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The AGH University of Krakow has just started the new academic year, the 108th in the University’s history. “Every inauguration is a very special moment for our community. It is a time to celebrate new beginnings, but also to look a little further ahead than just the coming months. As the world around us continues to change, we reflect on how the University should respond to them,” emphasised Professor Jerzy Lis, AGH University Rector. The ceremony was attended by Dr Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, who delivered the inaugural lecture.
The inauguration took place on 3 October 2026. The main celebrations were preceded by a mass at the University Collegiate Church of St Anne.
Then a traditional procession walked along the main avenue of the campus to the AGH University Main Building. It was an impressive sight, bringing together members of the University authorities, Senate, academic and administrative staff, and the student and alumni communities.
The ceremony in the AGH University Assembly Hall began with a performance of “Gaude Mater Polonia” by the AGH University Song and Dance Ensemble Krakus. Following the traditional opening, Professor Jerzy Lis, AGH University Rector, welcomed the guests and officially opened the inauguration ceremony.
Among those attending the event were: Professor Dariusz Dudek, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Poland; Professor Marek Gzik, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education; Professor Krzysztof Galos, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Chief National Geologist; Dr Piotr Litwa, President of the State Mining Authority; Marcin Liana, Deputy Director of the National Science Centre; members of the Sejm and the Senate of the Republic of Poland; Krzysztof Klęczar, Voivode of the Małopolska Region; as well as representatives of the City of Krakow, the diplomatic corps, regional and local government organisations, University authorities, academia and engineers, institutes and research organisations, the uniformed services, industry and business, financial institutions, members of the University Council, and representatives of the AGH University community.
Safety, technology, and responsibility for the future
During his inaugural address, the AGH University Rector outlined his vision of the University as an institution that not only educates future engineers but also actively contributes to national security, economic development and the technological sovereignty of Poland.
The Rector argued that the modern world calls for a new perspective on the role of technical universities, pointing out that concepts such as security, resilience, defence, and technological sovereignty have now become part of everyday life.
“National security also begins in the laboratory, in the lecture room, in the computing centre, and in the student research club’s workshop,” claimed the AGH University Rector.
With 2026 designated the Year of Stanisław Staszic, the University’s patron naturally featured in the Rector’s speech. According to Professor Jerzy Lis, Staszic’s ideas remain relevant, as the strength of a nation continues to rest on knowledge, education, a robust economy and the ability to develop innovative solutions. AGH University remains committed to this mission, guided by our patron’s conviction that knowledge should serve the development of Poland and science should strengthen the independence of the nation.
A significant part of the address was dedicated to security and defence. The Rector reminded the gathered guests about the University’s collaboration with the Cyberspace Defense Forces, the Cyber LEGION programme, and initiatives aimed at developing dual-use technologies.
He also announced the establishment of a new academic discipline, security engineering, intended to bring together the expertise of AGH University research teams and external partners.
“Security is not a single speciality: it is a system,” he stressed.
The Rector also outlined the University’s most important technological projects. Among them was the newly opened AGH University Drone Centre, which will develop autonomous systems, sensors, and unmanned technologies.
Another key element of the University’s strategy is artificial intelligence. The Gaia AI Factory is set to play a vital role, with its infrastructure being developed by the AGH University Academic Computing Centre Cyfronet.
“We cannot overly depend on technologies developed by others; we must be the ones creating them,” the Rector emphasised.
The speech also touched on the topic of building the country’s technological capacity. Professor Jerzy Lis focused on the work of the NATO DIANA Defence Innovation Accelerator and the launch of FORT Kraków, as well as the plans to establish the Polish Quantum Valley. All of these projects are intended to strengthen Poland’s ability to develop its own technologies in strategic areas.
The Rector also highlighted some of the latest achievements of the University. In the evaluation of the quality of its scientific activity for the years 2022–2025, AGH University received seven A+ ratings and eight A ratings, the best result among Polish technical universities. The University also improved its standing in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and achieved strong results in both national and international rankings.
Turning to students, particularly those just embarking on their journey at AGH University, he encouraged them to be courageous in pursuing their ambitions, open to experimentation, and willing to draw on knowledge from across disciplines. He reminded the audience that the next generation of engineers will be the one shaping the development of energy systems, artificial intelligence, space technology, and cybersecurity.
“Be courageous, curious, perseverant. Believe that engineers can change the world,” said the Rector as he welcomed the new students to the AGH University community.
As claimed by the Rector, AGH University wishes to remain an “open, bold, practical and socially responsible” university, developing science, modern infrastructure and technologies strategic to Poland and Europe. He pointed out that the University is beginning the new academic year with a sense of pride, but also of responsibility for the country’s future and its security.
