Inauguration of the 2026/2027 Academic Year at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences

The ceremony began with the SGGW Choir performing the Polish national anthem. This was followed by the official opening of the inauguration by His Magnificence the Rector of SGGW, Professor Michał Zasada, DSc, who welcomed the distinguished guests in attendance.

Among the invited speakers was Professor Jerzy Hausner, an economist, Honorary Professor at the Krakow University of Economics, and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Labour and Social Policy. Professor Hausner delivered the inaugural lecture entitled “The Nexus of Soil, Water, Food and Health from the Perspective of Value Economics.” His lecture addressed issues of significance both to the contemporary economy and to the challenges facing the agri-food sector and the natural environment.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Polish state authorities. Among the distinguished guests were Dr Alvin Gajadhur, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Poland; Stefan Krajewski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Dr Czesław Siekierski, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Professor Marek Gzik, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education; Professor Andrzej Szeptycki, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education; and Marek Cieśliński, Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. His Excellency Archbishop Adrian Galbas, Metropolitan Archbishop of Warsaw, also attended the ceremony.

Representatives of foreign diplomatic missions were also present, including the Ambassadors of Senegal, the Republic of Slovenia, Algeria and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of other embassies, including that of the Czech Republic.

The event also brought together representatives of the academic community, including Dr hab. Mirosława Ostrowska, Vice-President of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and Professor Marcin Pałys, Chair of the General Council for Science and Higher Education, alongside rectors of Polish universities. Among them were Professor Piotr Wachowiak, Rector of the SGH Warsaw School of Economics and Chair of the Conference of Rectors of Warsaw Universities; Professor Rafał Krenke, Rector of the Medical University of Warsaw; Father Professor Ryszard Czekalski, Rector of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw; Professor Bartosz Molik, Rector of the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw; Professor Barbara Marcinkowska, Rector of the Maria Grzegorzewska University; Archbishop Jerzy Pańkowski, Rector of the Christian Theological Academy in Warsaw; Brigadier General Tomasz Klimczak, DSc, Rector of the Fire University; Professor Roman Cieślak, Rector of SWPS University; Father Professor Krzysztof Pawlina, Rector of the Catholic Academy in Warsaw; Professor Krzysztof Filipiak, Director and Rector of the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education; and Dr Bogusław Wijatyk, Rector of Łukaszewski University. Rectors and representatives of foreign universities were also among the guests.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of institutions operating in the fields of agriculture, forestry, water management, science and public administration. These included Mateusz Balcerowicz, President of the State Water Holding Polish Waters; Andrzej Borusiewicz, Deputy President of the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture; Cezary Świstak, Deputy Director General of the State Forests National Forest Holding; and representatives of research institutes and other institutions cooperating with SGGW.

Representatives of local government authorities were also present, including officials from Warsaw’s districts and other local government bodies. The invited guests additionally included representatives of uniformed services, business organisations, enterprises, and the university’s social and institutional partners.

Inaugural Address by Professor Michał Zasada, Rector of SGGW

Following the welcome address to the invited guests, His Magnificence the Rector, Professor Michał Zasada, delivered the inaugural speech, reflecting on SGGW’s 210-year history. He emphasised that this heritage was not merely a source of pride, but above all a commitment to building on the achievements of previous generations and continuing to develop a university capable of meeting the challenges of the future.

Today’s Warsaw University of Life Sciences continues a ‘fine tradition and a valuable contribution to the advancement and development of Polish science and the economy’. As demonstrated by our achievements, we consistently respond to dynamic socio-economic changes, engage in initiatives promoting sustainable development, climate and food security, and foster environmentally responsible attitudes. We are fully aware of the challenges facing agriculture. We are directing our activities and transforming the university’s organisational structure so that future generations can contribute as effectively as possible to this vital sector of the economy, which underpins our country’s security and resilience. – said Professor Michał Zasada.

The Rector also drew attention to the many challenges facing the younger generation of students, including the growing role of artificial intelligence:

AI may appear to make communication easier, but it cannot replace genuine relationships or direct human contact, nor can it create a sense of community. Therefore, make the most of the opportunities to work with outstanding professors whom you will encounter throughout your academic journey. In these relationships, do not remain passive recipients of knowledge; become its co-creators. Do not be afraid to ask difficult questions. Remain curious and persistent, and support one another on this extraordinary journey. Dare to ‘be wise’ and do not be afraid to dream, because every great project, significant initiative or scientific discovery begins with a first step, the first year of university studies, and a mind full of dreams.

During the ceremony, letters addressed to the SGGW academic community were read aloud. On the occasion of the inauguration, the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, conveyed his congratulations and best wishes. A letter was also sent to the university by Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education. The university received messages of recognition from Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland, and Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, as well as from rectors of Polish and foreign universities and directors of research institutes.

Matriculation of Students and Doctoral Candidates

Following the Rector’s address, the matriculation ceremony took place, formally welcoming new students and doctoral candidates into the university community. The ceremony was conducted by Professor Jarosław Gołębiewski, DSc, Vice-Rector for Education at SGGW.

Representatives of the newly admitted students and doctoral candidates took the academic oath. Addresses were then delivered by representatives of both groups. The students were represented by Ewelina Wąs, Chair of the SGGW Student Government Council, while the doctoral community was represented by Maciej Dołbień, Deputy Chair of the SGGW Doctoral Students’ Council.

Inaugural Lecture by Professor Jerzy Hausner: “The Nexus of Soil, Water, Food and Health from the Perspective of Value Economics”

The ceremony culminated in the inaugural lecture delivered by Professor Jerzy Hausner, devoted to the interrelationships between soil, water, food and health, and their significance from the perspective of value economics.

The lecture made an important contribution to the discussion of contemporary economic, environmental and social challenges, while remaining closely connected to the research and teaching areas that have long formed the foundation of SGGW’s activities.

Closing of the Ceremony

In the final part of his address, Professor Michał Zasada, Rector of SGGW, emphasised the importance of the anniversary inauguration as a moment connecting the university’s rich history with its future. He highlighted the role of successive generations in shaping the university’s continued development:

Every inauguration serves as a symbolic link between the past and the present, providing an opportunity to reflect on achievements and make plans for the future. An anniversary inauguration marks a milestone and establishes a point of reference for future generations, who will now begin writing their own story—the story of our shared tree, whose roots provide its strength and whose future is secured by branches reaching boldly towards the world.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional academic hymn Gaudeamus. With this, the 2026/2027 academic year was officially inaugurated.