Silesian University of Technology and the Academy of Engineering in Poland have strengthened cooperation
The Fourth Scientific Symposium and 45th General Assembly of the Academy of Engineering in Poland, which took place at the Silesian University of Technology on the 3rd and 4th of July, abounded in events emphasizing the relationship of Academy of Engineering in Poland (AIP) with our University. A cooperation agreement was signed, a symbolic Gabriel oak was planted on the campus, new members were accepted into the ranks of AIP, and the Academy honoured the Silesian University of Technology with the Gabriel Narutowicz medal. The organization also elected a new president.
The two-day meeting began with the Fourth Scientific Symposium, during which papers dealing with current scientific issues were delivered.
- The topics dealt with by the Academy are related to the current, very diverse geopolitical and technological situation. Speaking globally - we discussed issues from climate change through new technologies related to artificial intelligence, as well as those related to what is happening in space today in reference to our wonderful Pole, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski - it is robotics, automation and the contribution of Polish engineering thought to technological development – enumerated Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Teofil Jesionowski, Rector of Poznan University of Technology.
The mission of the Academy of Engineering in Poland is to support the development of modern technologies and innovations, transfer of technology to industry, promotion of Polish engineering thought in Poland and abroad. AIP emphasizes the role of engineers in the development of civilization.
- It is difficult to imagine the development of civilization without engineers, there is a huge responsibility on our shoulders, especially now, because all over the world we are experiencing a period called deindustrialization – said Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Natalia Sobczak, Vice-President of the Polish Academy of Sciences. – Due to the difficult geopolitical situation of Poland, high energy prices, industrial plants flee to where it is cheaper and safer. Our goal is to retain companies and support our well-educated young engineering staff.
The Fourth Scientific Symposium ended with the solemn signing of the cooperation agreement. It was signed by Prof. Marek Pawełczyk, Rector of the Silesian and University of Technology and Jerzy Barglik, President of the Academy of Engineering in Poland.
– This is a written confirmation of the cooperation that has been implemented for years, many scientific employees of the Silesian University of Technology belong to the Academy – said Prof. Barglik, President of AIP, a long-time researcher and academic teacher at the Faculty of Materials Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology. – The agreement also gives the Silesian University of Technology the status of a supporting member of the Academy, so far we have had six supporting members: Poznan University of Technology, Lodz University of Technology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, AGH University of Science and Technology and Bisek Aerospace from Wrocław – added Prof. Barglik.
– The Academy of Engineering in Poland is a very well organized, prestigious, reputable organization associating engineers, extremely active, organizing a number of different types of meetings and seminars on a daily basis. Among the members of the AIP there are rectors, deans of faculties from all over the country, as well as people representing industry, economic environment, or local government – said Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Pawełczyk, Rector of the Silesian University of Technology. – I also have the honour to be a member of the Academy of Engineering in Poland. When I became one, it was a huge distinction for me, and I still value it to this day.
During the 45th General Assembly of the Academy of Engineering in Poland on Friday, new members were accepted, and it is worth emphasizing that to join this group one should demonstrate one’s outstanding scientific or didactic achievements and have appropriate recommendations. The Academy also appreciated its members by awarding them with distinctions and Gabriel Narutowicz medals. Gabriel Narutowicz was an engineer, first president of the Academy, first president of Poland. The Silesian University of Technology was honoured with such a distinction.
– He is our patron, we award not only Gabriel Narutowicz medals, but also on my initiative, on the occasion of important meetings - an oak named Gabriel is planted. Three of them are already growing, and from now on the fourth, planted in the campus of the Silesian University of Technology commemorating the 80th anniversary of the University – said Prof. Barglik.
The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk awarded Prof. Jerzy Barglik with the medal of the 80th anniversary of the University. Prof. Barglik served as President of the Academy of Engineering in Poland for 2 terms, from 2019. During the 45th General Assembly, new authorities were elected, and Professor Teofil Jesionowski, Rector of Poznan University of Technology became the President of the AIP.
- Chemistry connects people, and Professor Barglik and I feel that we have something in common - joked the new president of AIP. – My Faculty of Chemical Technology was created in part thanks to three professors who came from Gliwice over 55 years ago. My term of office will be a constructive evolution, I have been in the Executive Committee before, so I know what this difficult stage of development of the Academy of Engineering in Poland entails. First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their trust and entrusting me with the continuation of this mission started by Prof. Barglik, whom I thank very much, because thanks to his initiative, the Academy has gained new splendour and stands out from other organizations – said Prof. Jesionowski, newly appointed President of AIP.
The Engineering Academy in Poland is a hundred-year-old organization that continues the traditions of the pre-war Academy of Technical Sciences founded by professors of the Lviv and Warsaw University of Technology. It was reactivated as the Academy of Engineering in Poland in 1992.
Zdjęcia: Maciej Mutwil, Jan Szady
