With the ceremonial words ‘Quod bonum, felix, faustum fortunatumque sit!’ and three strikes of his sceptre, His Magnificence the Rector officially opened the 2026/2027 academic year at the Poznan Univertsity of Physical Education. This exceptional event brought together the academic community, many distinguished guests and first-year students, providing an opportunity to reflect on past successes and outline ambitious plans for the future.
Academic development, top rankings and new degree programmes
The Rector emphasised that our university is strengthening its position in science and teaching. Over the past year, the university secured funding for 10 research projects worth over 9 million zlotys. The university is enjoying great success in student recruitment, as evidenced by the huge interest in Physiotherapy (19 applicants per place) and the Psychology programme (10 applicants per place). In response to demographic and social challenges, our university is launching a new master’s degree programme – ‘Medical Coach’ – combining diagnostics, exercise physiology and health psychology in the prevention and support of the elderly and chronically ill. An application has also been submitted to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education to establish a bachelor degree programme in ‘Health and Physical Fitness Coach’ at the branch in Gorzów Wielkopolski. With a view to providing comprehensive support for students at every stage of their education, the university is also implementing the “From Start to Diploma” project, which offers tutoring, mentoring and psychological support. “We educate not to compete with machines, but to build a society in which people remain at the centre. Technological excellence is an important tool, but it is human sensitivity, ethics and the ability to build interpersonal relationships that give every job its true meaning,” emphasised His Magnificence the Rector.
Sporting successes and modern infrastructure
The last academic year saw many medals and sporting successes. Athletes from AZS AWF Poznań and AZS AWF Gorzów Wielkopolski won nearly 200 medals. The 4th place achieved by AZS AWF Poznań in the national Youth Sports System rankings is proof of the top-class teaching and training. The club’s upcoming 50th anniversary will be a unique opportunity to take stock of achievements of several generations of athletes, coaches and officials.
At the same time, the university’s infrastructure is being developed. The value of completed and ongoing investment projects is nearly 60 million zlotys. Support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education has enabled the modernisation of the field hockey pitch and the extension of the Educational and Social Centre in Chycina. Work has also been carried out to improve safety standards in the Students’ Hall of Residence, the Swimming Pool and the Sports Hall. A comprehensive extension of the gym to include a modern functional training area is planned for the near future.
Honours, medals and the inaugural lecture
The ceremony provided an opportunity to present prestigious academic honours. The Eugeniusz Piasecki Medal for services to the university was awarded to Professor Tomasz Jurek, while the Bronisław Szwarc Medal for outstanding sporting achievements was awarded to leading young members of our national teams: Aleksandra Ferchmin (triathlon), Filip Jędrzejczak (rowing), Amelia Kielar (track and field), Matylda Kubiak (canoeing), and Franciszek Zapart (rowing). Furthermore, the title of habilitated doctor was awarded to Dr Barbara Pospieszna.
The official part of the event culminated in a captivating inaugural lecture entitled ‘How my education at the Poznań University of Physical Education and my involvement in cycling changed my life’, delivered by Dr Leszek Sibilski. Our graduate, an exceptional former track cyclist who was named Cyclist of the Year in 1976 by the Polish Cycling Federation, as well as a sociologist and lecturer at US universities and the driving force behind the United Nations’ establishment of World Bicycle Day – shared his extraordinary life story. His fascinating tale served as an inspiration to the assembled students and guests, demonstarting how versatile and boundless the prospects are that studying at the Poznań University of Physical Education opens up.
The ceremony was accompanied by a musical performance by the Chamber Choir of the Academy of Music in Poznan, conducted by Dr Sławomira Raczyńska.
We wish the entire academic community a 2026/2027 academic year filled with creative work, passion and many successes!
