Have an inspiring and successful academic year!

Six people in red gowns and caps with rector's insignia on the stage of the auditorium. One of them, the rector, is standing and speaking into a microphone. The others are seated. In the background, there is a choir in black costumes and colorful banners with the names of the departments. There is a bouquet of white flowers on the table in front of the podium. The scene depicts the inauguration of the 2025/2026 academic year
The ceremonial inauguration and symbolic opening of the 2025/2026 academic year are now behind us. Together with our academic community, including newly admitted students, a group of distinguished guests celebrated the occasion.

The event took place on October 6 in the Prof. J. Piekarczyk Auditorium at the Medical University of Warsaw Teaching Center. The ceremony began with the entrance of the color guard and the university procession. This was followed by the song “Gaude Mater Polonia” and the national anthem. The guests were welcomed by the host of the event, Rector Prof. Rafał Krenke.

-Today's inauguration is not only the formal beginning of a new stage in the life of the university. It also serves as a link between our 200-year-old tradition, which defines us, and the future that we are creating every day in our laboratories, lecture halls, and clinics - said the Rector.

We lead the way, we are committed

- WUM can boast significant successes and achievements. They are a source of pride, but at the same time a great commitment to further development and improvement in all areas of the university's functioning. The university authorities will consistently support all pro-developmental activities - announced Prof. Rafał Krenke.

The Rector presented the scientific and clinical potential of our university. And there are many reasons to be satisfied. Last academic year, our university received over PLN 350 million in funding for 66 research projects, making us a leader in this area. Eighteen researchers were awarded the title of professor, sixteen received their postdoctoral degrees, and 103 defended their doctoral dissertations. Our researchers published 2,200 scientific articles, including 110 with the highest score from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Science at WUM is developing dynamically. And what about clinical activity? In clinical hospitals alone, almost 180,000 hospitalizations and almost 550,000 outpatient consultations were provided. This gives a true picture of the commitment of WUM employees to the health of Poles, but not only.

- Not a week goes by without us reporting on innovative treatment methods introduced by our scientists and clinicians on the university's innovative websites - said the Rector.

The first esophageal impedance planimetry procedure in Poland, the first use of the OCS Heart system in the history of Polish heart transplantation, and a pioneering ablation procedure for cancer metastases performed on three different organs during a single therapeutic session—these are just a few items from the list of innovative solutions mentioned by the rector that have changed the face of Polish medicine. They were developed by employees of the Medical University of Warsaw.

We also focus on humanism

Referring to the words of Karolina Zioło-Pużuk, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, who spoke about the role of the humanities and social sciences in building broadly understood social resilience, the rector emphasized:

- We are aware of the need for modern education of students in this field, which is why we are developing the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences in Medicine, which provides education in ethics, law, communication, social psychology, and health economics.

The Rector admitted that by educating qualified staff for the Polish healthcare system, providing a full range of medical services, as well as conducting active scientific and implementation activities, we are trying to contribute to building resilience, which is part of the main motto of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union: “Safety, Europe.” This slogan is particularly relevant to health security.

- And speaking of which, I cannot fail to mention that in the document “Program of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union,” health security is measured primarily by the well-being of citizens. It is therefore with great satisfaction that I can announce that, recognizing the responsibility of universities in this regard, the Medical University of Warsaw has joined EUniWell.

We are flexible and constantly evolving

Flexibility and agility are two competencies of the future that enable adaptation in dynamically changing conditions. This is what our university looks like, skillfully adapting its development plans to current needs and opportunities. As an example of such activities, the Rector mentioned the transfer of a key investment from the Lindleya Campus to the Banacha Campus, which in the long term will allow for the consolidation of medical services and ensure better conditions for patient treatment and student education. In turn, the optimal and forward-looking development of wing B of the Medical Simulation Center will improve teaching in various fields. We are also focusing on the development of integrated education. The university is currently in the process of making purchases and investments from the National Reconstruction Plan, which will make education and its practical aspects more attractive.

Finally, the Rector emphasized:

- Dear students, our university is a place that is constantly evolving. We are directing our efforts towards making the medicine of the future more precise, innovative, and accessible to everyone. We are in what I would not hesitate to call a groundbreaking era: personalized healthcare, gene therapies, surgical robotics, and artificial intelligence are available to everyone. All this is happening here and now, and we have the satisfaction and responsibility not only to participate in it, but to be at the forefront of change. We want each of us to leave our university with the feeling that we have a real impact on the future of medicine, pharmacy, and public health.

