The first meeting of the Community Council of the Silesian University of Technology
Regional authorities, city mayors, directors of Polish and international enterprises, representatives of science, as well as associations and social organizations, met on 8 September at the inaugural meeting of the newly established Community Council of the Silesian University of Technology. In the coming years, this distinguished, advisory assembly will support the development of our University.
The session began with a inormal meeting at the Student Creativity Center, so that the members of the Council could get to know each other. Some of them have been associated with the University for many years, some people are also graduates of SUT.
"We invited many outstanding representatives to the Community Council of the Silesian University of Technology. These include, among others, the mayors of the cities where we operate and maintain cooperative relationships, as well as directors of major companies — not only from Silesia, but also from business such as LOT Polish Airlines, Fujitsu Poland, Tauron, and Orlen," emphasised Prof. Marek Pawełczyk, Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, who officially opened the meeting.
All appointed members received deeds of nomination and 80th anniversary medals of the Silesian University of Technology. Professor Marek Pawełczyk approximated major information about the University to the members of the Council, emphasising its strategic goals, scientific potential, Priority Research Areas and involvement in the development of the European Eureca-Pro University.
"We aim to highlight attention on the current position of the Silesian University of Technology and the challenges we Face. We greatly count on the engagement of all Community Council members, who will be in direct contact with us, providing advice, proposing effective solutions, and sharing their networks and professional relationships," the Rector added.
The Community Council is an advisory and consultative body that supports the University in maintaining ties with the socio-economic environment. Its key responsibilities include sharing experiences and perspectives, commenting on the development of the Silesian University of Technology, its educational and research activities, and facilitating collaboration and information exchange between the Community Council members and the University community.
"I honoured to be a member of the Community Council of the Silesian University of Technology – this allows me to maintain contact with the University authorities, discuss the needs of employers and help shape the education of a young person so they can thrive in the labour market," – said Michał Fijoł, CEO of LOT Polish Airlines, who signed a cooperation agreement with the SUT last year. "Aviation is experiencing strong growth in Poland, involving not only the development of airlines and regional airports but also the establishment of the Central Communication Port. We require new, suitably qualified personnel, and I am confident that the Silesian University of Technology produces exactly such experts,” he added.
During the first meeting, the Council elected Wiktor Pawlik, Director of the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Gliwice as chairperson. The Vice Chairperson became Professor Sławomir Blamek ,Director of the Gliwice Branch of the National Institute of Oncology – National Research Institute.
The Community Council of the Silesian University of Technology also announced two awards, which will be presented during the ceremonial Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/2026. The event will take place on 2 October at 11:00 at the Educational and Congress Center of the Silesian University of Technology at Konarski Street in Gliwice.
