Doctoral Promotion 2026
At the Silesian University of Technology, ceremonial doctoral promotions took place – one of the most important events in the academic calendar of the University. The ceremony was attended by 11 habilitated doctors and 132 doctors. The event was also an opportunity to honour Prof. Ewa Piętka, who was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of the Silesian University of Technology.
The doctoral promotions took place on the 23rd of May at the Educational and Congress Centre of the Silesian University of Technology. The Rector of the University Prof. Marek Pawełczyk who was present during the event emphasized that the ceremony goes far beyond the ceremonial act of awarding diplomas.
- We are meeting to solemnly confirm the achievement of the next stages of scientific initiation – the degree of doctor and habilitated doctor – he said, noting that the path to PhD and habilitation requires exceptional perseverance, intellectual courage, self-discipline, and cognitive passion
In his speech, the Rector referred to the history of the University, reminding that the promotions take place in the year of the 81st anniversary of the Silesian University of Technology. He emphasized that the University was founded on great faith in the power of science, technology and education, and its foundation was created by scientists who came from Lviv after the war, who brought to Gliwice not only knowledge, but also academic ethos.
The Rector emphasized the strong position of the University, pointing out that the Silesian University of Technology belongs to the group of the most important and dynamically developing academic centres in the country.
- The Silesian University of Technology is today a modern research university and one of the leaders of Polish higher education, a university strongly rooted in the European scientific space and cooperating with partners around the world. It is a place where research that responds to the most important challenges of the modern era: from energy transformation, through artificial intelligence, industrial digitization to biomedical engineering, space technologies, sustainable development, or security is carried out - said the Rector Marek Pawełczyk.
As the Rector emphasized, no ranking, no project, no strategic programs would be meaningful without people.
- It is the academic community that constitutes the greatest value in our University. Today’s ceremony is the most beautiful confirmation of this - he said.
The Rector emphasized that the doctorate is not only the end of education, but a symbolic confirmation of joining the community of independent researchers. He pointed out that behind each thesis there were many hours of work, experiments, unsuccessful attempts, and moments of doubt.
- Today’s diploma is therefore a testament to your competence, but also your character, - he stressed.
The Rector also addressed the words of appreciation to the habilitated doctors, emphasizing the importance of this achievement in the world of science.
- The habilitation is a confirmation of scientific maturity, the ability to independently create new research directions and build your own scientific school - he emphasized.
The Rector noted that joining the group of independent scientists also means responsibility for the development of subsequent generations of researchers.
- They are people who not only conduct research but also inspire others and contribute to the future of their disciplines, - he said.
The Rector emphasized that scientific success is usually not only an individual achievement.
- Science is a great relay of mastery and responsibility. Each generation of scholars imparts not only knowledge, but also ethical standards and academic culture to the next generation. Behind every scientific success there is very often silent support of people who believed in you even when you had moments of self-doubt – said the Rector, also thanking families for their patience, understanding and daily support accompanying many years of scientific work.
One of the most important moments of the 2026 doctoral promotion ceremony was also honouring Professor Ewa Piętka with the title of the Honorary Professor of the Silesian University of Technology. The Rector emphasized the great contribution of Prof. Ewa Piętka in the development of biomedical engineering and building the position of the Silesian University of Technology as an important centre of modern medical technologies.
- The dignity of the Honorary Professor is not only an expression of appreciation for scientific achievements, but also a thank you for the long-term service of our University, - he said.
After the Rector’s speech, the solemn promotions began, which were conducted by Prof. Bożena Skołud, the Vice-Rector for General Affairs.
- With the granting of the doctoral degree, you assume certain duties, but above all rights and privileges - said Prof. Skołud.
During the ceremony, 11 degrees of habilitated doctor and 132 diplomas of doctor were awarded.
One of the participants of the promotion was Erik Goldman from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, who received his PhD degree.
- Today's ceremony is for me a symbolic culmination of a few years of scientific journey, a path to a doctorate, which lasted a very long time and cost me a lot of strength and energy. However, it is an amazing achievement and a very important step in the further scientific career - emphasized the young scientist.
Dr Goldman remains associated with the University and intends to continue his research work at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. He points out that his interests are focused on modern building materials.
Agata Wawoczny from the Faculty of Chemistry also received her PhD degree. Her research focused on converting plant biomass into chemicals that can be used in various industries.
The scientist emphasized that although the path to the doctorate can be demanding, there is no doubt that it was worth it. - I would choose the exact same again. There are difficult moments, but the positive ones reward everything – she admitted.
After doctoral and habilitation promotions, there was a ceremony of awarding the Honorary Diploma of Professor of the Silesian University of Technology, which was led by the Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation Prof. Sebastian Werle. This year, the title was given to Prof. Ewa Piętka.
In laudation, the Vice-Rector emphasized the enormous contribution of Prof. Ewa Piętka in the development of biomedical engineering and building the position of the University in Poland and abroad.
- Every year, Prof. Ewa Piętka is ranked among the top 2% of the most influential researchers in the world according to her entire scientific career. She was a co-initiator of the creation of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at the Silesian University of Technology and its first dean, as well as the creator of the program of biomedical engineering at the University. She is a scientific authority in the field of computer-aided medical diagnostics, hospital information systems and medical analysis of images and signals. Professor Ewa Piętka is an outstanding scientist and academic teacher, whose scientific, didactic, and organizational achievements have had a significant impact on the development of the University and science in Poland, - said Professor Sebastian Werle.
Receiving the diploma of the Honorary Professor of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Ewa Piętka thanked all the colleagues with whom she has been building the development of biomedical engineering at the University for years.
– It is a great distinction and a great joy for me. Thank you very much, - she said at the ceremony.
The Professor reminded the beginnings of creating the field of biomedical engineering, which at that time was completely new in Poland. As she said, the success of the project was possible thanks to the involvement of many people.
– It was a new field of studies, still unknown in Poland at that time. It would not have been created without employees who took the effort to build, promote, and prepare classes. Thanks to this, the field was launched and became the basis for the creation of a new faculty – she recalled.
Prof. Piętka also drew attention to the importance of inter-faculty cooperation and courage in undertaking new organizational and scientific challenges.
– I would like to thank everyone who joined this work – for their courage, commitment, and willingness to build new organizational units. Without you, all of this would not have happened, - she said.
The 2026 doctoral promotion ceremony ended with a short performance by the Silesian University of Technology Academic Choir under the direction of Tomasz Giedwiłło.
Text Jolanta Skwaradowska
Photos Maciej Mutwil
More photos from the ceremony: Silesian University of Technology | Doctoral Promotions - part 1 and Silesian University of Technology | Doctoral Promotions - part 2.
Video report on the YouTube channel of the Silesian University of Technology.