Congratulations from guests

The gathered listened to, among other things, a congratulatory letter from the President of the Republic of Poland, which was delivered by Alvin Gajadhur, Advisor to the President.
"I am glad that in the new academic year, Polish universities will continue to multiply our country's great wealth, represented by educated and competent specialists – ambitious, creative, and sought after on the labor market. I am convinced that in the coming months, Polish scholars will once again amaze the world with groundbreaking discoveries and inventions. May the new horizons of study, research, and development bring you numerous successes that will make your Alma Mater and our entire homeland famous" - wrote President Karol Nawrocki.

Prof. Jolanta Sobierańska-Grenda, Minister of Health, also gave a speech.

- I hope that this academic year will be even better than the previous one, even though you have already set the bar very high, both in terms of academic achievement and development, as well as investment - she said. She wished the students that the fascinations and values with which they are beginning their studies will remain with them as they embark on their professional careers. She also referred to the humanism mentioned by the Rector.

- I think that we should not forget, especially in the healthcare sector, about the mission we should pursue in this sector, regardless of what medical or non-medical profession we practice. But I think that this is what unites us, what patients expect from us, what society expects from us.

Karolina Zioło-Pużuk, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, read a letter of congratulations from Marcin Kulask, Minister of Science and Higher Education. And then she added:

- I am very happy that one of the best, if not the best, medical universities in Poland, known for its research into amazing computer-based treatments, is also developing humanistic thinking. Dear future doctors, do not forget this, because it is extremely important—the relationship between people.
Robert Sitnik, Mazovian Deputy Governor, also joined in the congratulations, reading a letter from Mariusz Frankowski, Mazovian Governor. In his letter, the Governor wished all employees, students, and doctoral students of our university success in their academic plans, fulfillment of their professional ambitions, and many reasons to be proud of belonging to the WUM community.

Ceremonial matriculation

The 2025/2026 academic year at our university begins with 3,250 new students. The symbolic start of their journey is matriculation, i.e., the act of admission to the university.
The words of the student oath were read by Prof. Marek Kuch, Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Education. The students gathered in the auditorium promised that they would persistently strive to acquire knowledge and pursue professional and personal development, but also that they would uphold the dignity and honor of the student of the Medical University of Warsaw.

Then, accompanied by the deans and vice deans, the rector tapped on the shoulder with a scepter 18 people who had the highest scores in this year's recruitment process. They were:

  • at the Faculty of Medicine: Juliusz Szczeszek-Bistuła, Jan Gerchard, Hanna Kręcisz, Karola Kurzyp, Hanna Tenderowicz,
  • at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry: Zofia Leśniak, Alicja Czopowicz, Pola Zbirek, Bartosz Dołęga, Zuzanna Antoniak, Weronika Gołofit;
  • at the Faculty of Pharmacy: Martyna Widełka, Natalia Wojciechowska;
  • at the Faculty of Health Sciences: Barbara Piękoś, Karolina Cabaj, Wiktoria Kleczko, Bartosz Raszplewicz, Mateusz Szczerba.

First-year students of the Doctoral School were also matriculated. The oath was read by Prof. Marcin Sobczak, Vice Rector for Science and Technology Transfer. The doctoral students with the highest scores in the recruitment process were tapped on their shoulders with a scepter by the rector. They were: Joanna Zygadło (medical sciences), Aia Ase (health sciences), Wiktoria Górecka (pharmaceutical sciences), and Gwan Yong Lim (WUM Student PhD path).

A year of courage and gratitude

University is a time to get to know yourself, what interests you and what makes sense to you. But that's not all—it's also a time that shapes your character. This was confirmed by Anna Kupczak, President of the Student Council at the Medical University of Warsaw.

- Each of us will find a moment during our studies when something changes, when we understand that there is something deeper behind grades and successes: responsibility for who we become. Because these years not only prepare us for a medical profession, but also change the way we look at ourselves and the world - said Anna Kupczak. - The knowledge we gain here becomes the foundation, but it is the wisdom, empathy, and mindfulness that we build within ourselves that will enable us to have a valuable impact on others and the world around us. Because the challenges ahead of us are greater than they might seem.

Finally, she wished everyone a new academic year that would bring them growth and satisfaction, but also be a year of courage in thinking, questioning, and acting, and a year of gratitude for being part of a place that inspires, develops, and gives space to become better.

