Inauguration of the New Academic Year
The 81st inauguration of the new academic year took place at the Silesian University of Technology. The ceremony was attended by the University authorities and invited guests -- Secretary of State in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education Prof. Marek Gzik, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy Monika Sikora, Silesian Voivode and presidents of cities, deputies, senators, representatives of enterprises, local government institutions, churches, educational and cultural institutions and Rectors of friendly universities.
The guests gathered in the Education and Congress Centre of the Silesian University of Technology were welcomed by the Rector Marek Pawełczyk.
- It is a unique honour for me to conduct the 81st inauguration of the academic year at the Silesian University of Technology. I would like to welcome the Vice-Rectors of our University: Professor Anna Chrobok – Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, Professor Bożena Skolud – Vice-Rector for General Affairs, Professor Marcin Staniek – Vice-Rector or Cooperation with the Civic and Economic Environment, Professor Zbigniew Paszenda – Vice-Rector for Infrastructure and Investment, and Professor Sebastian Werle – Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation, as well as well as the Deans, Directors and heads of Units – said the Rector.
After the official welcome of the gathered guests, the Rector gave the inaugural lecture. In his speech, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk referred to the jubilee of the Silesian University of Technology and the events that took place as part of this event, as well as the participation of the Silesian University of Technology in the celebrations of the European City of Science Katowice 2024.
- We started the previous academic year in a special atmosphere when the intensive year of the European City of Science Katowice 2024 was coming to an end. It was a time of dialogue between science and the inhabitants of the metropolis, experience of the living presence of universities in the public space and everyday life of the region. It was a time when the Silesian University of Technology spoke with a loud voice about its mission – that is, not only to educate and discover, but also to co-create the economic and social development of Silesia. It was also a time when we became close to six autonomous academic universities in our region as never before, and the Silesian University of Technology became a place of meetings and debates, important for the entire Polish academic community.
In particular, we will remember May 2025. It was in this month, in which we turned 80, that the jubilee events accumulated. We also hosted 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- he added.
Prof. Marek Pawełczyk also summed up the first year of his office as the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology.
- The last twelve months were the first full year of functioning of the new University authorities and faculties. With gratitude I note the maturity and dynamism with which everyone, from the Vice-Rectors, Deans, to the heads of the Departments and other units and organizational units, took responsibility for the development of our Alma Mater. A year ago, taking over the position of Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, I declared that I will consistently implement the assumptions of my electoral program and the commitments that were made during numerous pre-election meetings.
Today, with full responsibility, I can say that these words are consistently translated into concrete actions. Thanks to the efforts of the whole Community, Silesian University of Technology strengthens its position and achieves significant successes. We cannot rest on our laurels. Our task is not only to maintain a high level, but to increase it through the use of potential, wise investment, and work with full commitment. I believe that together, in a good academic atmosphere, we are able not only to continue the work we have started, but also to reach for new, ambitious undertakings – emphasized the Rector.
Prof. Marek Pawełczyk also noted how important international and economic cooperation is for the University as well as the development of modern education and technology.
- We adapt the offer of studies to the needs of the market and the aspirations of young people. We carefully launch new fields of study, modernize programs, develop design education, open laboratories, and research teams for students, already at the early stages of their studies. We managed to stop the unfavourable demographic trend in recruitment, because we offer studies based on modern technologies, in conditions of a real research adventure.
Prof. Marek Pawełczyk also referred to the geopolitical situation of the world and the challenges that it entails.
- Science cannot be indifferent. We live in a time that demands not only knowledge and competence, but also empathy, solidarity, and responsibility. The war that is taking place just beyond our eastern border, caused by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, recent events in the European sky, conflicts in other regions of the world, and tragic events that took place on academic campuses, remind us how fragile everyday life can be and how valuable a sense of security can be. In turbulent times, the university must be not only a place of learning, but also a space for creating development, supporting security and hope for our students, for our partners, for the entire academic community, regardless of nationality, language, or origin - emphasised Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
After the inaugural lecture, the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education Prof. Marek Gzik took the floor.
