Silesian University of Technology hosts the European debate on the future of engineering education
From the 25th to 27th of May 2026, the Centre for New Technologies of the Silesian University of Technology hosted the European Convention of Engineering Deans (ECED) 2026 conference on the future of engineering education. It was the first ECED conference organized in Poland. The event was organized by the Silesian University of Technology in cooperation with the European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI) – one of the most important European associations of technical universities, institutions, and industrial partners.
The participants of ECED 2026 were welcomed by the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Marek Pawełczyk and the President of SEFI, Prof Emanuel Tilley. The event brought together deans of engineering faculties, academic leaders, representatives of technical universities, students and representatives of technology companies and industry.
As emphasized by Dr Hab. Eng. Wojciech Sitek, Prof. SUT, the chairman of the conference organizing committee, the event is a space for discussion about the challenges of modern technical education.
This year’s edition focuses on the future of engineering education in the context of sustainable development and human-cantered digital transformation.
The event is a space for dialog between representatives of industry, scientific community, and institutional leaders. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of cooperation at the interface between university and industry, which is becoming one of the key elements of building an innovative economy and effective knowledge transfer.
– It is an exchange of views on the expectations of both parties and developing mechanisms of cooperation between industry and universities in the context of education of future engineers – explains Prof Sitek.
The professor also points out that participation in the event is not only a prestige for the University, but also an opportunity to develop international academic relations.
- It is a forum for the exchange of good practices and experience in the development of modern methods of engineering education, as well as an excellent space for building international contacts, because the members of SEFI are leading European universities, - says Prof. Sitek.
The conference was attended by about 60 people representing academic circles, student organizations, and business partners from various European countries.
