As emphasized by prof. dr hab. inż. Krzysztof Zaremba, Rector of the Warsaw University of Technology, it was a special inauguration ceremony. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to significantly reduce the number of participants. It was also the first inauguration event held during the first term in office of the new WUT authorities, with both the Rector and Vice-Rectors holding their offices for the first time.

Inauguration event gallery

This year’s inaugural ceremony was attended by the President of Poland, Mr. Andrzej Duda, along with the Minister of Science and Higher Education Wojciech Murdzek, Archbishop of Warsaw Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, representatives of the local government, clergy, rectors of other universities, former rectors and vice-rectors of the Warsaw University of Technology, as well as staff members and students. The audience gathered in the Grand Hall of the WUT Main Building also included those who were only beginning their academic education at the university. 

Warsaw University of Technology – a friendly place

“The official inauguration of the academic year is always a solemn event for the university”, emphasized Professor Krzysztof Zaremba, Rector of the Warsaw University of Technology.

In his speech, he recalled the recent successes of the WUT, including its recognition as one of the winners of the “Excellence Initiative – Research University” competition, membership in the ENHANCE consortium which had become a beneficiary of the “European Universities” competition, and its third place in the Ranking of Polish Higher Education Facilities by Perspektywy, a Polish magazine.

“We wish to transform the University into a friendly place that offers the best conditions for free creative work,” the Rector noted. 

Professor Zaremba also addressed new students, saying: “If you are able to tap into the possibilities we have on offer, you will leave this university with a wealth of knowledge and skills. Your future is now in your own hands. We will not force you to do anything, but we will open up great opportunities before you. May you use them well,” the Rector concluded. 

Decorations, congratulations and best wishes

During the inaugural ceremony, President Andrzej Duda presented state decorations to some of our faculty members. In recognition of their outstanding research and teaching work, as well as their efforts to popularize Polish science in the world, the President awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta to prof. dr hab. inż. Jan Szmidt, Rector of the Warsaw University of Technology between 2012 and 2020, as well as Knight’s Crosses of the Order of Polonia Restituta to prof. dr hab. inż. Krzysztof Zaremba, Rector of the Warsaw University of Technology, prof. dr hab. Rajmund Bacewicz, Vice-Rector for Research between 2012 and 2020, prof. dr hab. inż. Piotr Furmański of the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering, prof. dr hab. inż. Wojciech Gwarek of the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology, prof. dr hab. inż. Tadeusz Kulik of the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, prof. dr hab. Alina Maciejewska of the Faculty of Geodesy and Cartography, prof. dr hab. inż. Eugeniusz Molga of the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering, and to prof. dr hab. inż. Ryszard Romaniuk of the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology.

The President also awarded the Gold Cross of Merit to doc. dr. inż. Sławomir Kula of the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology in recognition of his contribution to science. Silver Crosses of Merit were awarded to prof. dr hab. inż. Adam Woźniak, Vice-Rector for Development, and dr hab. inż. Witold Pleskacz, WUT Professor of the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology.

In his speech, President Andrzej Duda congratulated WUT Rector Krzysztof Zaremba on having been elected to hold this responsible position, at the same time wishing him every success in the implementation of his plans.

The President also reminded the audience of some events from the praiseworthy history of the Warsaw University of Technology and its contribution to the struggle for Polish independence.

“Expressing my admiration for your spectacular accomplishments, I encourage researchers, lecturers, students and graduates of your university to set ambitious goals for themselves, but also to consider the broadly understood environment in which they carry out their research and professional work,” President Andrzej Duda said. “It is worth remembering that your individual success and the success story of the Warsaw University of Technology as a whole are already shaping a better future for our country and Poland’s renown in the world.” 

President Andrzej Duda’s address during WUT academic year inauguration (in Polish)

A straight path to success

Minister of Science and Higher Education Wojciech Murdzek read out a letter from Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, directed to the participants of the event. “As you inaugurate the 2020/2021 Academic Year at the Warsaw University of Technology, please accept my best wishes of professional success, satisfaction with overcoming scientific challenges, and enjoyment in developing solutions and technologies which will support the innovativeness of our economy and serve all of us. To academic teachers, I would like to pass on my best wishes of unwavering passion for your work with young people, and to students, I wish fascination and resolve in delving ever deeper into your fields of interest,” wrote the Prime Minister.

“I remain hopeful and strongly believe that this will be a special year, when your work and commitment will lead you along a straight path to some great accomplishments which we all need in Poland. They will hopefully make Polish science and the economy something we will all be delighted with,” emphasized Minister Wojciech Murdzek.

Development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students

In the subsequent part of the ceremony led by dr. hab. inż. Robert Zalewski, WUT Professor and Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, representatives of newly admitted students took an oath and received diplomas.

Bartosz Orłowski, President of the WUT Student Self-Government, delivered a speech which touched upon the opportunities provided by the WUT. He talked about the work of student clubs, organizations, artistic groups and the media. He said that time at university was a time to study but also to have fun.

Adrian Kopytowski, President of the WUT Council of PhD Students, recalled his first academic year inauguration and the emotions it evoked. When encouraging everyone to work together, he emphasized that WUT education was a guarantee of interdisciplinary development.

First lecture of the new academic year

After the official inauguration of the new academic year by the WUT Rector, the first lecture, entitled: “On why truly great things are done out of curiosity, and truly important ones out of the need to help others,” was delivered by Professor Zbigniew Nawrat of the Silesian Medical University and the Zbigniew Religa Memorial Foundation for the Development of Cardiac Surgery – a theoretical physicist by education who has spent all of his professional life working in the field of medicine. Professor Nawrat is the originator and constructor of the first European cardiac surgery robot.

This year, due to the pandemic, we were forced to significantly reduce the number of participants of the inauguration ceremony. The entire academic community could follow the event remotely online on our website and in social media.

Thank you for being with us on this important day for our University. We wish you every success in the new academic year!