Science comes from good sources
For 20 years, we have been inviting the residents of our region to dive into the world of science together. We showcase university projects, research, and modern technologies. We conduct experiments and scientific demonstrations to show that science flows from good sources—and that its origins can be found at the Silesian University of Technology.
As every year, we open the doors of our university’s laboratories and studios to present the scientific diversity we have to offer. We’ll explore topics related to environmental protection, health, industry, the economy, technology, and many other fields. Our goal is to inspire curiosity, encourage independent exploration of knowledge, and promote the search for trustworthy information.
Activities at the Researchers’ Night of the Silesian University of Technology
During the Researchers’ Night, you can take part in:
Workshops that make scientific topics exciting and accessible through experiments, hands-on activities, and challenges – all under the watchful guidance of our scientists, students, and PhD candidates. So if you’d like to take an astronaut test, talk to a robot, step into a chemistry lab, or fly a drone, be sure to check out the list of workshops and register for the ones that interest you most (note: the number of workshop spots is limited);
Lectures that offer a wealth of knowledge. Lectures are open to all participants, and no registration is required. You can simply come and listen to fascinating scientific stories;
Stands, which you’ll find in various corners of the university’s faculties. At these stands, you’ll get to experience science in action and learn about the projects carried out by researchers and student organizations;
Demonstrations that brilliantly explain physical phenomena, chemical formulas, mathematical equations, and many other scientific concepts! These shows are open to everyone and will prove that science is truly within your reach!
It’s Been 20 Years!
Researchers’ Night began in 2005. It received high praise from the European Commission and was carried out as part of the EU’s Sixth Framework Programme. The initiative was launched by Prof. Jerzy Rutkowski—Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at the Silesian University of Technology (2008–2012) and Dean of the Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science (2002–2008)—along with Dagmara Sokołowska, who was affiliated with the same faculty.
In 2009, the event evolved into the Silesian Researchers’ Night, joined by other universities such as:
University of Economics in Katowice
University of Silesia in Katowice
Medical University of Silesia
University of Bielsko-Biała
Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice
After several years, the Silesian University of Technology once again became the main organizer of the event, hosting science outreach meetings under the now well-known name “Researchers’ Night at the Silesian University of Technology.”
The very first editions of Researchers’ Night at our university were held in the Faculty of Automatic Control, Electronics and Computer Science, and concluded with festive galas in Kino-Theatre X, which operated from 1958 to 2009 at 10 ks. Marcina Strzody Street. Later, science communication activities spread to almost all university faculties.
A New Opportunity for Collaboration
Another opportunity to collaborate with other universities came in 2024, during Katowice European City of Science 2024, which led to the creation of the EMNK Academic Consortium. Five universities joined that year’s Researchers’ Night:
Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice
Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice
Medical University of Silesia
University of Silesia in Katowice
University of Economics in Katowice
The Silesian University of Technology served as the leader. Scientists revealed the “Silesian Power of Science” to the public, showcasing a variety of interdisciplinary activities across cities in the Upper Silesian–Zagłębie Metropolis and beyond.