Time to get to work

Adam Bujanowicz, President of the Doctoral Student Council, also encouraged this, but with the intention of offering encouragement rather than admonishment. It is meant to remind us that we are meeting at the inauguration as an entire academic community in order to work together over the next year to build this community and its strength.

- Be curious and open to the perspectives of other members of our University community. Let us demand from others, but also from ourselves. Let us not settle for the minimum, but apply this in our work as well. Let us step out of our comfort zone by asking each other, “What can I do for you?” Let's keep in mind that in building ourselves, we derive from the university and the people who work and study there. But in return, each of us can build them up by saying, “thank you” and “do I really understand you and your needs” - argued Adam Bujanowicz.

“The passion for discovery and the art of reconstruction. Translational medicine as a challenge and inspiration”

It was the title of the inaugural lecture given by Prof. Magdalena Kucia, Head of the Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine WUM, an expert in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

- Today's meeting has a special significance for me. It is a moment when research courage and clinical sensitivity meet academic tradition. It is also the beginning of a journey where the impossible becomes a challenge, and the challenge becomes an inspiration to discover and create - began Prof. Kucia. She added: - WUM is not only a place to acquire knowledge, it is a space where, above all, we want to educate future medical, scientific, and social elites. Elites, understood not as a privileged group, but as a future generation prepared to take responsibility for the health and lives of others, capable of leading changes and setting the direction for the development of medicine.

She then invited us on an incredible journey showing how dreams and determination can change the face of medicine. It was an inspiring lesson for all those who lack the courage to take the first step.

 

In addition to those mentioned above, the most important ceremony of the academic year was attended by, among others: Łukasz Pietrzak, Chief Pharmaceutical Inspector, Marcin Wójtowicz, Director General of the Chief Pharmaceutical Inspectorate, Urszula Kuroczycka, Deputy Director of the Health Department of the Mazovian Provincial Office in Warsaw, Renata Kaznowska, Deputy Mayor of Warsaw, Piotr Krasnodębski, Mayor of the Ochota District, Prof. Michał Kleiber, President of the Polish National Commission for UNESCO, Prof. Marcin Pałys, President of the Main Council for Science and Higher Education, Wojciech Fendler, President of the Medical Research Agency, Prof. Jerzy Woźnicki, President of the Board of the Polish Rectors Foundation. The inauguration was also honored by the former rectors of our university: Prof. Tadeusz Tołłoczko, Prof. Andrzej Górski, Prof. Leszek Pączek, Prof. Mirosław Wielgoś, Prof. Zbigniew Gaciong, as well as rectors of Warsaw universities, representatives of the Polish Academy of Sciences, representatives of institutions related to our university, medicine, and healthcare. Also present were directors of hospitals and companies affiliated with the Medical University of Warsaw, as well as representatives of church authorities, including those of other denominations.

In addition to those mentioned above, WUM was represented by: Prof. Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska, Vice Rector for Clinical Affairs and Investments, Prof. Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk, Vice Rector for Human Resources, Prof. Michał Grąt, Vice Rector for International Relations, Development and Promotion, deans and vice deans of the faculties, chairpersons of the Scientific Discipline Councils, members of the University Council and senators of WUM, students, and doctoral students.

The musical setting for the ceremony was provided by the Choir of the Medical University of Warsaw.

Congratulatory letters

The congratulatory letters on the occasion of the inauguration of the academic year were sent by:

  • Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Szymon Hołownia
  • Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz
  • Deputy Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Monika Wielichowska
  • Minister of Family, Labor, and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk
  • Chairwoman of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland, Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska
  • Vice-President of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland, Prof. Jerzy Lis
  • President of the Supreme Medical Council Łukasz Jankowski
  • Dean of the V Faculty of Medical Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Prof. Marek Krawczyk
  • Rectors of the Medical Universities in Poland:
    - His Magnificence, Rector of the Medical University of Lublin, Prof. Wojciech Załuska
    - His Magnificence, Rector of the Medical University of Silesia, Prof. Tomasz Szczepański 
    - His Magnificence, Rector of the Medical University of Gdańsk, Prof. Michał   Markuszewski 
    - His Magnificence, Rector of the Medical University of Białystok, Prof. Marcin Moniuszko

The YouTube page where you can watch the broadcast of the inauguration of the 2025/2026 academic year

We encourage you to watch a short film report from the inauguration ceremony.