During the ceremony, Professor Dariusz Dudek, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Poland, read out a letter from President Karol Nawrocki. Professor Marek Gzik, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and Professor Krzysztof Galos, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Climate and the Environment and Chief National Geologist, addressed the audience.
Find your own path
According to tradition, one of the highlights of the inauguration was the matriculation ceremony. Students representing all AGH University faculties took the matriculation oath in the presence of the assembled guests before being formally admitted to the University. The ceremony was conducted by Professor Krzysztof Mendrok, Vice-Rector for Education, while Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Rector Jerzy Lis jointly performed the formal act of matriculation.
After the joint singing of “Gaudeamus igitur”, Zuzanna Baran, President of the AGH University Student Government, and Damian Płóciennik, President of the AGH University Doctoral Student Government, took the floor.
The student representative emphasised that AGH University is a place that offers not only the opportunity to acquire knowledge, but also a space for personal development, to pursue one’s passions, and to face new challenges. She underscored the importance of the community, collaboration, and active participation in University life. She offered the first-year students words of encouragement, advising them to be courageous, committed, and to make the most of the opportunities offered during studies.
“I have a simple piece of advice for you: don’t stand on the sidelines. Ask questions, find your own path, and don’t be afraid to aim higher. Your time at university flies by incredibly fast, so it is worth making the most of it right from day one. (…) At AGH University, students’ voices really count and are heard in all decision-making bodies, so never be afraid to speak up about your needs and ideas.”
In turn, Damian Płóciennik pointed to the significance of science and the responsibility of researchers in face of contemporary challenges relating to security, technological development, and global changes. He also drew attention to the role of doctoral students as young researchers seeking answers to new questions, stressing the need to create an environment that enables ambitious research projects to flourish. He urged them to be brave, embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, and actively chart their own academic path.
“I wish the entire AGH University community that, in the coming academic year, we do not lose sight of why we do all this – and that we continue to combine curiosity, courage and responsibility.”
The industry of the future: dual-use technologies that bridge the gap between the economy and defence
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the inaugural lecture by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Dr Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, on the industry of the future and dual-use technologies in the context of the challenges facing the economy, industry, and defence. Referring to the speech given by the Rector, the minister linked the topic of the lecture to three key values: security, resilience, and defence.
He gave numerous examples of dual-use technologies, including specific products, technical solutions, software, as well as the results of scientific research and expert analyses applied in both the civilian and military sectors. He noted that these two spheres would become increasingly interconnected in the years to come.
“Dual-use technologies will move from the civilian to the military market and from the military to the civilian market at lightning speed. We need to learn quickly how to operate these technologies and understand their potential applications.”
The minister also highlighted the AGH University’s role in advancing modern technologies and fostering cooperation with the defence sector. Referring to AGH University as the most military-oriented Polish civilian university, he stressed the strategic importance of developing expertise in the field of defence.
“AGH University is once again ahead of the curve, focusing on the defence industry, which will be one of the pillars of the Polish economy,” said the minister.
Another key aspect of the lecture was cooperation for national security. Dr Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasised the need to coordinate activities relating to civil defence, civil protection, the operation of the military and the implementation of dual-use technologies. He spoke about the importance of investing in the defence industry, maintaining resilient supply chains, and consolidating Poland’s cybersecurity efforts around the Polish Armed Forces and the Cyberspace Defence Forces.
The deputy prime minister concluded by arguing that national security relies both on military capabilities and the commitment of citizens, institutions, communities and alliances. He added that cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and AGH University would continue to expand in the years ahead.
“A country is defended not only by the strength of its military, but also by the strength of its citizens, institutions, communities, and alliances. We will continue to develop our partnership with AGH University, strengthen the foundations of security, advance all components of the DIANA accelerator, and draw on your knowledge, skills and the potential of future generations,” said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
State honours and awards for academics
The inauguration ceremony made for a perfect occasion to recognise outstanding members of the University community through the presentation of state honours and University awards. State honours were presented by Professor Dariusz Dudek, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Poland, together with Professor Jerzy Lis, AGH University Rector.
Professor Marek Gorgoń, Vice-Rector for Science, then honoured the authors of the winning publications in the Competition for the Most Prestigious Publishing Achievements at AGH University in 2025 and the recipient of the Professor Zbigniew Engel Award. The ceremony also included the presentation of commemorative certificates to young researchers who had received scholarships from the Minister of Science and Higher Education in recognition of their scientific achievements.
All gathered in the AGH University Assembly Hall observed a moment of silence in honour of members of the academic community who had passed away in the past academic year.
The inauguration ceremony culminated in a joint rendition of the Polish national anthem, accompanied by the AGH University Representative Orchestra.
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