The next stage of the "Golden Cap 2026" competition, organised by the Silesian University of Technology as part of the Education Day celebrations, is beginning – and the academic community is invited to participate in the vote and choose the winners from among the nominees. The competition promotes good teaching practices and inspires the implementation of modern solutions in academic education.

The first edition of the event was met with great interest – a total of 144 applications were submitted in all ten competition categories, which confirms the large group of people involved in the development of teaching, distinguished by creativity, innovation and concern for the quality of education.

The Competition Jury, after a detailed analysis of the applications in terms of form and substance, selected the nominees for the voting stage. During the evaluation process, particular attention was paid to the innovative nature of the activities undertaken, their impact on the development of teaching and their real impact on the education process of students and doctoral students.

Nominations were awarded in the following categories:

• Educational project
• Teaching innovations
• Application of AI in teaching
• Classes in cooperation with industry
• Classes in international cooperation
• PhD student conducting teaching classes
• Mentor
• PBL Supervisor
• Supervisor of the student research group
• Educator – Grand Prix

In categories 1–6, the winners will be selected by vote of the academic community. In the remaining categories, the Competition Jury will make the decision.

Voting of the academic community - selection of winners by the academic community

Between April 14^th and 28^th, the academic community of the Silesian University of Technology will select the winners of the "Golden Cap 2026" competition. Voting takes place via the online form:

Link: Voting of the academic community in the competition - Golden Biret 2026 - Fill out the form

Students, doctoral students and university employees with an active account on the university domain are eligible to participate. Each participant can cast one vote in each category covered by the vote. The voting process is anonymous, while ensuring that you can only vote once in a given category.

The competition finals and the awards ceremony will take place during the Silesian University of Technology Education Day gala on May the 12^th, 2026. This is a special opportunity to recognize those who, through their daily work, shape the high quality of education at the Silesian University of Technology.

Below we present the profiles of the nominees in each competition category – their achievements, initiatives and contribution to the development of academic teaching. We encourage you to read them and choose the winners consciously.

Nominees – categories subject to voting

Category: Educational project

Dr Hab. Eng. Danuta Michczyńska, Prof. SUT - Institute of Physics - Centre for Science and Education

Initiator and main coordinator of the nationwide educational campaign "Physics and Ecology", including the competition named after Prof. Mieczysław F. Pazdur, a series of lectures "Physics and Climate" and measurement workshops "Physics for Ecology". She coherently combines physics issues with current environmental challenges, developing young people's ecological awareness and inspiring them to undertake their own research activities. The high profile of the project is confirmed by its long-term financing from the Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.

Dr Anna Waligóra - Centre for Modern Education, Faculty of Organization and Management

Leader of the project "Silesian University of Technology - a university supporting staff on the way to excellence - F2S", which played a key role in the development of teaching competences of academic staff. The project included a wide range of training, workshop and development activities supporting teachers in improving their skills and implementing modern teaching methods. Thanks to its implementation, the quality of the teaching process was significantly improved, and awareness of innovative educational tools was increased. Project manager for the "Silesian University of Technology as a university promoting modern trends in education and profiling the development of teaching staff and doctoral students" project, which continues activities supporting the development of university staff and the improvement of teaching.

Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marcin Lutyński – Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation

Coordinator of the CIRCEXTIN and Hy-EDU projects. The initiatives implemented by him combine a high level of content with a practical impact on study programmes, the development of student competences and the internationalisation of the education process. His activities include the creation of innovative teaching materials, the implementation of new educational content and the development of cooperation with foreign partners. These projects contribute to improving the quality of education and strengthening the university's position on the international stage.

Category: Teaching innovations

Dr Eng. Dariusz Buchczik from the Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science.

One of the main initiators and propagators of the Project Based Learning method at the Silesian University of Technology. For many years, he has been developing this concept through training, workshops and mentoring activities aimed at academic staff and students. His activities contribute to increasing student engagement and developing practical skills such as teamwork, creativity and problem-solving. At the same time, he is involved in nationwide initiatives related to the development of innovation and the student scientific movement.

Dr Eng. Anna Wolny - Faculty of Chemistry

She implements a comprehensive and innovative teaching approach based on PBL and GBL methods, integrating the learning process with the challenges of sustainable development. She implements educational projects at various levels of education – from primary school, through secondary school, to higher education. Her activities are interdisciplinary and international in nature, combining teaching, research and cooperation with external partners. The results include publications, awards and the development of participants' competences. Her achievements have been recognized, among others, with the EURECA-PRO Teaching Excellence Awards 2026.

Dr Eng. Piotr Czekalski from the Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science.

Coordinator of the international IOT-OPEN.EU project, within which a remote Internet of Things laboratory was created. The solution enables programming of IoT devices via a web browser, without the need for physical presence in the laboratory. The system integrates devices from several European countries, giving the project an international character. The initiative also includes teaching materials, online courses and textbooks to support the learning process. It is an example of an innovative approach to technical education, increasing the accessibility of education.