- We have gathered here in large numbers to show our readiness for the challenges facing the entire scientific community in the new academic year. One of these challenges is evaluation: evaluation of the quality of Polish science and continuation of the Excellence Initiative Research University program. We are also facing a reform of the Polish Academy of Sciences and an amendment to the Law on Higher Education and Science. We want to make some adjustments in this respect, but these changes will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Another challenge is the e-diploma available in the mObywatel application, we are also working to ensure that Polish universities obtain the status of European diplomas. We believe that the level of education at Polish universities is absolutely high, confirming our aspirations to compare ourselves with the best universities in Europe – says Minister Gzik.
Monika Sikora, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, who was present at the inauguration, emphasized the role of science and universities in the changing world.
- Today I look at you with great pride and respect, at the academic community of one of the most important technical universities in Poland. It is here, in Gliwice, that the tradition of engineering precision meets the vision of modernity. In this world full of challenges, it is you – students and representatives of the world of science – who will co-create solutions that change our lives.
In the ceremony, the MEP Borys Budka, the Silesian Voivode Marek Wójcik, the Mayor of Gliwice Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka, the Mayor of Katowice Dr. Marcin Krupa, and a guest from Ukraine Prof. Mykola Logoida – Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Development of Lviv University of Technology also took part.
After the speeches of the guests, the matriculation of the representatives of the first-year students was carried out by the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, Prof. Anna Chrobok.
- Today’s inauguration ceremony of the academic year is of particular importance for first-year students who start their studies at our University. Dear students, through the act of matriculation you have been symbolically accepted into the circle of the academic community. May your studies at the Silesian University of Technology be for you a time of intensive competence acquisition and inspiration for innovative thinking and responsible shaping of the future, so that the acquired skills will allow you to create solutions that change the world for the better. Dear students, I wish you many successes, continuous development, and satisfaction from being part of our academic community – said the Vice-Rector.
Prof. Anna Chrobok also presented the Omnium Studiosorum Optimo Medals – to the best among students. During this year’s inauguration they were received by three graduates of our University.
After the awards were presented to his colleagues, Błażej Brudny, the chairman of the Student Government of the Silesian University of Technology, turned to his younger colleagues.
- I am very pleased that as a new president of the new Student Government, I can stand here before you during such an important event. We officially inaugurate a new academic year at our University. For those who start their adventure with the Silesian University of Technology, it is a special moment and the beginning of a road that opens many perspectives and opportunities for development - said Błażej Brudny.
The inauguration of the new academic year is also an opportunity to present distinctions to people who are especially distinguished for the development of the Silesian University of Technology, awarded by the Social Council of the University and the Association of Alumni of the Silesian University of Technology.
The Social Council Award is given in the “Student and Employee” category. This year it is awarded to:
- In the “Student” category - to Silesian Green Power Science Club in recognition of achievements in the design of electric cars
- In the “Employee” category, to Dr Hab. Eng. Jarosław Kozuba, Prof. SUT, performing the functions of: Director of the Civil Aviation Personnel Training Centre of Central and Eastern Europe and the Head of the Department of Air Transport The award was granted for a special contribution to the development of aviation education at the Silesian University of Technology.
The medal of the Association of Alumni of the Silesian University of Technology “Outstanding Graduate of the Silesian University of Technology” was awarded to Andrzej Figna. Mechanical engineer and master of thermal management, associated with the Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering, from the beginning of his career co-creating the successes of Huta “Batory.”
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Marcin Gajdziński – CEO of IBM Poland, Baltic States and Ukraine. The inauguration ceremony ended with a short concert of the Silesian University of Technology Academic Music Ensemble conducted by Prof. Krystyna Krzyżanowska-Łoboda.
Photos Maciej Mutwil
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