On 21 October 2026, the Museum of Metallurgy in Chorzów hosted the 2nd Young International Academic Conference "Energy Justice & Energy Transition – Global, Europe, State". The event was opened by Dr Marcin Kraśniewski of the University of Economics in Katowice, who played a leading role in its organisation. Organised by the Department of Energy Transition at the University of Economics in Katowice, in cooperation with the Energy Transformation Scientific Group, the conference brought together young researchers and distinguished international academics to discuss the challenges of the global energy transition.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Prof. Maciej Nowak, Vice-Rector of the University of Economics in Katowice, and Associate Professor Marzena Czarnecka, Head of the Department of Energy Transition. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Tomasz K. Wojdacz of the Medical University of Białystok.
One of the highlights of the conference was the expert panel "Building an International Academic Career: Paths, Choices and Opportunities", chaired by Prof. Katarzyna Gromek-Broc of the University of Pavia. The discussion brought together internationally recognised scholars: Prof. Raphael J. Heffron (Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates), Prof. Tina Soliman Hunter (Macquarie University, Australia), Prof. Javier Bustos (University of Chile, Chile) and Prof. Bruna Žuber (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia). The panel provided young researchers with an opportunity to explore different paths towards building an international academic career and engage directly with experienced scholars.
The afternoon programme continued with 20 research presentations across four thematic panels, held in parallel sessions in James Watt Hall and on the Mezzanine Level. Discussions addressed international energy trade and the just transition; sustainable investment, ESG and energy justice; global energy value chains, critical minerals and energy security; and the governance of cross-border clean energy infrastructure. The presentations covered a wide range of contemporary challenges, from regulatory frameworks and energy security to sustainable finance, hydrogen development and regulatory sandboxes.
The conference's international character was reflected in the participation of researchers representing institutions and academic communities across 16 countries, including speakers who joined remotely. The sessions encouraged academic exchange and offered young scholars an opportunity to present their research, receive feedback and establish international connections.
Special recognition was given to the organising team, led by Dr Marcin Kraśniewski, together with Bartosz Bieniek, Mateusz Cieślik, Mateusz Homa, Michał Presz and Maciej Prusakowski, whose efforts contributed to the successful delivery of the event.
The conference was held under the honorary patronage of the Polish Ministers of Science and Higher Education, State Assets, Energy, and Climate and Environment, as well as the Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship, the Mayor of Katowice, the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis and the President of the Energy Regulatory Office. Its partners included Enea (Platinum Partner), ORLEN (Gold Partner), PGE (Silver Partner), GAZ-SYSTEM, Veolia and PSE (Bronze Partners), alongside the Museum of Metallurgy in Chorzów.
The second edition of Young IAC demonstrated the importance of international academic cooperation and interdisciplinary dialogue in addressing the challenges of energy justice and the energy transition, while creating valuable opportunities for the next generation of researchers.
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