Category: Application of AI in teaching

Dr Eng. Anna Piwowar - Faculty of Electrical Engineering

She implements artificial intelligence tools into the teaching process, using them both in her own work and to activate students. She integrates AI into classes, shaping the conscious and responsible use of new technologies. She also introduces elements of design work using AI, developing students' independence, creativity and engineering competences. She uses AI to prepare teaching materials, analyse problems and support the learning process. Her activities contribute to building a modern, technology-based educational environment.

Dr Eng. Paweł Lasek - Faculty of Electrical Engineering

He develops and popularizes the use of artificial intelligence in academic teaching. He led a Summer School for doctoral students, supporting the development of practical competences related to the use of AI in scientific and teaching work. As coordinator of the Centre for Modern Education, he conducts training for university employees, combining theoretical knowledge with practice. He pays particular attention to ethical aspects and the safety of using new technologies. His activities inspire the academic community to implement innovative solutions and improve digital competences. He conducts training within the project "Silesian University of Technology - a university promoting modern trends in education and profiling the development of teaching staff and doctoral students" in the area of the use of AI tools in academic work.

Dr Eng. Adrian Kapczyński - Faculty of Applied Mathematics

He uses artificial intelligence to design modern learning experiences that increase student engagement and develop digital competences. He implements innovative teaching methods such as interactive materials, podcasts, and gamification elements, including Capture the Flag tasks. AI supports the analysis of the quality of classes and the creation of teaching materials. This approach promotes the development of creativity, independence and problem-solving skills. His activities are an example of modern technology-based teaching.

Category: Classes in cooperation with industry

Dr Eng. Andrzej Hełka - Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering

He develops cooperation with railway industry companies, integrating it with the teaching process. He organizes study visits, training courses and internships enabling students to learn about real working conditions in the rail transport sector. In his classes, he uses real systems and technologies used in industry, enhancing their practical dimension. He incorporates the experience of industrial partners into the educational process. His activities support the preparation of students to enter the job market.

Dr Eng. Krzysztof Habelok - Faculty of Electrical Engineering

He develops cooperation between universities and industry, initiating activities combining teaching with business practice. He organizes seminars, study visits, and projects implemented with the participation of companies, introducing students to real technological processes. Collaboration with companies enables the acquisition of practical competences and professional experience. His activities support the preparation of graduates for the labour market. They also contribute to building the university's relations with its socio-economic environment.

Dr Eng. Tomasz Grychowski from the Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science.

He conducts classes of a clearly practical nature, using modern equipment from companies in the automation industry. He combines theory with the analysis of real problems occurring in industrial and building installations. He organizes study visits, training courses, and industry lectures, providing contact with engineering practice. He also develops laboratory stations in cooperation with industry. His activities improve the quality of education and prepare students for professional work.

Category: Classes in international cooperation

Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Płaczek, Prof. SUT, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Coordinates international teaching projects carried out in cooperation with the Frank Hirschvogel Foundation. Students participate in design competitions, developing innovative solutions and engineering competencies. The projects are practical in nature and support the development of teamwork and project work. Participants receive financial and substantive support for the best initiatives. His activities strengthen the international dimension of education.

Dr Hab. Eng. Mirosław Bonek Prof. SUT, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

He conducts international teaching activities, organizing summer and winter schools and educational projects with the participation of students from various countries. His initiatives foster the exchange of experiences and the development of intercultural competences. He supports the building of an international academic environment. He is the initiator of scientific publications and student conferences. His activities contribute to the internationalization of the university.

Dr Eng. Rafał Setlak - Faculty of Electrical Engineering

He co-implemented a teaching project under the Interreg programme, enabling the acquisition of professional qualifications in Poland and the Czech Republic. The initiative connects different legal and educational systems, creating a coherent learning environment. Students develop practical skills and prepare for work in an international environment. The project is pioneering on a European scale. It is an example of a modern approach to cross-border education.

Category: PhD student conducting teaching classes

MSc. Jakub Krzus - Faculty of Electrical Engineering

He teaches mechatronics and human-machine interfaces, combining theoretical foundations with a practical approach. He uses modern tools and engaging teaching methods. Prepares original teaching materials and implements team projects. Supports the development of analytical, creative and independent skills of students. His activities support the development of a modern educational environment.

MSc. Julia Chmiel - Faculty of Chemistry

She is distinguished by her exceptional commitment in preparing and conducting teaching classes. She develops teaching materials, ensuring their high level of content, safety and aesthetics. Classes are prepared in a thoughtful and orderly manner. Her activities are characterized by responsibility, professionalism and attention to quality. Her work demonstrates great responsibility, professionalism and passion for teaching. She is an example of a young educator with high development potential.

Alain Patience Ihimbazwe Ndanguza, M.A. - Faculty of Organization and Management

He is distinguished by his high commitment to preparing and conducting teaching classes in the field of corporate social responsibility. In order to improve the quality of education, he developed his own educational platform, the Sustainable Management and Innovation Research Centre (SMIRC), in the development of which he invested his own funds. He creates modern teaching materials, including video content, case studies, and tools. He implements innovative teaching methods that truly support student development.

The voting form will be available from April 14–28, 2026.

The "Golden Cap 2026" competition is an opportunity to appreciate people who passionately develop teaching and inspire future generations of students. Cast your vote, choose the winner and help promote good practices at our university!