The BAUHAUS4EU Forum 2026 is organized as part of the international alliance BAUHAUS4EU - A European University for Resilient, Sustainable, Inclusive and Beautiful Regions, which is a member of the prestigious European Universities Initiative supported by the European Commission. The University of Economics in Katowice is the only Polish institution belonging to this alliance. As part of the overall initiative, four annual editions of the BAUHAUS4EU Forum have been planned. The first edition took place earlier this year in Castelo Branco, Portugal (more information). The University of Economics in Katowice has the honor of hosting the second edition, while the following events are scheduled to take place in Amiens, France, and Thessaloniki, Greece.

The Forum will bring together representatives from 10 partner universities across 9 European countries - including students, PhD candidates, academic and administrative staff, as well as invited guests from national and European institutions such as the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, NAWA, FRSE, the Katowice City of Science Consortium, and local, metropolitan, and regional authorities. In total, nearly 300 participants from all over Europe will gather in Katowice. The Forum program will include, among other activities, a ceremonial meeting of the Rectors’ Council, debates, workshops, networking events, and much more. One of the key groups involved will be the Students’ Council of the Alliance, which will participate in a dedicated program throughout the event.

During their stay in Katowice, students will take part in various interactive and integrative activities. The student voice plays an important role within the alliance - participation in the Forum gives them a real opportunity to influence the development and future shape of the European University BAUHAUS4EU. It is planned that the winners of the photography contest will take part in the full program designed for the Students’ Council during the Forum. 

Ilona Ptak - Journalist at Polish Public Television (TVP) since 2006 (regional program editor, reporter, drone pilot). A graduate of Journalism at the University of Economics in Katowice and the University of Silesia. Since 2021, an academic teacher at the University of Economics in Katowice, in the field of Journalism and Social Communication. The owner of the company "Lotne Media" which produces television reportages, advertising and podcasts. Award-winning in journalistic and film competitions, including the Association of Polish Journalists Award: 1st place of Adolf Bocheński category (2021), distinctions in the "Watergate" category for investigative journalism (2023, 2024); a distinction in the Silesia Press Award (2019), a distinction at the Documentary Film Festival "Nurt" (2021), 2nd prize and double distinction at the Mountain Film Festival "Adrenalinium" (2024, 2023).

Barbara Jendrzejczyk - She began her career in the media in 2006 and has been associated with the Katowice branch of Polish Television (Telewizja Polska) since 2013. She is the author of over 100 social and intervention reports broadcast on TVP1 (“Głębia ostrości”), TVP2 (“Magazyn Ekspresu Reporterów”, “Reporter Polski”), and TVP3 (“Telekurier”). Her work has been repeatedly recognized in nationwide journalism competitions. She is also the author of the program series “Nasze Beskidy.” Barbara is a reporter for the program “Ktokolwiek widział, ktokolwiek wie…” which supports missing persons and their families. She has also produced feature stories for the English-language service of Polish Television, Poland In. She holds degrees in Film and Television Production Management as well as Cultural Studies. She runs her own company, Piszę Składam Pstrykam, specializing in creative production and promotion. She writes articles and scripts, edits films, magazines, and brochures, takes photographs, and designs graphics. Since 2022, she has been a university lecturer at the University of Economics in Katowice, teaching in the field of Journalism and Social Communication. She has held several photography exhibitions and curated the exhibitions “People of the City of Science” and “The Heart of Silesia: People, Places, Generations.” Her passions include dance, photography, and travel.