Scientists and practitioners join forces. The Silesian University of Technology started cooperation with AQUA S.A.
The Silesian University of Technology signed a cooperation agreement with AQUA S.A. This is the first step toward the implementation of joint research and development projects. Thanks to the cooperation with scientists, Bielsko based Water and Sewerage Company has the opportunity to implement innovative solutions.
The cooperation agreement was signed on the 11th of May 2026 at the Rectorate of the Silesian University of Technology. It was signed by the Vice Rector for Collaboration with Civic and Economic Environment Dr Hab. Eng. Marcin Staniek, Prof. SUT and President of AQUA SA Arkadiusz Kocot. The meeting was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Prof. Mariusz Dudziak. It is this Faculty that will participate in joint projects implemented with the Bielsko-Biała company.
Impulse for development
Establishing close relations between scientists and practitioners will benefit not only both parties, but also the entire industry, because AQUA S.A. is one of the largest companies of this type.
- Silesian University of Technology focuses on contact with the wider socio-economic environment. AQUA is a very large company, and as a University we can support its statutory activities. Our scientists will be able to meet the requirements related to, among others, wastewater treatment. We can also support the company in the field of cybersecurity, which is crucial today, especially from the point of view of critical infrastructure and IT solutions related to the control and supervision of such systems - says Dr Hab Eng. Marcin Staniek, Prof. SUT.
- Our cooperation with the Silesian University of Technology can be a significant impulse for the development of innovative technological, organizational, and environmental solutions. The combination of enterprise practice with the scientific and research potential of the University creates the opportunity to create modern solutions that respond to the challenges of climate, energy, and digital transformation - believes the President Arkadiusz Kocot.
A mine of ideas
The cooperation of both entities creates the opportunity to implement research and development projects, obtain national and European grants and test new technologies, increasing efficiency, safety, and sustainable development of municipal infrastructure, in real operating conditions.
- For AQUA S.A., this means access to the latest knowledge, laboratories, and expert facilities, while for students and scientists – the opportunity to work on real technical and organizational problems of the company, - says Arkadiusz Kocot.
For the Silesian University of Technology, the company is a potential partner for the implementation of innovative projects. As the Dean of the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering emphasizes, there is a wide range of possibilities here, from analytical issues related to water and sewage quality testing, to modelling the water and sewage network.
- Research on innovative water purification technologies is also an interesting research area - says Prof. Mariusz Dudziak.
The field for cooperation is wide and - although open - it has already been largely defined at the beginning. In practice, it may include, for example, conducting laboratory and pilot studies, developing, and testing innovative technologies, exchanging knowledge and experience between the company’s experts and the academic community, organizing internships and diploma projects for students and participation of AQUA S.A. specialists in didactic classes and industry seminars.
The conducted research may concern, among others: intelligent systems for monitoring water supply and sewage networks, the use of artificial intelligence and data analysis in infrastructure management, reduction of water losses and improvement of network operational efficiency, new methods of wastewater treatment and energy recovery, sewage sludge management in accordance with the principles of circular economy, energy efficiency of water and sewage facilities, the resilience of infrastructure to the effects of climate change, as well as technologies supporting the security and continuity of water supply.
Human Resources Education
An important element of the cooperation will also be the development of competences of future employees of the water and sewage industry through internships, diploma theses, and joint engineering projects.
- Thanks to this, graduates will get to know the specifics of the municipal sector better and will be prepared to work in a modern infrastructure company - emphasizes Arkadiusz Kocot.
This aspect is also highlighted by the Dean of the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering.
- This cooperation may bring the University a number of benefits resulting from partnership with one of the largest companies of this type in the southern part of the Silesian Voivodeship. I am thinking here not only of cooperation on joint research initiatives, but also of supporting students in offering them apprenticeships and internships. I can say that in the fields of study of our faculty, including Environmental Engineering, we have students from Bielsko-Biała and the surrounding area - says Prof. Mariusz Dudziak.
In AQUA S.A. graduates who combine technical knowledge with the ability to work in a modern enterprise are particularly appreciated. - The company operates in the field of environmental engineering, water and sewage management, infrastructure design, and modern technologies for the municipal sector, but soft skills are increasingly important. This includes teamwork skills, responsibility, communication, flexibility, and readiness to constantly improve qualifications. The industry is changing dynamically, which is why we are looking for graduates who are open to new technologies and are aware of environmental challenges - explains the President of AQUA S.A.
Ready for challenges
Prof. Mariusz Dudziak reminds that the employees of the Faculty headed by him participate in the scientific and technical conference “Science- Technology-Environment” organized by AQUA S.A., so the new agreement is a confirmation of the previously initiated cooperation.
- The most important thing is that this cooperation brings results – also for the benefit of other individuals, scientists, and enterprises. We have a great chance not only to carry out important research, but also to influence the development of the entire industry – adds the Vice-Rector for Cooperation with the Civic and Economic Environment Dr Hab. Eng. Marcin Staniek, Prof. SUT.
- This is the essence - combining scientific knowledge and practice to jointly implement new technologies on a larger scale - emphasizes the President of AQUA S.A.
- This agreement is the first, fundamental step. If there are further initiatives, for example projects implemented with the funding of the National Centre for Research and Development, then it will be possible to extend this cooperation and expand the agreement with further elements – adds the Vice-Rector.
Let us remind you that AQUA S.A. has been cooperating effectively with the scientific community for years, not only by organizing industry conferences, but also by implementing joint projects with universities.
Text by Marcin Kałuski
Edited by Jolanta Skwaradowska
