Students of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering participated in a scientific conference organized as part of the Sectoral Skills Centre project. Experts presented current challenges and the latest technical solutions enabling sustainable construction practices.
The conference was opened by the Vice-Rector for Development and Finance of the University of Zielona Góra, Dr. hab. Mariusz Naczk, Professor at the University of Zielona Góra:
“The subject matter of this conference is of great importance, particularly in an era of rapid environmental change, or even environmental crises. At a time when we are increasingly confronted with rapidly rising water levels, proper land reclamation and water management are essential — both when there is an excess of water and when there is a shortage. This issue is especially significant from the perspective of public safety.”
Future engineers attended lectures delivered, among others, by Prof. Dr. hab. Eng. Adam Wysokowski, Head of the Department of Road, Railway, Bridge and Tunnel Engineering at the Institute of Civil Engineering of the University of Zielona Góra and Chairman of the Polish Bridge Engineers Association. Professor Wysokowski emphasized that technology continues to evolve and that much remains to be accomplished in the field of construction engineering, especially as weather conditions become increasingly unpredictable:
“I have been involved in this field for many years. I worked for more than twenty years at the Road and Bridge Research Institute and experienced the 1997 flood firsthand. Those experiences taught me a great deal. We strive to disseminate knowledge regarding the proper construction of transport infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and railways. Such infrastructure is increasingly exposed to the extreme weather phenomena we are currently witnessing. Our goal is to support the development of infrastructure that will serve society safely and effectively for many years. Another highly important issue is water retention and management. We explain what measures can be taken so that water becomes an ally rather than a threat.”
Acting in synergy with the forces of nature constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable construction. The speakers shared their knowledge and professional experience regarding environmental and engineering challenges. Contemporary problems related to construction and land reclamation are numerous. Considerable concern is raised by the current hydrological situation, past neglect, and inappropriate land development practices. Conferences such as this one aim to highlight these issues and foster the development of shared solutions. They also provide young students of civil and environmental engineering with an opportunity to confront theoretical knowledge with practical challenges and real-life case studies.
The Sectoral Skills Centre is an educational project. As explained by Dr. hab. Eng. Beata Nowogońska, Professor at the University of Zielona Góra and Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering:
“The University of Zielona Góra is a partner in this project. We invited representatives of the City Office, specialists from the Lubusz Regional Chamber of Civil Engineers, and experts in their respective fields to participate. The majority of attendees are university students and technical secondary school students. It is for them that we are creating a space for the exchange of knowledge and experience.”
Representatives of, among others, the Sectoral Skills Centre and the Silesian University of Technology also participated in the meeting.
