The session opened with a lecture by dr hab. Katarzyna Szymańska-Dębowska, university professor, who discussed the challenges mathematics has faced throughout history. Starting with Euclid’s Elements and the formalization of mathematics in ancient Greece, she traced the development of Georg Cantor's set theory and the Zermelo-Fraenkel axioms, highlighting paradoxes associated with the axiom of choice, such as the Banach-Tarski paradox. She also touched upon Gödel's incompleteness theorem, demonstrating that mathematics will never be a closed system and that mathematicians will always be needed. Her presentation served as a prelude to a speech by mgr Mateusz Lichman, TUL's Best Graduate of 2023.
Mgr Mateusz Lichman, now a doctoral candidate, spoke about his passion for mathematics, which blossomed thanks to an inspiring mathematician he encountered at the university. He presented his research on isomorphism, or the equivalence relation in mathematical structures. His discussion included generalizations of well-known theorems, such as the Pythagorean theorem in normed spaces, and explored a variety of mathematical structures, including unitary spaces, fields, and dynamical systems. He emphasized the significance of isomorphism across different domains, such as complex numbers as defined by Gauss and Hamilton, illustrating how seemingly distinct structures can, in fact, be isomorphic.
Dr inż. Jarosław Goszczak followed with his presentation, Does Electricity Like Heat?, where he discussed methods of converting motor heat into electricity. He examined energy losses, pointing out that only about one-third of the energy in fuel is used effectively. He also presented potential solutions, such as the use of turbochargers, Stirling engines, thermoelectric generators, and systems based on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). Research into these technologies is being conducted by the Department of Vehicles and Fundamentals of Machine Design at Lodz University of Technology.
A current and widely debated topic, ChatGPT - Artificial Intelligence: To Love or To Hate?, was addressed by dr inż. Piotr Duch, a specialist in artificial intelligence and machine learning from the Institute of Applied Computer Science. He explored the impact of AI development on modern society, considering both its potential benefits and dangers. He discussed how tools like ChatGPT could influence the future of technology and our daily lives.
The session concluded with a presentation by Bartłomiej Zgorzelski, president of BZB Projekt and a member of the Lodz University of Technology Council. His talk focused on engineering challenges and the impact of constructing the cross-city tunnel in Łódź on the city's development. Drawing from his extensive experience with major infrastructure projects in Łódź, he emphasized the critical role of investment in shaping the city’s modern urban landscape.
The SWPŁ 2024 session was a clear demonstration of how Lodz University of Technology integrates a global vision with local impact. The topics presented by the guest speakers illustrated that advancements in science and technology have a direct influence on city development and, consequently, on daily life. The event showcased TUL's immense potential in fields such as mathematics, engineering, and emerging technologies, which are not only shaping the future of science but also driving the development of local infrastructure and the economy.
Following the lectures, a social gathering provided an opportunity for graduates to engage in discussions and share experiences over refreshments. In an atmosphere of networking and reminiscence, conversations about science, technology, and local initiatives continued. The meeting offered an excellent opportunity to establish new connections and strengthen existing ones, reinforcing the bonds among TUL alumni.