Silesian University of Technology showed its potential at the European Economic Congress
Three days of debates, meetings with scientists and presentations at the European Economic Congress in Katowice are behind us. Silesian University of Technology actively participated in this most important economic event in the region. The Silesian University of Technology stand was visited by crowds of guests – representatives of the world of politics, science and business, among them the Ambassador of Japan to Poland and representatives of companies with which we cooperate on a daily basis – APA Group and Fujitsu Poland.
Silesian University of Technology plays a very important role in building the economy in the region. It is within the walls of this university that we educate experts, we respond to challenges. We proved this during the 16th European Economic Congress in Katowice, which ended on Thursday.
This year the event took place with the participation of the President of the European Parliament Ursula von der Leyen, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland – Donald Tusk and officials from all over the world. Debates and discussions held in Katowice focused on the biggest challenges faced by European countries, including ensuring border security and freedom.
“The whole of Poland, Europe and the world are now convinced that we are ready to fight for freedom and democracy. On the other side of the border with Ukraine, we now see what our future would have look like if we had not acted in the right way,” von der Leyen said.
“Poland is today a leader in matters that concern the future of Europe – from security to approach to European institutions and procedures,” said Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland. Never in the history of the European Union have the main political forces, institutions, political leaders been so unanimous in terms of priorities, what is most important, what needs to be done in Europe, in Poland, in every other country here and now, without a moment of hesitation.
The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Arkadiusz Mężyk emphasized that the most important challenges facing the world, including the world of science, are building international security strategies based on modern technological solutions.
- The role of the Silesian University of Technology is obviously important in this process because we are located near arms/defence industry companies. We cooperate with the arms industry, for years we have trained experts in this field, who work in these plants today. We also conduct scientific research in this area, but what is important, we focus not only on hard military technologies, but also on developing cybersecurity – said the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology. Prof. Arkadiusz Mężyk was one of the guests with whom we talked during the “Meetings with Silesian University of Technology” at a special congress stand.
Among the guests who talked about the activities of the Silesian University of Technology in the field of defence was also the deputy director of the Centre of Cybersecurity of the Silesian University of Technology, Dr Eng. Jarosław Homa.
We train specialists who will deal with these threats. We are also approached by employees of companies from all over the country who want to update their knowledge in this area – said Dr Eng. Homa. “Importantly, our Centre is also able to help build strategies for companies and institutions that have not yet implemented an appropriate cybersecurity policy. This problem can no longer be ignored. Soon, regulations will come into force, which will force the employment of cybersecurity experts in every key company for the Polish economy – added Jarosław Homa.
Discussions and talks at the stand attracted interested parties. As part of the "Meetings with Silesian University of Technology" we also discussed other important topics. With Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Anna Skorek-Osikowska from the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering we talked about climate neutrality. The professor pointed out that in order to make the necessary changes in society and economy, first of all, changes at the mental level are needed, citizens should be convinced that the process of transformation for the climate is necessary.
This is one of the areas that the Silesian University of Technology emphasizes by educating students and experts of the future. Another area of interest are new solutions for aviation, which we discussed in turn with Dr Hab. Eng. Jarosław Kozuba, prof. of Silesian University of Technology
The European Economic Congress was also an excellent opportunity to present the most interesting research projects carried out within the walls of the Silesian University of Technology. The visitors got acquainted with the achievements of the Student Scientific Clubs – including a Mars rover, a drone for special tasks, prostheses, and a robotic dog, which can be used, among others, in the therapy of children.
Video reports from all presentations and conversations within the series "Meet the Silesian University of Technology" can be viewed here : https://www.youtube.com/@PolitechnikaSlaska
Polytechnical projects attracted crowds of interested people to our stand. Among the distinguished guests were representatives of the world of politics, science, and business, among them the Ambassador of Japan to Poland and representatives of companies with which we cooperate on a daily basis – APA Group and Fujitsu Poland. On the last day of the congress, the stand of the Silesian University of Technology was also visited by the former Prime Minister and President of the European Parliament Prof. Jerzy Buzek.
The Silesian University of Technology presented its scientific potential not only at the stand, but also by taking part in numerous debates and discussion panels that concerned important topics. Our scientists have participated in discussions on technologies for climate, technologies supporting green transformation in construction, mineral resources, Industry 4.0, sustainable urban logistics and the engineer’s labour market.
The event was funded by the EU The views and opinions expressed are those of the author or authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Executive Agency Scientific Research (REA). The European Union and the REA are not responsible for them.
The event was also co-financed by the Silesian Voivodeship - Co-organizer of the European City of Science Katowice 2024.
