It was a real celebration of science
One of the most important events of the academic year is behind us. On the 30th of September, the Inter-University Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/ 2026 took place in the concert hall of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice. The event was attended by the authorities of the Silesian University of Technology, headed by the Rector, Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Pawełczyk.
The ceremony was traditionally preceded by a “science city” at the Katowice market square. Throughout the day there were workshops, shows, as well as performances of university folklore groups. It was a great celebration and promotion of science.
- That is also the purpose of this event. We want universities to best fit into the development of our region and be connected with society, because that is our mission – explained Rector Marek Pawełczyk.
The inhabitants of Silesia could also visit the stand of the Silesian University of Technology, where this year, among others, a train simulator, a car, or a robot ReXio were presented.
- This is a great event to promote science. Despite the bad weather, we were visited by many people - both younger and older. Together with the Silesian Aerospace Technologies Student Science Club, we presented our space technologies, including a model rocket, which has already made two flights. We also talked about satellites, because our new project is connected with it - said Beniamin Kopiec, this year's graduate of the Academic Secondary Comprehensive School of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, and from the new academic year a student of technical physics at the Institute of Physics - Centre for Science and Education at SUT.
The Inter-University Inauguration of the Academic Year took place for the fourth time. It began with the March of the Rector's processions through the streets of Katowice. The Rector Marek Pawełczyk, Vice-Rector for General Affairs Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Bożena Skołud , Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education, Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Chrobok, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation Prof. Dr. Hab.Eng. Sebastian Werle, Vice-Rector for Collaboration with Civic and Economic Environment Dr Hab. Eng. Marcin Staniek, Prof. SUT, Vice-Rector Infrastructure and Investment Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Zbigniew Paszenda, as well as the authorities of the Faculties, standard-bearers and employees of the Silesian University of Technology took part in the procession
- The new academic year presents new challenges for universities, as well as new students. This day is a very important moment for the promotion of science. We all want talented young people to stay in Silesia. We have very good universities here, which educate at an exceptionally high level, and the labour market, which is waiting for our graduates – said the Vice-Rector Bożena Skołud.
In the concert hall of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice, the culminating points of the inauguration began. This included the academic choirs singing the solemn “Gaudeamus igitur,” the act of matriculation and the oath of doctoral students, which this year were made by representatives of the Academy of Physical Education named after Jerzy Kukuczka in Katowice. The act was performed by the Rector of this University, Prof. Dr Hab. Med. Sciences Andrzej Małecki.
An important moment of this year’s inter-university inauguration was the presentation by the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Gzik of medals “Merit for Polish Science Sapientia et Veritas.” The awards were also given to the City of Science. They were received by, among others, Rector Marek Pawełczyk and Rector of the Silesian University of Technology in the years 2016–2024 Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Arkadiusz Mężyk.
During the inauguration, there was also the lecture. It was delivered by the Prime Minister in the years 1997-2001, the President of the European Parliament in the years 2009-2012 and a graduate and Doctor Honoris Causa of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Jerzy Buzek. His inaugural lecture was entitled “The Metropolis of the Sun. Metropolis of Science.”
The unique musical setting of the ceremony was provided of by choirs and orchestras of Silesian universities: The Academic Choir of the Silesian University of Technology, Cieszyn Brass Orchestra of the University of Silesia, the Choir of the University of Silesia “Harmonia”, “Niemy” Choir of the University of Silesia, the Choir of the Medical University of Silesia and the Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice. The event ended with the concert “Overture to the academic year” performed by the Symphony Orchestra of the Silesian University of Technology under the direction of Miłosz Korpol.
The Inter- University Inauguration of the Academic Year was organized by universities belonging to the Academic Consortium - Katowice City of Science, Silesian Voivodeship, City of Katowice and Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis.
Photos Maciej Mutwil.
