Young scientists from the Silesian University of Technology awarded for their doctoral theses

Two young female researchers from the Silesian University of Technology have won the competition organized by ORLEN for the best master's and doctoral theses devoted to biogas and biomethane technologies – 2026 edition.

The award ceremony took place on June 16th, 2026, during the ORLEN Biomethane Meeting in Warsaw, which brought together representatives of science, industry and the energy sector involved in the development of modern technologies related to biogas and biomethane.

In the category of the best doctoral thesis, the first prize was awarded to Dr Eng. Anna Blacha from the Faculty of Chemistry for her dissertation entitled "Carbon nanotubes and graphene at the interface and in a three-dimensional network: physicochemical modifications for functional systems." In her work, she presented research on advanced carbon nanomaterials and the possibilities of their use in modern functional systems, important, among others, for the development of sustainable energy technologies.

The distinction was awarded to Dr Eng. Daria Katla from the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering for her dissertation entitled "Investigation of the potential of electrolysis and gasification processes of solid fuels for the production of synthetic natural gas in a polygeneration system." Her research focused on innovative methods of producing gaseous fuels and increasing the efficiency of energy systems.

We would like to congratulate the winners of this prestigious award and wish them continued scientific success and further research achievements contributing to the development of modern and sustainable energy!