 

Rows of cream-colored caps with black visors lie on a dark blue table. The caps have bands in red, orange, black, and burgundy.
Eleven people—men and women—stand on stage and sing from open sheet music. In front of them, a conductor in a dark suit leads the choir. Colorful banners with the name of the university and the inauguration slogan hang in the background. Academic caps lie on a table in front of the stage. The audience sits on the right.
Three people in red gowns and birettas stand behind a transparent lectern. The person on the left is the rector, holding a scepter and wearing a gown with a fur collar. In the background, people in black outfits and red and blue flags can be seen.
Three people in red gowns and birettas are standing in the hall. They are vice-rectors. In the background, you can see red and blue flags and people in black outfits singing or playing music. On a table covered with a blue tablecloth, there is a transparent box and a pillow.
The rector, wearing a red biretta and a red coat with a white collar, speaks at the podium. Behind him sit three people in red gowns and birettas. In the background, there are colorful banners with the names of the departments and the inscription “Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/2026.” In front of the podium, there is a bouquet of white roses with red accents.
There is a large group of people sitting in the auditorium. There are six people in the front row, including a woman in a light-colored suit and a man in a dark suit. In the background, you can see a full hall with red armchairs. Most people are wearing elegant clothes, some are wearing academic gowns.
Young women dressed in black gowns and caps. They are sitting on red chairs in the auditorium. They are smiling for the camera.
A room with red armchairs where the participants of the inauguration are seated.
The president's advisor, dressed in a dark suit, stands behind the podium and speaks. The WUM flag can be seen in the background.
The Minister of Health stands behind the podium and speaks into the microphone. The WUM banner can be seen in the background. People wearing white caps with red stripes are seated on the left. A bouquet of white roses with green leaves lies in front of the podium. On the right is a table with a blue tablecloth, on which academic caps are laid out.
A woman, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, wearing a green jacket, stands at the podium and speaks into the microphone. Three banners hang in the background: two red and one blue with the words “INAUGURATION OF THE 2025/2026 ACADEMIC YEAR” and the abbreviation “EFQS.” The banners feature medical symbols.
A man in a dark suit, the deputy governor of Mazovia, is speaking in the middle of the auditorium. In the background, there are colorful banners with the names of the faculties: Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences. On the right, there are people sitting in academic gowns.
A man in a red gown and biretta, the vice-rector for student affairs and education, stands at the lectern and gives a speech. The white emblem of the Medical University of Warsaw can be seen in the background.
A group of young people, first-year students, stand and recite the student oath. They have their right hands raised and two fingers extended upward.
Student matriculation. Two men in red gowns and birettas stand on stage. One holds a scepter, which he touches to the shoulder of the student standing in front of him.
The rector accepts the young woman as a student. In the background, you can see a lecture hall filled with various people.
A young girl receives her student cap from the rector. Standing next to the rector is the dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, wearing a black and orange gown.
The rector accepts the young man as a student.
In the foreground, a young woman with red hair, dressed formally. She is in the process of being inducted as a student. The rector places his scepter on her shoulder. In the background, you can see a packed auditorium.
A young man, formally dressed, stands in the middle of the room wearing a graduation cap. In the background, you can see a full auditorium.
A man in a red gown and biretta, the vice-rector for science and technology transfer, stands behind the lectern and speaks. In the background, a multimedia screen displays the words of the doctoral oath.
The rector presents a diploma to a woman in a black suit. In the background, the audience sits in academic gowns and caps. The hall is full.
The rector presents a diploma to a man in a black suit. In the background, the audience sits in academic gowns and caps. The hall is full.
A young woman, president of the Student Council, wearing a black gown and cap, stands at the podium and gives a speech. In the background, colorful banners hang with the names of the departments and the inscription “Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/2026.”
A young man, the president of the Doctoral Student Council, dressed formally, stands behind the podium and gives a speech. In the background, colorful banners hang with the names of the departments and the inscription “Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025/2026.”
Six people in red gowns and birettas—vice-rectors, seated in the center of the auditorium during the ceremony. In the foreground on the left is a bouquet of white and red flowers. The scene depicts a moment during an academic ceremony.
A group of people during a ceremony. They are wearing academic gowns. They are smiling for the camera.
A woman in a black gown and biretta stands at a lectern decorated with the university's coat of arms and a bouquet of white roses. She wears glasses. In the background, there is a screen with the inscription “Prof. Magdalena Kucia, PhD” and an image of cells under a microscope.
A woman in a black academic gown stands holding a bouquet of red roses. She smiles and looks to the right. In the background, a person in a red gown sits holding a scepter.
A group of people posing for a photo. In the middle is the rector, flanked by members of the student council.