also remember this event in that way as well. I am pleased to announce that during today’s ceremony 35 degrees of habilitated doctor and 196 diplomas of doctor will be awarded. With the award of a doctoral degree, you assume certain responsibilities, but above all rights and privileges. Diplomas will be awarded as confirmation of the granting of a scientific degree. The ceremony of awarding the diplomas will be performed by his Magnificence Rector Professor Marek Pawełczyk” – said the Vice-Rector Skołud.
One of the participants of the doctoral promotion was Paweł Fic, who received his doctorate degree.
- “I wrote an implementation doctorate, and its subject was related to artificial intelligence. In the labour market, it is very desirable that specialists in the field of artificial intelligence have a PhD degree. The second thing is the knowledge that I have acquired, what I have learned, that is something that no one will take away from me, it is a great satisfaction,” - the doctor said.
Dr Hab. Eng. Malwina Tytel, who received her habilitation, emphasizes that the next scientific degree she received is very important in the career of a scientist. “Habilitation allows you to be an independent scientist,” she said.
After doctoral and habilitation promotions, there was a ceremony of awarding diplomas of the Honorary Professor of the Silesian University of Technology, which was led by the Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation Prof. Sebastian Werle. The title was given to Prof. Andrzej Nowak and Prof. Janusz Kotowicz.
Prof. Andrzej Nowak is an outstanding scientific authority in the field of numerical methods in the field of heat exchange and fluid flow, a valued academic teacher, distinguished in the field of education of young scientific staff and organizational activities.
In turn, Prof Janusz Kotowicz is a recognized, outstanding scientific authority in the field of energy, formulation and solving tasks related to the trends and energy technologies of the future, a valued academic teacher, mentor of many students of science, greatly deserved for the scientific and organizational development of the Silesian University of Technology.
The ceremony of doctoral and habilitation promotions ended with a short concert performed by the Silesian University of Technology Orchestra.
