Ladies and Gentlemen,
Employees,
Students,
PhD Students,
All those working and studying at the University of Silesia,
it has been 56 years since the establishment of the University of Silesia. Each subsequent year provides stronger support for our work, strengthens the public authority of the University, and allows us to think boldly and with hope about its future.
This year, we celebrated our birthday at the Silesian Theatre in Katowice, combining this joyous occasion with the 55th anniversary of the Student Song and Dance Ensemble ‘Katowice’. Thanks to this, many generations of employees and students who have created and continue to create this wonderful ensemble for over half a century have met on the stage of the theatre.
We honoured outstanding scientists—Prof. Robert Hasterok and Prof. Wojciech Popiołek—with the Pro Scientia et Arte awards, and the titles of Distinguished Professors of the University of Silesia were granted to Prof. Ewa Borkowska and Prof. Danuta Opacka-Walasek.
I encourage you to watch the material from that evening.
Although the year 56 is not a round anniversary, this year’s birthday of the University of Silesia will occupy a special place in its history thanks to the celebration of the European City of Science Katowice 2024. We are the leader of this great undertaking, the positive effects of which will remain with us for a long time.
I would like to thank all of you, because your daily work has built the recognition and trust of other universities and local governments that have entrusted us with managing this unique project.
Soon, on 12 June, one of the culminating events of the celebrations will be taking place—this being the 11th edition of EuroScience Open Forum, an international conference during which scientists, entrepreneurs, politicians, journalists and residents of the region will talk about the latest achievements in various fields of science and art and their impact on society. I cordially invite you to participate: https://www.esof.eu. This is the result of our joined efforts!
I wish all members of our academic community many further successes, constant passion for research and education, and the sense of strength that comes from being part of the University of Silesia community.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Ryszard Koziołek,
Rector of the University of Silesia
Prof. Ryszard Koziołek | Photo by Julia Agnieszka Szymala