From March 13–15, 2026, the Doctoral Student Council of the University of Rzeszów hosted leaders of the doctoral community from across Poland during the First Open Meeting of the Executive Board of the National Doctoral Student Representation (KRD).
The event was attended by representatives of the Doctoral Student Council at the University of Siedlce:
• Mariusz Matacz, M.A. – Chair,
• Robert Gryczka, M.A. – Secretary.
On the first day, the event was officially opened by Dr. Marta Łuszczak, Ph.D., Professor at the University of Rzeszów and Director of the Doctoral School, in the presence of representatives of the national and local governments. The meeting was held under the patronage of the Rector of the University of Rzeszów, the Mayor of Rzeszów, the Governor of the Podkarpackie Province, and the Marshal of the Podkarpackie Province.
One of the most important items on the agenda was a panel discussion on career paths after obtaining a doctoral degree.
The following individuals participated in the debate:
• Prof. Bernard Ziębicki – Rector of the University of Economics in Kraków,
• Dr. Karol Ożóg, Eng. – Deputy Marshal of the Podkarpackie Province,
• and Prof. Zbigniew Marciniak, who shared his experience and reflections on the development of an academic and professional career after earning a Ph.D.
On the second day, training panels were held for event participants:
• Panel I – “Science to Pitch. From Idea to Market: A Workshop Using Design Thinking,” led by Bartosz Jadam, M.A. – Director of the University Center for Technology Transfer
Technology, was dedicated to the commercialization of scientific research results and the possibilities of implementing research outcomes in economic practice.
• Panel II – “Scientific Mindset and Business Etiquette as Keys to Success,” led by Dr. Barbara Balon, Eng., which focused on developing a professional attitude in the scientific community, fostering the right approach to research work, and the principles of conducting oneself in academic and business relationships.
On the final day, participants had a unique opportunity to admire the panoramic view of the capital of Podkarpacie from the region’s highest vantage point — Olszynki Park — and to tour the Ignacy Łukasiewicz Aviation Training Center at the Rzeszów University of Technology, where they explored the airport infrastructure and aircraft and took the controls of a professional simulator used in pilot training.
These attractions made a huge impression on all participants and served as the perfect culmination of the 1st Open Meeting of the KRD Board at the University of Rzeszów.
This event was a great opportunity to bring together the doctoral student community from across Poland and to discuss the most important challenges facing young researchers.
