Meeting of transporters from all over the world in Katowice – 2025
"Transport Problems" is not only the title of a scientific journal published by the Silesian University of Technology (SUT), but also the name of international meetings of scientists organized by the Faculty of Transport and Aeronautical Engineering of SUT at the faculty headquarters and attractive locations in southern Poland. As in previous years, the symposium and conference were held in a mixed mode, i.e. stationary and on Zoom and YouTube platforms.
The XIV Symposium of Young Scientists Conducting Research Related to Broadly Understood Transport Issues was held on 23–24.06.2025, and the XVII International Scientific Conference “Transport Problems 2025” on 25–27.06.2025. These two events gathered 325 specialists from 32 countries, which is the largest number of countries represented in the history of the symposium and the “Transport Problems” conference. Scientists represented 4 continents, and in the post-conference monograph (conference proceedings) with almost 1,300 pages, 115 articles were published, which is also a record number in the history of “Transport Problems”. The conference and symposium were attended by scientists from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, so it can be considered an important place for intercontinental scientific discussion on transport, a field so important for the economy. Before Russia attacked Ukraine, many conference participants also came from Russia and Belarus. After this event, the organizers excluded scientists from these countries from the scientific committee and did not allow specialists representing the above-mentioned countries to participate in the deliberations.
In addition to the typically scientific events, the participants of the XIV Symposium of Young Scientists had the opportunity to learn about the history of the region and Poland during a visit to the Zinc Metallurgy Museum in Katowice and to visit the exhibition of Polish and American motorcycles. Young scientists could familiarize themselves with the most modern solutions used in braking systems during a visit to the plant of the leading manufacturer of these solutions "ZF Braking Systems Poland LTD" in Gliwice.
Symposium participants visit the motorcycle exhibition
The plenary session of the conference was held at the Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology. It was opened by the coordinator of these events, prof. Aleksander Sładkowski. On behalf of the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, prof. Marek Pawełczyk, the patron of the conference, the welcome speech was delivered by Vice-Rector prof. Zbigniew Paszenda. The patron of the conference is also the President of the City of Katowice, dr. Marcin Krupa. On his behalf, Vice-President Maciej Stachura addressed the conference participants. The Head of the Department of Transport of the City of Katowice, Bogusław Lowak, presented the achievements in the development of railway infrastructure in the city of Katowice. The third patron was the National Representation of PhD Students, which especially patronized the Symposium of Young Scientists "Transport Problems". Leading scientists from Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, and Poland, representing all sectors of transport, as well as representatives of the Road Traffic Department of the Police and the Provincial Road Transport Inspection, spoke at the plenary session. Then, the conference was held in 8 sections. Of particular interest were the reports of delegations from Lithuania, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Italy, Malaysia, Japan, and Bulgaria.
Plenary session of the conference. The conference proceedings were broadcast on television
Vice-Rector prof. Zbigniew Paszenda welcomes the conference participants
After the plenary session, the conference participants went to the castle in Pszczyna, where they could learn about the complicated history of the Silesian region and see magnificent interiors containing many original elements.
Conference participants visit the Castle Museum in Pszczyna
The first day ended with discussions in two parallel sections. Of particular note were the presentations by scientists from Ukraine, who could participate in them online, free of charge, which was ensured by the organizers, supporting Ukrainian scientists. Unfortunately, in some cases, there were power outages in Ukrainian cities during the bombings. Nevertheless, the indicated presentations took place anyway, because their presentations had been sent to the organizing committee in advance.
On the second day of the conference, the participants were divided into two groups. The first group visited the "KIA Automotive Factory" in Slovakia, and then visited the Budatín Castle in Žilina, which has beautiful interiors and gardens. The second group first visited the Orava Castle in Slovakia, built on a high rock, and then also the "KIA Automotive Factory".
Conference participants during a tour of the "KIA Automotive Factory"
Getting to know the history of Slovakia at Budatin Castle
The cultural and historical program of the symposium and conference was very extensive. On the last day of the conference, after the deliberations, scientists from all over the world could see the nearly 170-year-old brewery in Żywiec and have lunch in a historic restaurant.
For a long time, the Faculty of Transport and Aviation Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology has been connected by a special friendship with colleagues from the nearby Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice. A very interesting place for the participants of the symposium was the organ museum, which is located under the roof of the indicated academy.
Prof. Julian Gembalski shows the symposium participants around the organ museum
The participants considered these scientific events to be an unquestionable success. The organizers invite all scientists and practitioners interested in exchanging experiences in this discipline to the next edition, which will take place on 22–26.06.2026 under the common name International Scientific Congress "Transport Problems", which will consist of the XV Symposium of Young Scientists and the XVIII International Scientific Conference.
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