The Silesian University of Technology again with the “Brand-Silesia” awards!
The Silesian University of Technology is once again among the winners and those awarded in the “Brand-Silesia” (Marka- Śląskie) competition. During this year’s 17th edition, the University was appreciated in several areas. In the “Culture” category, the Student Culture Centre of the Silesian University of Technology “Mrowisko” won, in the “Science” category, the Centre of Organic and Nanohybrid Electronics (CONE) was awarded, while the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Marek Pawełczyk received the Crystal of the President of the Regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Gliwice.
The awards ceremony took place on the 5th of September 2026 during the Grand Gala of the Regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Gliwice. The event brought together representatives of the world of business, science, self-government as well as institutions and organizations working for the development of the Silesian Voivodeship.
The ceremony was attended by the authorities of the Silesian University of Technology. The Rector of the University, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk, who was present at the gala, stressed that the activity of the Chamber is important for building relations between the academic and economic environment.
– The Regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce brings together several hundred entrepreneurs. The Chamber not only integrates the business environment, but also actively builds relations between them. The monthly meetings organized by the Chamber are significant. It is an opportunity to meet with entrepreneurs, present the most attractive new developments at our University, but also to listen to entrepreneurs. This is often an incentive to expand our cooperation or to make it more concrete – said the Rector.
As the Rector pointed out, the experience of the industrial and social environment is an important element of the cooperation of the University with its surroundings. The Silesian University of Technology benefits from the knowledge and experience of entrepreneurs, and at the same time has the opportunity to present its potential, achievements, and implemented projects.
The cooperation of different environments was one of the important messages that resounded during the Gala. Welcoming the guests, Mr. Wiktor Pawlik, President of the Regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Gliwice, who is also the President of the Social Council of the Silesian University of Technology, pointed to the idea of the “golden triangle,” i.e. cooperation of science, local government, and business.
- I am a believer in the golden triangle: science, local government, business – because I believe that the cooperation of these three environments is the way to success. For me, however, this triangle has another extremely important dimension – people. Your presence at our Gala, cooperation, support, and sympathy are proof that we are not alone and that together we can do a lot.
The growing importance of the competition is also evidenced by the interest in this year’s edition. In the 17th “Brand-Silesia” competition, more than 70 applications were submitted – this was a record number of applications.
Ms Agnieszka Szymczyk, President of the Regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Gliwice, emphasized that the competition is gaining importance every year, and the number of applications shows that more and more companies, institutions, and people want to present their achievements.
- “Brand-Silesia” shows what Silesia can boast of. We have 13 categories, so everyone can find an area where they can present their achievements. These are some of the best companies, products, and services in the region. The Silesian University of Technology has also been present in this group for years, which is especially important for us. The Silesian University of Technology has been leading the way for years and is one of the best universities. We are very pleased that the representatives of the University submit applications for the competition, and these applications are highly scored. This presence of the Silesian University of Technology is very valuable for us because it also shows the scientific potential of our region – emphasized Agnieszka Szymczyk.
During this year’s edition of the competition, the Silesian University of Technology was appreciated in several areas. In the “Culture” category, the Student Culture Centre “Mrowisko” won, in the “Science” category, the Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid Electronics (CONE) was awarded, while the Crystal of the President of RIPH (Regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce) was awarded to the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Marek Pawełczyk.
Ms Katarzyna Jankowska, Director of the Student Culture Centre “Mrowisko,” emphasizes that the award in the “Brand-Silesia” competition is a great distinction for the entire team, and at the same time a special honour for the 15th anniversary of Mrowsko’s activity.
– A lot has happened over the years. We started from the scratch, from small festivals and small events, and today we are very active in many fields. Last season we organized 307 events, which were visited by almost 180 thousand people – emphasized the Director.
An important element of the Centre’s activity is also combining science with culture and encouraging young people to become interested in the Silesian University of Technology.
- We have the ambition to be an important point on the cultural map of the city. Our main target group are students, but we also organise events for preschoolers, secondary school pupils, and pensioners. We combine science with culture and try to convince young people to come to our University and fall in love with science. This type of recognition certainly adds wings, - she adds.
In turn, the Deputy Director of the Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid Electronics (CONE), Prof. Sławomir Boncel points out that the award is not only an appreciation of the achievements so far, but also a commitment to further development.
– This award is more than a prize for us – it is a confirmation that the science we conduct at the Centre is of real importance. CONE combines chemistry, physics, materials engineering, and electronics to create the technologies of the future.
It is particularly important that CONE’s activity has been noticed in Silesia, which is a dynamically developing region, increasingly focusing on innovation and new technologies. Prof. Boncel also emphasizes that the success of the Centre is mainly caused by people – scientists, PhD students, students, and all those who co-create CONE on a daily basis.
- This award is first and foremost a success of the people – our scientists, PhD students, students and all the people who build the CONE every day. It also shows that the ambitious science conducted at the Silesian University of Technology can be an important part of the development of the entire region – noted Prof. Boncel.
The award is also an impulse for the CONE team to continue their activity.
- We treat this award as a commitment to compete even more strongly in world science, but also to develop cooperation with industry and international partners and translate scientific results into technologies that will be crucial for the future of the world - concluded Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Sławomir Boncel.
The “Brand - Silesia” competition was held for the seventeenth time. It is organized by the Regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Gliwice and the Marshal’s Office of the Silesian Voivodeship. Its aim is to promote the Silesian Voivodeship by distinguishing people, companies, and institutions that by their activities build its good image and contribute to the development of the region.
The idea of the competition covers much more than the economy and industry. Achievements in the fields of science, culture, cultural heritage, sport, tourism, health, social activities, media, and corporate social responsibility are also highly appreciated and recognised. Thanks to this, “Brand-Silesia” shows the diversity and strength of the region.
