Young leaders of Polish science distinguished
Four young scientists from the Silesian University of Technology have been awarded in the 15th edition of the LEADER program organized by the National Centre for Research and Development. The ceremonial gala of handing symbolic checks took place on June 17th, 2025, in Warsaw.
We know the winners of the jubilee edition of the LEADER program, organized by the National Centre for Research and Development. Among the 54 winners of this year’s edition there were four young and promising scientists of the Silesian University of Technology: Dr Eng. Krystian Frania, Dr Eng. Michał Kręcichwost, Dr Hab. Eng. Katarzyna Krukiewicz and MSc Eng. Jakub Smoleń.
Dr Eng. Krystian Frania is a power electronics specialist specializing in high-frequency electricity conversion, conducting research on induction heating used in surface hardening processes. Thanks to the LEADER program, the scientist will implement the project called: “Innovative modular induction heating system with efficient temperature field distribution.” The value of the project is PLN 1 731 220.
In turn, Dr Eng. Michał Kręcichwost associated with the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering - the Department of Medical Informatics and Artificial Intelligence is a biomedical engineer supporting speech therapists, for whom it is extremely important that modern technical solutions best meet the needs of speech diagnosis and therapy. His project called: “A computer speech therapy system for recording and analysing multimodal articulation data using the 4D model of the speaker and deep learning” amounts to PLN 1 748 375
The third laureate from the Silesian University of Technology, who received funding for her own project, is Dr Hab. Eng. Katarzyna Krukiewicz - bioelectrochemist working on interaction between electroactive materials and living organisms. Her project on multifunctional bioactive coatings for surface modification of veterinary implants is worth PLN 1 793 900
The fourth winner was MSc. Eng. Jakub Smoleń, who creates innovative solutions for sustainable production of preimpregnates, responding to the needs of the market and industry in the field of effective recycling of composites. His project called: “Assessment of the possibilities and development of guidelines for obtaining a closed material circulation of the production process of polymer-fibre preimpregnates” is worth PLN 1 651 267.50
The laureates and Vice-Rector for General Affairs of the Silesian University of Technology Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Bożena Skołud took part in a gala, during which they received symbolic checks for the implementation of projects.
Let us add that the LEADER program is addressed to young scientists, and its main goal is to increase the competence in the field of independent planning, and management of the research team, through the implementation of research projects, the results of which can be practical and have implementation potential.
Thanks to the LEADER program, all this year’s laureates from all over Poland will receive a total funding of PLN 97.5 million for their research projects.
Congratulations to the winners!
Press materials of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education
