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New academic year begins!

Image of the Rector's procession in the AGH University main hall

Photograph: Zbigniew Sulima

New academic year begins!
ceremonies

“You have selected a university that cares not only for the highest level of education, but also for providing you with opportunities to foster your passions, participate in novel projects, and cooperate with industry. It is here that you may become part of teams that will change the world and create the future,” said Professor Jerzy Lis, the AGH University Rector, to students during the official commencement of the new academic year on 4 October. This was the first inauguration in the 2024-2028 term of office.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Science Dariusz Wieczorek, representatives of state and local authorities, the diplomatic corps, research institutions, industry, a dozen of Polish and foreign universities, and members of the AGH University academic community.

After welcoming everyone gathered in the AGH University Assembly Hall, the AGH University Rector, Professor Jerzy Lis, delivered his inaugural speech summarising the past term:

“In previous year, particularly in the past term of office, we have initiated a series of innovative projects, from the development of new fields of study, the enhancement of our cooperation with industry, to investments in cutting-edge research infrastructure.”

He also outlined the objectives for the following four years:

“In this term of office, we will stay on our path and continue with the mission and strategy we have already developed and implemented with the entire community of the AGH University. (...) Our actions will be focused on improving the role of our university as the leader of education and research ever further, but also on creating space for cooperation, the exchange of experiences, and building international partnerships.”

Professor Lis also emphasised that our university is supposed to be a place where innovative ideas emerge, new technologies are being developed, and future generations of leaders are shaped.

“We would like the AGH University to be an open university, responding to the needs of the modern world, ready to face the challenges of the future.”

The speech was not short of references to the AGH University community, thanks for the commitment and support and wishes to the young people just beginning their academic journey:

“I wish for your time spent here at the AGH University to be abundant in inspirations, interesting experiences, and satisfaction from the challenges you are going to take on. Welcome at the AGH University, a university which is about to open your eyes to space opportunities!  I wish you perseverance, determination, and passion in the pursuit of your goals. Let this new academic year become the beginning of an unforgettable journey.”

After the Rector’s speech, Deputy Chief of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland Piotr Ćwik read a letter by President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda.

The floor was also taken by Minister of Science Dariusz Wieczorek. In his speech, he mentioned important issues such as dialogue with the academic community, financial investments in research and science, international cooperation, closer cooperation between science and business and industry, as well as social and living issues of students and doctoral students.

Furthermore, Voivode of the Malopolska Region Krzysztof Klęczar and Chairperson of the University Council Dr Krzysztof Pawiński also delivered speeches and the latter address the students:

“The education obtained at the AGH University will allow you to conquer the world!”

Then, the matriculation took place, i.e. the official welcome of new people into the group of students. A dozen od people, representatives of all students who begin their studies at the AGH University, have taken an oath. Presided over by the Vice-Rector for Education, Professor Krzysztof Mendrok, the matriculation ceremony concluded with singing Gaudeamus igitur. Then, the Vice-President of the AGH University Student Government, Maciej Michałek, addressed the students:

“To all newcomers, today you are beginning your journey which will be full of challenges but also success. The AGH University is not only about classrooms and laboratories. It is also dozens of student organisations, research clubs, and projects that are waiting for you to join. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities, develop your passions, and not to be scared to undertake new initiatives. (...) Let each day at the AGH University bring new inspirations and make dreams come true."

In turn, doctoral students were approached by the President of the AGH University Doctoral Student Government, Mateusz Gala, who wished them success in the development of their scientific careers after the graduation from doctoral programmes.

Photograph: Zbigniew Sulima

Image of students in an assembly hall during matriculation ceremony

The inauguration ceremony made for a perfect occasion to present awards and diplomas. The AGH University Rector received a diploma of “Diamond Engineer,” awarded to the most innovative engineers in Poland. The AGH University Vice-Rector for Science, Professor Marek Gorgoń, honoured authors with the most prestigious publication achievements in 2023. The Professor Engel Award for lifetime achievement was presented to Professor Ryszard Tadeusiewicz from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering. Whereas, Dr Adriana Gilarska from the Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science received the Professor Engel Award for her doctoral thesis entitled “Bioactive nanocomposites for tissue engineering applications.” The Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Professor Rafał Dańko, awarded the winners of the 15th competition for the best diploma theses “Diamenty AGH” [ENG: AGH University Diamonds] and the supervisors of the winning graduates.

All gathered in the AGH University Assembly Hall observed a moment of silence in honour of colleagues and employees who had passed away in the previous academic year.

The “space” inaugural lecture was given by the President of the Polish Space Agency, Professor Grzegorz Wrochna.

The ceremony finished with the national anthem.

***

On the occasion of the inauguration of the 2024/2025 academic, the Rector received letters from:

  • Minister of Climate and Environment Paulina Hennig-Kloska,
  • President of the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland Edyta Demby-Siwek,
  • Surveyor General of Poland Alicja Kulka,
  • President of the National Atomic Energy Agency Andrzej Głowacki,
  • Chairman of the Council for Scientific Excellence Professor Bronisław Sitek,
  • Member of the Sejm Paweł Śliz,
  • President of the Krakow branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences Professor Karol Życzkowski,
  • Commander-in-Chief of the City Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Kraków Paweł Knapik,
  • Mayor of the City of Katowice Marcin Krupa,
  • President of CRASP, Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań Professor Bogumiła Kaniewska,
  • Rector of the Bialystok University of Technology Associate Professor Marta Kosior-Kazberuk,
  • Rector of the Gdańsk University of Technology Professor Krzysztof Wilde, a corresponding member of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
  • Rector of the Koszalin University of Technology Associate Professor Danuta Zawadzka,
  • Rector of the Lublin University of Technology Professor Zbigniew Pater,
  • Rector of the Opole University of Technology Dr Marcin Lorenc,
  • Rector of Poznan University of Technology Professor Teofil Jesionowski,
  • Rector of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice Professor Marek Pawełczyk, a corresponding member of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
  • Rector of Gdynia Maritime University Professor Adam Weintrit, Master Mariner,
  • Rector of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Associate Professor Jerzy Przyborowski,
  • Rector of the State University of Applied Sciences in Krosno Associate Professor Zbigniew Barabasz,
  • Rector of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin Professor Radosław Dobrowolski,
  • Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences Professor Michał Zasada,
  • Rector of the University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Targ Dr Bianka Godlewska-Dzioboń,
  • Director of the Statistical Office in Kraków Agnieszka Szlubowska,
  • Chairman of the Vietnam-Poland Friendship Association Ho Chi Hung,
  • President of the Scientific Society of Organization and Management (TNOiK) Professor Leszek Kiełtyka.

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