Over 28 thousand students have today started a new academic year at Wrocław University of Science and Technology. – It is going to be a time of big change, filled with challenges and hard work resulting from the passing of the new higher education law - said Professor Cezary Madryas, Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology

In his speech, the Rector emphasised that it would be necessary to spend over a few months adjusting the university’s organisation and its key documents, such as the statute, regulations of employment, remuneration, or degree programmes, to the law coming into force.

Additionally, the Rector presented the most important investments to be carried out by WUST in the nearest future. These include the development of a new research centre named “GEO-3EM Energy, Ecology, Education” and extension of the sports centre in Chełmońskiego street. Another initiative in progress is the preparation of the design of a building to be erected in Wrońskiego Street, intended to be used by the Faculty of Mathematics and the most active students.

Professor Madryas also gave an overview of the key achievements of scientific circles active at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, including KoNaR, Off-Road, PIRM, and PWR Racing Team. Moreover, the Rector listed the names of BSc, MSc, and doctoral students who received grants, scholarships, and awards for their research in the previous year.

– University days are a fascinating period in one’s life as well as a time for conscious development of one’s interests and passions. What I want to say to you today is feel at home, as you are at home here. Cherish your self-development and your good friendly relationships, and cherish your university - and make it cherish you, also through your representatives in the newly elected self-governing students’ union - concluded the Rector.

The Rector’s speech was followed by the ceremonial matriculation of students. In the new academic year, almost 7.3 thousand students (including full- and part-time courses) and 205 doctoral students start pursuing their education at Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

– I’m very happy and I congratulate you on your choosing Wrocław University of Science and Technology, one of Poland’s best technical universities. We will equip you with knowledge and skills that won’t age - ones that will let you get your dream jobs - said Andrzej Dziedzic, Vice-Rector for Education at WUST. – I won’t promise you that your studies will be easy, but you can count on help from your older peers’ and our university’s employees at all times.

The Order for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Wrocław University of Science and Technology was awarded to Professor. Jan Biliszczuk from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, who delivered an inauguration lecture entitled “Bridge Construction in the Thousand Years of Polish History”.

Professor Jan Biliszczuk is an eminent designer and author of innovative solutions in the area of bridge construction. He has been an employee of our university since 1972 and now works at the Department of Bridges and Railways. In his career, Professor Biliszczuk has designed over 50 important bridges and overpasses. He is the main designer of the longest suspended reinforced concrete bridge in Poland - Wrocław’s Rędziński Bridge, constructed in 2011.

The inauguration of the academic year at Wrocław University of Science and Technology was attended by members of parliament, representatives of the self-government authorities of the Lower Silesian Voivodship, city authorities, the education office, as well as other universities and scientific centres.

During the ceremonial event, nineteen people were awarded Medals of the Commission of National Education for outstanding services to schooling and education and the Rector’s special awards “Docendo Discimus” for outstanding achievements in the field of education.