Interuniversity Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/2026 [coverage]

The ceremonial rectoral procession set off from the Silesian Theatre, continued along Korfantego Avenue towards Spodek, through General Józef Ziętek Roundabout, Roździeński Avenue, and along Olimpijska Street to reach the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra (NOSPR). The procession included flag bearers, beadles, rectoral guards, and representatives of university authorities in traditional gowns, accompanied by the music performed by the Katowice Brass Band.

"Traditional gowns are not only a form of celebration, but also a reminder of the timeless role of universities in shaping society. The gowns, rectoral insignia, and ceremonial setting carry a rich symbolic message – a manifestation of the continuity of tradition and the responsibility entrusted to the academic community" – said the host of the ceremony, Jarosław Juszkiewicz.

As the procession entered the Concert Hall, where the ceremony took place, the “Ułański szyk” march was performed by the Cieszyn Brass Band of the University of Silesia, followed by the traditional song Gaudeamus igitur sung by university choirs. The Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice also took part in the event. 

The Interuniversity Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/2026 was officially opened by Jarosław Juszkiewicz:

"I have the honour to solemnly open the ceremony of the Interuniversity Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/2026. This event is organised for the fourth time jointly by the universities of the Academic Consortium – Katowice City of Science, the Silesian Voivodeship, the City of Katowice and the Metropolis GZM."

Then, on behalf of the Organisers, he officially welcomed all guests. 

This year’s Interuniversity Inauguration of the Academic Year was special, as it was accompanied by the awarding of the medals "Meritorious for Polish Science Sapientia et Veritas", which crowned the dialogue, inspiration, and meetings experienced during the European City of Science Katowice 2024.

The award was presented by the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, prof. dr hab. inż. Marek Gzik, to individuals whose scientific, teaching, and social activities have left a lasting mark on the Polish academic community. One of the awardees was HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak.

"To students and doctoral candidates in the new academic year, I wish strength and perseverance to guide you in acquiring knowledge and developing your personality. To all academics, I wish passion in passing on knowledge to the young generation" conveyed prof. dr hab. inż. Marek Gzik.

The official opening was performed by the Rector of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, prof. dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Szczepański, with the traditional saying:

"I hereby open the academic year 2025/2026. May it be good, prosperous, happy, and fruitful! Quod Bonum, Felix, Faustum, Fortunatumque sit." 

Greetings on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister, dr n. med. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of National Defence, were extended by the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Henryk Kiepura:

"I wish you all success in every field. Many scientific and teaching achievements, satisfaction with your actions, and a personal sense that your efforts have deep meaning." 

The Silesian Voivode, Marek Wójcik, then gave his speech:

"This interuniversity inauguration of the academic year is symbolic and very significant for the development of our academic centre. Cooperation between universities is essential for Katowice and the Silesian Voivodeship to be visible on the world’s scientific map. This cooperation is necessary to make full use of the modern research and teaching infrastructure of our Silesian universities. It is also necessary for scientists, doctoral candidates, and students to inspire one another, to develop science, and to reach for new experiences." 

An important part of the inauguration is the matriculation of newly admitted students and the ceremony of their academic oath, together with the solemn oath taken by doctoral candidates. This year, the oath was taken by representatives of the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, and this special act was conducted by HM the Rector prof. dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Małecki.

After the oath, the academic choirs performed the hymn "Gaude Mater Polonia".  

Next, students and doctoral candidates of all universities were welcomed on behalf of the university authorities by HM the Rector prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak:

"A moment ago, you took the oath, thus becoming full members of the academic community. This is an important and solemn moment – both in your lives and in the history of our universities, which share a common mission: the pursuit of truth, the development of knowledge, and the formation of future leaders.

The university is a space of freedom of thought, dialogue, and cooperation. It is a place where, in respect for human dignity, you may ask questions, challenge established patterns, seek your own paths, and face the challenges of the modern world. By joining this community today, you take responsibility not only for your own development but also for the reality that surrounds you.

I wish you, and all the guests of today’s beautiful ceremony, that this academic year becomes a time of discoveries, inspiring meetings, and courage in fulfilling your plans and dreams. May science be for you not only a duty but also a source of joy and satisfaction. And may our universities be places to which you will always return with a sense of pride." – emphasised prof. dr hab. inż. Celina M. Olszak.

Students and doctoral candidates were also welcomed by the Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship Wojciech Saługa and the Mayor of Katowice dr Marcin Krupa:

"This city is developing dynamically. It develops above all because it relies on diversity, on growth, on tolerance, and on cooperation. Thanks to this cooperation, last year we celebrated the title of European City of Science. A great event for the first time in this part of Europe, not only in Poland, but in this part of Europe we could obtain such a title. And it was possible thanks to broadly understood cooperation. (…) But the main element of every university are the students, the doctoral candidates. Without you there would be no development of universities, no way of seeking new adepts of science, enlightened people, people willing to lead the process of knowledge even more creatively, even more profoundly. Precisely in order to develop our city."

