The development of competencies, scientific research, and effective technology transfer to industry are the foundations of Poland’s nuclear energy programme. These issues were at the heart of discussions during the “Science – Competencies – Cooperation” conference, part of the “ATOM Opportunities” series organized by Polish Nuclear Power Plants (Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe). Representatives of the Łukasiewicz Research Network actively participated in the event, including Prof. Adam Mikołaj Zieliński, Director General of Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, and Wiesław Skwarko, Vice President of the Łukasiewicz Centre.
This edition of the conference was dedicated to representatives of the academic and research communities, which play a crucial role in the development of Poland’s nuclear energy programme. The success of this strategic undertaking depends on the close integration of three key areas: educating highly qualified specialists, developing research and innovation infrastructure, and ensuring the effective transfer of knowledge and technology to the economy.
The conference provided a platform for discussing future directions of cooperation between academia, research institutions, public administration, and industry, while also identifying practical opportunities for scientific institutions to contribute to the implementation of the nuclear programme.
One of the key highlights of the event was the panel discussion entitled “Science as the Knowledge and Technological Backbone of the Nuclear Power Plant Investment in Pomerania”, moderated by Dr. Lucyna Szaciłło, Senior Risk Management Specialist at Polish Nuclear Power Plants. Among the panelists was Prof. Adam Mikołaj Zieliński, Director General of the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, alongside representatives of leading scientific and research institutions in Poland.
During the discussion, participants addressed the importance of science and research in supporting the successful implementation of nuclear investments, the need to build technological competencies, and the development of research infrastructure dedicated to the nuclear sector. The debate also emphasized the role of research institutes and universities as partners providing specialist expertise, innovative solutions, and scientific support for the energy industry.
The event was also attended by Wiesław Skwarko, Vice President of the Łukasiewicz Centre, who took part in the panel “From Knowledge to Contracts – Science as a Real Business Partner for the Nuclear Power Plant Investment in Pomerania (Special-Purpose Vehicles and Technology Transfer Centres)”. The discussion focused on the commercialization of research results, effective models of cooperation between science and business, and the creation of mechanisms that facilitate the implementation of innovative solutions in projects related to nuclear energy.
The participation of representatives of the Łukasiewicz Research Network in the conference confirms the organization’s active commitment to the development of Poland’s nuclear energy programme and its readiness to contribute to building the scientific, technological, and competency base for one of the country’s most important infrastructure investments.
The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Science and Higher Education and the Honorary Patronage of the Pomeranian Voivode, Beata Rutkiewicz, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between science, administration and business for the development of the nuclear energy program in Poland.
