The Rector also remarked on the importance of academic freedom and integrity in scientific research. Regarding teaching and learning, he spoke of the successful E2TOP program and expressed his congratulations to the students on the grants awarded by the Ministry and the City. The rector also spoke about the planned joint inauguration of the next academic year arising from the Lodz Academic Partnership, with the inaugural lecture to be given by dr inż. Sławosz Uznański, a graduate of TUL, who had been selected for the astronaut reserve of the European Space Agency. Professor Jóźwik laced his speech with acknowledgements and words of appreciation for the academic community of our university. Full text of the address is published on the website of ŻU.
Several guests also addressed the assembly. Senator Krzysztof Kwiatkowski emphasized, echoing the words of the Rector, that academic freedom is one of the most fundamental values. Speaking about the many interesting projects carried out at TUL, he was particularly delighted with the results of research conducted by dr inż. Joanna Grzelczyk on the health-promoting effects of coffee. Andrzej Górczynski, a member of the Board of Directors of the Lodz Voivodeship, drew attention to the thriving cooperation with the university, while Adam Pustelnik, Deputy Mayor, spoke of the pride of the achievements of TUL, 'There are a thousand good reasons to be proud'.
As has been the tradition, students and graduates were presented with awards for their superior achievements throughout their academic studies and for the best dissertations. Researchers and doctoral candidates were presented with Rector Awards awarded in five categories based on publications, their impact, and successful implementation of research outputs. All awardees are featured in the article 'Awards galore'.
The final highlight of the celebratory day was the unveiling of a plaque conceived of by the academic community of the university, to commemorate the award of the title of the European Tree of the Year 2023 to the Fabrykant Oak. This natural monument is the pride of the park which is part of Lodz University of Technology.