Inter-University Inauguration of the Academic Year 2026/2027

This year, for the fifth time, Katowice will become the centre of academic life during the Inter-University Inauguration of the Academic Year. This unique event will take place on Wednesday, September 30^th, 2026, at 16:00, at the headquarters of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, and will be preceded by a traditional March of the Rectors’ Processions through the streets of the city.

The program of joint celebration of the inauguration of the academic year by Silesian universities includes a number of unique attractions that combine science, art, and academic tradition.

10:00 - inauguration of the Scientific Town at the Stanisław Wyspiański Silesian Theatre (Foyer of the Large Stage)

10:00-16:00 - Scientific Town on the Market Square in Katowice:

- EduPromoDay - stands with scientists from the region - interactive presentations and experiments will inspire visitors to this place to discover the world of science.

- The stand of the Polish Radio Katowice

15:00 – artistic performances of academic groups that will bring us closer to the spirit of Silesian culture.

15:40 – ceremonial March of Rectors’ Processions from the Market Square to the seat of the NOSPR with musical setting of the “Katowice Wind Orchestra”

OFFICIAL PART (NOSPR concert hall, 16:00)

• The official opening of the Academic Year 2026/2027
• Matriculation and oath of doctoral students
• Inaugural lecture by Prof. Ewa Chojecka, titled: Post-industrial substance as a cultural heritage of the region. What does the mine shaft tower and steam engine have to do with the history of art?

Artistic setting of the official part: Cieszyn Brass Orchestra of the University of Silesia, University of Silesia Choir "Harmony", "Silent" Choir of the University of Silesia, Academic Choir of the Silesian University of Technology, Choir of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice

ARTISTIC PART:

Concert of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maciej Tomasiewicz

Program:

1. Mendelssohn – Overture to the Midsummer Night’s Dream
2. Rossini – overture to the opera Wilhelm Tell
3. Grieg – Peer Gynt: Morning, Death of Asa, Anitra Dance, Song of Solvejga, In the cave of the King of the Mountains

Information on how to register for the event will be available in September this year

ORGANIZERS

Academic Consortium – Katowice City of Science

University of Silesia in Katowice
University of Economics in Katowice
Silesian Medical University in Katowice
Silesian University of Technology Silesian
Academy of Physical Education named after Jerzy Kukuczka
Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice
Jerzy Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice

Silesian Voivodeship
The City of Katowice
Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis

Honorary patronage

Minister of Science of Higher Education
Minister  of Health
Minister of Sport and Tourism
Minister of Culture and National Heritage
Polish Academy of Sciences
National Representation of PhD  students

Parliament of students of the Republic of Poland 
Conference of Rectors of Artistic Universities

Conference of Rectors of Polish Academic Schools 

Regional Conference of Rectors of Academic Universities
Conference of Rectors of Economic Universities
Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities

Mayor of Sosnowiec
Mayor of Chorzów
Mayor of Cieszyn
Mayor of Rybnik

Mayor of Gliwice 
Mayor of Bielsko-Biała
Mayor of Bytom
Mayor of Zabrze
National Agency for Academic Exchange

Media patronage:

Dziennik Zachodni
ACADEMIC FORUM
Polskie Radio Katowice
Radio Nowy Świat
TVP 3 Katowice
TVP Info
wKatowicach.eu

Institutional partner

Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice  Silesian Theatre