The “Golden Biret 2026” competition has been decided
We know the winners of the “Golden Biret 2026” competition. The event took place as part of the Education Day 2026 at the Silesian University of Technology. The aim of the competition was to award doctoral students and employees of the University particularly involved in the development of modern didactics and improving the quality of education.
The event was an opportunity to honour academic teachers and PhD students who inspire students and implement innovative teaching methods. The employees implementing didactic projects and creating new development opportunities for the entire academic community were also appreciated.
The Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk emphasized that the “Golden Biret” competition is an important element of building a culture of appreciation for educators. As he noted, the aim of the project is to distinguish academic teachers who in their work go beyond standard duties, use modern teaching methods, engage students, and approach education with passion.
– It is about noticing people who are creative, open to cooperation and at the same time enjoy the recognition of students – said the Rector during the ceremony. He added that the first edition of the competition met with great interest, and the number of applications showed how many teachers are implementing their mission at the University with great commitment.
The symbolic “Golden Birets” are to become a recognizable attribute of the laureates and a form of appreciation of their work and contribution to the development of the University. The winners of the competition will be present at the most important academic events, such as doctoral and habilitation promotions or the inauguration of the academic year. – We want to boast of these people and introduce them to the entire academic community and invited guests – said Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
As emphasized Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education Prof. Anna Chrobok “Golden Biret” gala is a special day for the entire academic community.
- This is the first time we have organized such an event. We want to show that at the Silesian University of Technology there are extremely creative and engaged educators who ensure that our students gain the competences needed in the demanding labour market – said the Vice-Rector.
As she pointed out, the selection of winners was not easy. - As a member of the Jury, I saw what the high level of the nominees was. The academic community also had a voice, which is why we are all the more pleased with today's decision. I believe that the next editions of the competition will bring the next masters of didactics and the next winners of the “Golden Biret” – said Prof. Anna Chrobok.
The Director of the College of Studies, Prof. Beata Orlińska emphasized that it is young people who are the biggest motivation for further development.
- Contact with students gives great energy and satisfaction, which is why it is so important to appreciate academic teachers who are passionately involved in the didactic process and every day contribute to the quality of our University - said Prof. Orlińska.
Aleksandra Dyla, the Silesian Education Curator present at the event, emphasized that the role of the teacher – regardless of the stage of education – has a huge impact on the development of a young person and their future choices.
- One teacher can inspire a young person for life, which is why appreciating the work of educators is absolutely priceless, - she said.
As she emphasized, both academic teachers and educators working in schools, every day perform extremely demanding work that deserves recognition and social recognition.
- These are people who do titanic work every day, which is why the moments when they can feel that their effort is noticed and appreciated are so important - added the Silesian Education Curator.
Both the competition jury and the academic community were involved in the process of selecting the winners of the “Golden Biret.” More than 140 applications were submitted. In six categories, the academic community decided about the selection of the winners, while in special categories – such as PBL supervisor, SKN supervisor, mentor and Grand Prix in didactics – the decision was made by the jury of the competition with the participation of the University authorities – said the Director of the Centre for Modern Education Anna Waligóra, Dr in Social Sciences.
- The work of an academic teacher requires not only knowledge and substantive preparation, but also a huge emotional commitment. That is why the Centre for Modern Education supports educators by developing their competences, - adds Dr Waligóra.
Students also actively participated in the selection of the winners of the competition. The Chairman of the Student Self- Government, Eng. Błażej Brudny emphasized that many teachers deserve distinction, but the formula of the competition required the selection of individual winners.
- Students want to appreciate those lecturers who are open-minded, engaged, and able to build good relationships with them. I think that for many teachers such an award can be particularly important because they often do not know how much they are valued by their students.
According to one of the winners of the competition Dr Eng. Krzysztof Sztymelski, no employee of the University who has contact with students, could have imagined a better reward. - This is a huge honour for me and one of the greatest achievements, - he said.
Dr Eng. Mariola Jureczko pointed out that such an award is not only a form of appreciation of work, but also a confirmation that the way of transferring knowledge is attractive for young people.
– This is a very important award for me because it shows that our contribution to teaching work is recognized. This work requires a lot of commitment and often also unconventional thinking – said the laureate.
In turn, Dr Eng. Agnieszka Siewniak, awarded in the category of PBL tutor, emphasized that project work with students is not only a didactic challenge, but also a source of mutual inspiration and development.
– This award gives great motivation and adds wings to the implementation of subsequent PBL projects – she emphasized.
As announced by the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, the competition will continue in the coming years, and the “Golden Biret” is to become a permanent symbol of the appreciation of educators.
Winners of the “Golden Biret” Competition
Winners in voting categories
Dr Anna Waligóra – category: Teaching Project
Dr Eng. Dariusz Buchczik – category: Didactic Innovations
Dr Eng. Adrian Kapczyński - category: The use of AI in didactics
Dr Eng. Tomasz Grychowski - category: Classes in cooperation with industry
Dr Eng. Rafał Setlak - category: Classes in International Cooperation
MSc. Eng. Jakub Krzus - category: PhD student conducting didactic classes
Winners awarded by the Competition Jury
Dr Eng. Mariola Jureczko - category: Mentor
Dr Eng. Agnieszka Siewniak - category: Supervisor of PBL projects
Dr Hab. Eng. Roman Czyba, Prof. SUT – category: supervisor of Student Science Club
Dr Eng. Krzysztof Sztymelski - category: Grand Prix in Didactics
and Dr Hab. Eng. Jarosław Brodny, Prof. SUT - the special award from the Student Self-Government
