Scientific achievements, innovative research and long-standing commitment to the advancement of welding engineering have been recognised with one of the most prestigious distinctions in the Polish welding community. Dr. Eng. (IWE) Michał Urbańczyk of the Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology has been awarded the Stanisław Olszewski Medal, presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of welding technologies.
For nearly four decades, the Stanisław Olszewski Medal has been awarded to individuals whose work has had a tangible impact on the development of the Polish welding industry. Among this year’s recipients is Michał Urbańczyk, DEng, (IWE) Head of the Welding Technologies Research Group/LBS at the Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology.
Doctor Urbańczyk has been associated with the Institute since 2006. He began his career as an engineer and, over the years, advanced to lead a research team delivering cutting-edge R&D projects for industry. His professional career exemplifies the successful integration of scientific research with the practical implementation of modern technologies.
His research focuses on advanced welding processes, particularly laser and hybrid welding technologies. Throughout his career, he has participated in more than 40 research and development projects, the outcomes of which have been successfully applied in industry, contributing to improved quality and safety of welded structures. This field of research also formed the basis of his doctoral dissertation, which examined the influence of hybrid laser-MAG welding technology on the properties of high-strength S690QL steel.
Doctor Urbańczyk’s scientific portfolio includes numerous national and international publications, research reports and patented innovations. Alongside his research activities, he has long been involved in professional education and training, sharing his expertise with future generations of welding specialists and contributing to the education and certification of welding personnel in accordance with international standards.
He holds the internationally recognised qualifications of International Welding Engineer (IWE) and International Welding Inspector (IWI), as well as numerous certifications in inspection and qualification procedures. Since 2023, he has served on the Technical Committee for Welding and Allied Processes of the Polish Committee for Standardization, actively contributing to the development of national standards. He is also an active member of the Polish Welding Society, holding leadership positions at both regional and national levels.
The quality and impact of his research have been recognised through numerous awards received at international invention exhibitions and industry fairs. These include gold medals awarded in Barcelona, Poznań, Paris and Taiwan.
The Stanisław Olszewski Medal recognises not only Doctor Urbańczyk’s individual achievements but also the excellence of the research conducted at the Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology. The award confirms that the technologies developed at the Institute effectively address the challenges of modern industry while helping shape the future of welding engineering.
