Rectors of technical universities at the Silesian University of Technology
On the 22nd -24th of May, Silesian University of Technology hosted the Conference of Rectors of Polish Technical Universities (KRPUT). During the annual meeting, the rectors discussed the most important issues related to the current situation of Polish technical universities, including the financing of science in Poland. The meeting coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Silesian University of Technology, thanks to which the Rectors also attended the jubilee celebrations.
The two-day Rectors’ deliberations were dominated by finances and expenditures on higher education. The authorities of technical universities also met with Prof. Marek Gzik, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education and Director of the Department of Budget and Finance of the Ministry.
– “This is a problem faced by all universities, but mainly by the Ministry, expenditures are the lowest in relation to GDP in years, and they are the main income of public universities” – emphasized Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Jerzy Lis, the Rector of the Stanisław Staszic AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow.
– “This cake, which is divided, is far too small and does not meet basic needs” – said Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Krzysztof Jóźwik, the Rector of the Lodz University of Technology, Chairman of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Technical Universities. “The financial situation leads to the fact that we do not have a chance to compete with industry to try to keep young people at universities” – added Prof. Jóźwik.
During the meeting, the implementation doctorates and international cooperation were also discussed. During the closed talks, the KRPUT also took position on databases, scholarships, and evaluations. The Rectors also opposed the activities of the National Centre for Research and Development regarding changes in the rules of implementation of projects financed by the NCBR.
- “Our meetings are crucial because each of the rectors comes with the baggage of their experience, but also with ideas that we confront with each other in order to be able to effectively appeal to the ministry or the government, for example to change the law, from the point of view of university management, we often face the same problems,” said Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Pawełczyk, the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology.
Waldemar Siwiński, founder of the Perspektywy Education Foundation, also took part in the discussion.
– “Technical universities stand out from other universities because the effects of their work are the most tangible – they are patents, implementations or programs implemented for industry. That is why it is so important to attract as many of the most talented candidates for studies to these universities as possible” – emphasized Waldemar Siwiński.
The Conference of Rectors of Polish Technical Universities (KRPUT) is an autonomous gathering of 23 Rectors of technical universities and 10 associated universities operating in Poland. It serves to deepen ties and cooperation between universities.
