77th Academic Year Inauguration 2026/2027 at the Faculty
On October 1, 2026, the solemn 77th inauguration of the 2026/2027 academic year took place. The event was attended by representatives of the University and Faculty authorities, invited guests, academic staff, employees, and students, including first-year students beginning their academic journey.
The authorities of the Silesian University of Technology were represented by Prof. Bożena Skołud, DSc, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for General Affairs. Representatives of the authorities of other faculties of the Silesian University of Technology also participated in the ceremony.
The ceremony was opened by the Dean, Assoc. Prof. Krzysztof Filipowicz, PhD, Eng. In his address, he emphasized the special nature of starting university studies and highlighted the role of the Faculty, which combines a long-standing mining tradition with modernity and the education of specialists in areas key to the development of contemporary industry, technology, and safety.
One of the key points of the inauguration was a presentation of the Faculty delivered by the Vice-Dean for Student Affairs and Education, Assoc. Prof. Małgorzata Wyganowska, PhD, Eng. First-year students had the opportunity to learn about the history, structure, and educational offerings, as well as opportunities related to studying and professional development. The Vice-Dean encouraged new students to actively make use of the knowledge and experience of the academic staff, to ask questions, experiment, and consciously build their future careers.
The central point of the ceremony was the matriculation of first-year students, led by Assoc. Prof. Małgorzata Wyganowska, PhD, Eng. After taking the solemn oath, the new students were officially admitted to the academic community of the Silesian University of Technology. Following the oath, the Dean of the Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Krzysztof Filipowicz, PhD, Eng., presented matriculation certificates to the top three candidates from each of the five first-cycle (Bachelor’s) degree programs.
A traditional element of the inauguration was the inaugural lecture delivered by Prof. Piotr Cheluszka, DSc, PhD, Eng., titled “Simulators of Working Machines and Beyond – Digital Twins in the World of Extended Reality: Virtual Machines, Real Possibilities.” The topic of the address touched upon contemporary trends in industrial development, digitalization, and the application of modern engineering technologies.
Following the official part of the inauguration, first-year students met with their academic tutors, attended library training, and participated in a meeting with representatives of the Student Government.
Concluding the ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty wished the students perseverance, determination, and passion in pursuing their goals, and wished the academic staff and employees continued success and satisfaction in their scientific, educational, and organizational work. The 2026/2027 academic year at the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation has been officially opened.