Best wishes were also conveyed on behalf of the Chairman of the Board Kazimierz Karolczak by the Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Metropolis GZM, Igor Śmietański.

Their peers were also welcomed by:

• Chair of the Student Government Council of the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice – Aleksandra Skrzypek
• Member of the Doctoral Student Government of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice – Mikołaj Górka
• HM the Rector prof. Olszak
• Wojciech Saługa
• Igor Śmietański
• Marcin Krupa
• Aleksandra Skrzypek
• Mikołaj Górka

The first inaugural lecture of this academic year, entitled "Metropolis of the Sun. Metropolis of Science", was delivered by the Prime Minister of Poland in 1997–2001 and President of the European Parliament in 2009–2012, prof. Jerzy Buzek.

"Today, science and our vision of the world have a more complex, yet at the same time a far more holistic meaning. Knowledge is becoming interdisciplinary in nature" – underlined prof. Buzek.

After delivering his lecture and sharing knowledge, reflection, and experience, a special moment followed – the congratulations on the occasion of prof. Buzek’s 85th birthday. Wishes and flowers on behalf of all guests were presented by the Mayor of Katowice dr Marcin Krupa.

Then the Rector of the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music prof. dr hab. Jarosław Mamczarski took the floor and invited the audience to listen to "Prayer for Peace" performed by academic choirs. Following these words, the Concert Hall of the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra was filled with the sounds of prayer performed by the university choirs under the baton of Tomasz Giedwiłło

At the end of the event, HM the Rector of the University of Silesia prof. dr hab. Ryszard Koziołek delivered the formula:

"I declare the inauguration ceremony of the academic year 2025/2026 closed."

The exit of the rector’s procession was accompanied by “Wiwat” (music by Leon Landowski) performed by the Cieszyn Brass Orchestra of the University of Silesia.

The ceremony was enriched by the magnificent musical setting of academic choirs, which included:

• Academic Choir of the Silesian University of Technology
• Choir of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice
• Choir of the University of Economics in Katowice
• Choir of the University of Silesia “Harmonia”
• Cieszyn Brass Orchestra of the University of Silesia
• photo of the choir
• photo of the choir

The ceremony was crowned with the concert "Overture to the Academic Year" performed by the Symphony Orchestra of the Silesian University of Technology under the baton of conductor Miłosz Korpol. The programme included: "Conga del Fuego Nuevo" (Arturo Márquez), "Adagio from the ballet Spartacus" (Aram Khachaturian), Epilogue from the musical La La Land (Justin Hurwitz), "Danzón no. 2" (Arturo Márquez). 

Since morning, the Katowice Market Square hosted the Academic Town, accompanying today’s Interuniversity Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/2026. Visitors could explore the stands of the universities of the Academic Consortium – Katowice City of Science, take part in debates, lectures, and enjoy performances by folk ensembles, including the Song and Dance Ensemble "Silesianie". 

At the stand of the University of Economics in Katowice, visitors could discover fascinating facts about money presented by dr Witold Gradoń and dr Łukasz Szewczyk from the Department of Banking and Financial Markets.

The activities were coordinated by the Director of the Marketing Centre Dagmara Piskorz and the Head of the Promotion Department Angelika Gagracz.

• Universities of the Academic Consortium – Katowice City of Science:

  • University of Silesia in Katowice

  • University of Economics in Katowice

  • Medical University of Silesia in Katowice

  • Silesian University of Technology

  • Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice

  • Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice

• Partners:

• City of Katowice
• Silesian Voivodeship
• Metropolis GZM

Honorary Patronage:

• Minister of Science and Higher Education
• Minister of Health
• Minister of Sport and Tourism
• Minister of Culture and National Heritage
• National Representation of Doctoral Candidates
• Students’ Parliament of the Republic of Poland
• Conference of Rectors of Artistic Universities
• Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland
• Regional Conference of Rectors of Academic Universities
• Conference of Rectors of Economic Universities
• Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities
• Conference of Rectors of Polish Technical Universities
• Mayor of Sosnowiec
• Mayor of Chorzów
• Mayor of Cieszyn
• Mayor of Rybnik
• Mayor of Gliwice
• Mayor of Bielsko-Biała
• Mayor of Bytom
• Mayor of Zabrze
• National Agency for Academic Exchange

Media Patronage:

• Forum Akademickie
• Gazeta Wyborcza
• Radio Nowy Świat