A delegation from Khmelnytskyi National University (KhNU), led by Rector Serhii Matiukh, paid a working visit to the Silesian University of Technology (Poland) in late October.
The purpose of the visit was to foster and strengthen cooperation between Khmelnytskyi National University and the Silesian University of Technology, a crucial step in developing academic and scientific ties between Ukraine and Poland. The visit created favourable conditions for exchanging experiences, expanding contacts, and jointly developing scientific and educational projects.
The Khmelnytskyi National University delegation met with Professor Marek Pawełczyk, Rector of the Silesian University of Technology.
During the meeting, important issues concerning bilateral cooperation were discussed. The main focus was on opportunities for joint scientific projects and the development of academic exchange programs for students and faculty.
Special attention was given to implementing innovative educational technologies, exchanging experience in using laboratory equipment, and integrating the latest achievements into industry.
Discussions also covered holding joint conferences and seminars, which will expand professional networks. This will contribute to strengthening the international reputation of both educational institutions and their involvement in the global academic community.
A particular emphasis during the visit was placed on developing closer cooperation between the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology and the Faculty of Engineering, Transport, and Architecture of Khmelnytskyi National University.
Rector Serhii Matiukh of Khmelnytskyi National University and Oleh Polishchuk, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Transport, and Architecture, met with Marcin Adamyak, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
During this meeting, they discussed faculty internships, regular academic exchanges, and engaging students and faculty in joint projects addressing modern challenges in engineering, architecture, and transport. This will contribute to enhancing the quality of educational programs, attracting new resources for scientific research, and strengthening international academic ties.
Additionally, possibilities for expanding joint research initiatives were discussed. Specifically, they talked about projects focused on innovations in mechanical engineering, automation of production processes, and the integration of "smart" system technologies, as well as the development of engineering education with the implementation of digital technologies, which open new approaches to learning and training future specialists in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0).
The Khmelnytskyi National University delegation also met with Professor Tomasz Tański, Head of the Department of Engineering and Biomedical Materials.
While at the Silesian University of Technology, the Khmelnytskyi National University delegation participated in scientific and practical seminars and visited laboratories of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. They familiarised themselves with the equipment used in the educational process and scientific research, gaining practical experience in its use for experimental studies, including:
The Materials Research Laboratory
The Industry 4.0 Centre
The AIUT Laboratory
The Nanotechnology and Materials Science Research and Training Laboratory, among others.
On September 26, 2024, Dr. habil. Eng. Mirosław Bonek, Professor at the Silesian University of Technology, was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of Sciences by Khmelnytskyi National University.
This title was conferred by the decision of Khmelnytskyi National University’s Academic Council for his significant contribution to the development of education and science and his many years of fruitful cooperation between the universities, which has strengthened friendly ties between Ukraine and Poland.
This step symbolises mutual respect and gratitude for Professor Mirosław Bonek’s efforts in developing international cooperation, extending far beyond academic contacts to support cultural and scientific ties between the two countries.
The official award ceremony took place on October 30, 2024, at a solemn meeting of the Academic Council of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Silesian University of Technology.
Rector Serhii Matiukh of Khmelnytskyi National University presented the diploma to Professor Mirosław Bonek as a mark of recognition for his achievements,
along with the professor's attributes: a mortarboard and a yellow-and-blue ribbon.
Many friends and scientists from the Silesian University attended to congratulate Mirosław Bonek on this new achievement.
During the visit, representatives of both universities expressed a shared desire for further strengthening friendly relations, which will positively impact the development of educational and scientific spheres in both institutions.
In the future, university representatives plan not only to solidify existing partnerships but also to expand horizons of cooperation, creating joint research programs and opening opportunities for new educational initiatives.