Prof. Wojciech Zieliński, former Rector of the Silesian University of Technology has passed away 

 It is with deep regret that we announce that on November 10^th, 2024, Professor Wojciech Zieliński, outstanding Polish chemist, Rector of the Silesian University of Technology in 2002-2008 passed away. For his services he was awarded the Golden Cross of Merit, the Knight's and Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Medal of the National Education Commission. Professor Wojciech Zieliński was a valued researcher and academic teacher, a leader devoted to the University’s affairs, who laid the foundations for the modern development of the Silesian University of Technology. Always modest, cheerful, and sensitive to the needs of others. His departure is an irreparable loss for the University’s academic community. 

Wojciech Zieliński was born in 1938 in Nowy Bytom. He graduated from the Faculty of Chemistry of the Silesian University of Technology and in 1962 he was employed at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology. Initially, he worked as an assistant lecturer, then since 1968 as research associate and since 1985as assistant professor. In 1991 he obtained the title of associate professor, and in 2000 the title of full professor.

Professor Wojciech Zieliński specialized in organic chemistry, especially in research on the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds used in medicine and agriculture. In his scientific work he was involved in the development of chemical technologies used in industry, where he conducted several implementations. He was the author of over 150 scientific publications, 19 patents, 12 academic textbooks and scripts, as well as a promoter and reviewer of many doctoral and habilitation theses. 

Highly valued by the academic community, he was an active member of many scientific committees, including the Committee for Pesticides of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Centre for Polymer and Carbon Materials of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Polish Committee for Standardization for Pesticides. Professor Wojciech Zieliński was not only very active in science, but also in organization, being repeatedly chosen for the most important positions both at the home faculty and throughout the University. In the years 1981-1991 he was a deputy, and in the period 1991-1997 the director of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology of the Silesian University of Technology. In the years 1996-2002 he was Vice-Rector for Didactics, and in the period 2002-2008- Rector of the Silesian University of Technology. During this time, he developed a wide international activity in the field of education, starting numerous research and modernization projects, and thus contributing to the growth of the position of the Silesian University of Technology abroad. Professor Wojciech Zieliński initiated the creation of the international network for engineering education and research (iNEER) and actively participated in international educational conferences. He initiated the establishment of the Accreditation Committee of Technical Universities, which contributed to the improvement of the quality of education at the university. 

Thanks to his efforts, the Silesian University of Technology has become an important scientific and educational centre, known both in Poland and abroad. In 2008 Professor Wojciech Zieliński received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of Lviv University of Technology. 

Professor has been a mentor for many generations of students and academics, always ready to share knowledge and experience. Throughout his professional life, he supported charitable and social initiatives, including scholarship programs for less affluent students, by funding a scholarship for the best student of the Faculty of Chemistry of the Lviv Polytechnic, donating $500 annually to this goal. 

Professor Wojciech Zieliński was not only an outstanding scientist, but also a man of exceptional personality. He was widely known for his kindness, openness, and willingness to help. His departure is a huge loss for the entire Silesian University of Technology community. Professor Wojciech Zieliński will be remembered as an excellent organizer, inquisitive researcher, inspiring and mobilizing students to work and scientific research, as well as a patient, kind, and supportive person, carrying the beloved University in his thoughts and heart. 

To the family and relatives of the Professor, we express our deep sympathy. 

 Professor Wojciech Zieliński, former Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, will rest in Gliwice. 

The funeral will begin with a Holy Mass in the Church of Elevation of the Holy Cross on 15th November at 10 am.