EuroScience Open Forum 2024 with the Participation of UE Katowice

Before the inaugural debate, the program coordinators of ESOF24, Prof. Michał Daszykowski from the University of Silesia and Prof. Marek Pawełczyk from the Silesian University of Technology, spoke about the idea and objectives of the conference.

The opening panel discussion, titled "How Can Science Transform Cities and Regions?" featured:

• Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice,
• Piotr Uszok, Mayor of Katowice from 1998-2014,
• Bogumiła Kaniewska, Chair of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities and Rector of AMU Poznań,
• Nathan Senthil, Head of EduAliance,
• Piotr Sankowski, Director of Ideas NCBR.

The discussion was moderated by Łukasz Lamża, Creative Director of EMNK2024.

The second panel of the day was the Rectors' Panel, featuring Rectors from the Academic Consortium - Katowice City of Science:

• Prof. Ryszard Koziołek, Rector of the University of Silesia in Katowice,
• Prof. Celina M. Olszak, Ph.D., D.Sc., Rector of the University of Economics in Katowice,
• Prof. Arkadiusz Mężyk, D.Sc., Rector of the Silesian University of Technology,
• Prof. Grzegorz Hańderek, Rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice,
• Prof. Grzegorz Juras, Rector of the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice,
• Prof. Tomasz Szczepański, M.D., Rector of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice,
• Prof. Władysław Szymański, Rector of the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice.

Reflecting on the event, Rector Prof. Celina M. Olszak, Ph.D., D.Sc. stated: In recent times, we have experienced many emotions as we transformed science and higher education in every conceivable way. We have compared it to a new industry and sector, an engine and wings, tools for transformation and equalization of opportunities, and a means to improve inclusiveness. This goal has been partially achieved due to our diversity as universities. This diversity has helped us and continues to help us. We are diverse as universities, but we are also diverse here in Silesia within the Metropolis. I believe that all the tasks we outlined over the 50 weeks in 2024 will be accomplished.

Rector Prof. Celina Olszak also spoke about the rapidly developing labor market and the equalization of opportunities, stating:

Around the world, in Europe, and in Poland, many programs have been launched, demonstrating our commitment to equalizing opportunities and greater inclusion of women in social and economic life. Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in a short conference, 'Europe is a Woman,' and I absolutely agree with this statement. Europe has developed in part thanks to women. Perhaps they have been somewhat on the sidelines, but their wisdom and intellect have made Europe and Poland among the best places on Earth to live. Of course, much remains to be done to encourage women to believe in their wisdom, energy, and strength. Together with the opposite sex, we can achieve very important challenges and goals.

The official part of the event concluded with an artistic performance by Artur Rojek.

Expert Debates Featuring UE Katowice

On June 12, following the opening ceremony, Anna Adamus-Matuszyńska, Prof. UE, presented her lecture titled "Local Particularism in the Visual Identification of Cities and Communes in the Silesian Voivodeship."

Dominika Kansy spoke on "Adapting Education to the Digital Revolution: Meeting the Demands of the IT Sector in Poland."

The following day, three presentations by UE Katowice researchers took place

• Bartłomiej Lisicki, Ph.D., on "Distance or Traditional Learning? The Impact of the Teaching Mode at the Academic Level - Case of Accounting Subjects",
• Hanna Kelm, Ph.D., with her presentation "Empowerment of the Frail. Social Transformation of Care",
• Monika Foltyn-Zarychta, Prof. UE, with her talk "Social Discount Rate for the Appraisal of Intergenerational Investments – Estimates for CEE EU Member Countries"

At the University's booth and in the Career Advice Zone, attendees could

• Learn about current job, internship, and training opportunities offered by the Career Center and Alumni Cooperation,
• Speak with the EU Careers Ambassador about career development opportunities in EU institutions.

The last day of the ESOF 2024 conference was equally eventful. The following presentations were delivered:

• Prof. Monika Wieczorek-Kosmala, led the Climate Fresk workshop,
• Agnieszka Majorek-Gdula, Ph.D., presented "Urban Voids",
• Prof. Adam Drobniak, and Adam Polko, Ph.D., discussed "The Impact of Green Transition on the Labour Market".

The event concluded with a formal closing ceremony.

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