Over 26 thousand students have started a new academic year at the Wrocław University of Science and Technology. Due to the reform of higher education, the university now has a new structure, statute, and - for the first time in its history - a Council.

Professor Cezary Madryas, the Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology, stressed in his inaugural speech that the last year was dedicated to the university’s adaptation to the requirements of the Act on Higher Education. This entailed, among other things, the adoption of the statute, work and remuneration regulations.

- The statute covers the new structure of the university, introduces new bodies such as the University Council, and defines the role of the faculty, doctoral school, discipline council, and department - as our basic unit. From now on, we have thirteen faculties responsible for the education of students, and we conduct research in twelve fields of science whose dedicated councils will set the direction of their research activity - said Professor Cezary Madryas.

- I would like to take this opportunity to thank our entire university community for their understanding, patience, and not causing tension during this difficult work. Despite the many changes, despite the different opinions, we are successful in maintaining the discourse according to academic standards, which cannot be said of all universities. I would like to thank everyone for this calm and substantive discussion, as well as for their responsibility and rational approach - emphasised the Rector.

Professor Cezary Madryas presented the most important investments to be carried out by WUST in the nearest future. Among these is the InnoCamp-Geo 2 research centre, which is going to be developed in Na Grobli street, in an area previously owned by MPWiK (the municipal water management company). Right next to it, there will be a new seat of the International Centre of Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

The Rector also presented key achievements of scientific circles operating at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, including KoNaR, Off-Road, PIRM, Robocik, and PWR Racing Team, as well as reading out the list of the MSc and PhD students who last year carried out social projects and received scholarships, grants, and awards for their research.

The coming dozen or so months will see the reconstruction of the former hospital building at Hoene-Wrońskiego street, where the Faculty of Mathematics will have its seat. The development will also house rooms and offices to be used by student organisations and scientific circles. Moreover, in July next year, the construction of a new sports hall in Chełmońskiego street is expected to be completed.

The Rector’s speech was followed by the ceremonial matriculation of students. In the new academic year, almost 7.4 thousand students (including participants in full-time and part-time courses) and 150 doctoral students are going to start pursuing their education at Wrocław University of Science and Technology.

The inauguration of the academic year at Wrocław University of Science and Technology was attended by members of the parliament, representatives of the self-government, authorities of the Lower Silesian Voivodship, representatives of city authorities, the regional education authority, as well as employees of other universities and scientific units. The ceremony was also an opportunity to hand in awards and medals.

The Order for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Wrocław University of Science and Technology was awarded to Professor Tadeusz Luty, the Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology in the years 2002-2008, who also received the Wrocław Scientific Award on Monday during the environmental inauguration of the academic year. The idea behind the award is to honour scientists or artists who, through their interdisciplinary activities, render outstanding services to the integration of the academic community in Wrocław.

WUST’s Golden Badge with a Diamond was awarded to Tadeusz Nawracaj, President of the Wrocław Federation of Scientific and Technical Associations. The award is granted both to people who, through their activities, have contributed significantly to the development of Wrocław University of Science and Technology as well as rendering services important to its excellent reputation and glory.

Eighteen people were awarded Medals of the Commission of National Education for their special contribution to education and youth mentoring and eleven people received the Rector's special awards Docendo Discimus for special achievements in the field of teaching.

The inaugural lecture entitled "Culture as the Foundation for the Development of the Country" was delivered by Professor Andrzej Eliasz from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw.