Academic Box, i.e. a workshop hall for scientific circles operating at Wrocław's universities, has been opened in the Wrocław Technology Park. There will be, too, room WUST Students’ projects. The project is the first initiative of this kind in Poland.

The idea to create a space for students was conceived two years ago when the current President of Wrocław Jacek Sutryk was visiting the stands of scientific circles during the Student Activity Days organised at Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

At the modernised facility in Fabryczna St, a space called "Academic Box" was sectioned off, where students were given eight cubicles, i.e. closed rooms resembling garages, each of 20 sq m, and communal space for relaxation. The spaces can be used free-of-charge.

- I hadn't expected that this part of the facility would be adapted so well. We wanted it to be a place conducive to creating new concepts, prototypes, as well as technical and scientific projects. If our idea works, it may well be enlarged by adding more spaces - says Jacek Sutryk.

The facility will be used by scientific circles which receive a recommendation of the Council for Academic Activity established by the Board of the Wrocław Technology Park. Winners of the first competition, which has already been adjudicated, are organisations from Wrocław University of Science and Technology - PWR Racing Team, KN PIRM, KN MOS, KN Robocik, Academic Aviation Club of WUST, PWr Solar Boat, KN PWr in Space, Scorpio Project, and Space is More group.

Professor Cezary Madryas, Rector of WUST, stressed that there are currently over 170 student organisations at the university. - We see what great ideas they have and we appreciate their achievements in the international arena. The help given to these young people is an excellent investment which will bring very positive results in the future. Wrocław’s climate for the development of the academic milieu is exceptional and the fact that this place came into being proves it - he points out.

During the meeting, President Jacek Sutryk also announced the launch of a financial support program for scientific circles and other active groups and student circles on March 1. Under the programme, students will be able to apply for funding for their projects.

The municipality will funnel about 2 million PLN into the programme. It will be decided under a competition procedure in which applications will be evaluated by a specially appointed committee.