The new 2025/2026 academic year was started at our Faculty on Wednesday, 15th October. The event was organized in the main auditorium hall of our University. It was attended by representatives of the Faculty authorities, department heads, and members of the Social Council, as well as by students – mainly those in their first year at our Faculty.

The participants were welcomed by Prof. Andrzej Kucharski, dean of the Faculty. He began his speech by addressing the first-year students. He expressed a hope that while studying in our Faculty they will be able to see for themselves that they have made a good choice. He also addressed the issue of what the job market will look like in the era of artificial intelligence.

– At the end of August, a report by researchers from Stanford University was published. It describes how the job market will soon split into two categories. People who will find it increasingly difficult to get a job because AI will replace them in doing repetitive tasks. Positions requiring intuition, experience, and the ability to think outside the box will not be at risk. The question arises – where are people supposed to come from for higher positions that require experience if they won't have the chance to gain that experience. In my opinion, the answer lies in making the most of the university years. To use this time only for acquiring textbook knowledge is not enough. Other skills and gaining experience are equally important, if not more so, and our Faculty is also a good place for that. Experience your studies in true engagement, not just by absorbing and reproducing information for exams – emphasized the dean, Prof. Andrzej Kucharski.

Prof. Paweł Wachel, vice-dean for student affairs, discussed the Faculty's website with the students. He pointed to the key tabs and information, as well as to additional activities.

– The students and research clubs tab is particularly close to my heart. Our Faculty hosts over 20 student research clubs. Even today I received information about the opening of another one. I strongly encourage students who are considering taking action outside the mainstream study path to get involved in clubs. This is an extraordinary opportunity for you to learn about the practical aspects of computer science applications and to develop your passions – said Prof. Paweł Wachel. 

In the new academic year, over 1100 students have started their studies at our Faculty.

Algo invites students to join the club

Traditionally, the inauguration of the academic year at our Faculty was an opportunity for students to get to know one of the student research clubs at the Faculty. This time it was Algo, which brings together students passionate about creating innovative solutions at the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and programming. Chairman Jakub Barczyński and Vice Chairman Adrian Goral presented the club's goals, successes, and ongoing projects.

– Our first major project was Sound Control. Our goal was to create an interface that allows controlling a character in the game using sound. Our latest project, on the other hand, is Checkmate 2.0. An example of how to combine classic chess gameplay with modern technology. It was about creating a physical chessboard where the pieces move automatically – explained Adrian Goral, vice-chairman of Algo.

The heads of the Algo club emphasized that they participate in meetings with companies and events – including the Faculty's Activity Days and the Faculty Open Day. They also encouraged students to join them. The club is currently recruiting.

Faculty Student Government

New students were also welcomed by Piotr Dębicki, the chairman of the Faculty Student Government. He emphasized that our Faculty is a symbol of the times we live in – changing faster than ever before. In his opinion, WUST students have a unique opportunity not only to observe the technological revolution but also to be a part of it.

– We increasingly talk about artificial intelligence. For all of us, it's no longer just a tool. This is the everyday companion that makes learning easier, speeds up work, and sometimes just helps us understand the world around us. This technology, though powerful, will not replace what is most human. I mean curiosity, responsibility, and collaboration with others. Therefore, we should not talk about what technology can do for us, but we should ask what we can do to use it wisely. AI won't cope with failures for us, won't feel the stress before a session, won't drink coffee during a break. Our task is not to replace ourselves with machines, but to learn to collaborate with them – emphasized Piotr Dębicki.

The chairman of the Student Government encouraged students to be active, participate in meetings, attend integration events, and engage in peer support.

Students with awards

During the inauguration, Dean's Awards were presented for commitment and contribution to the development of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology in the academic year 2024/2025. They went to:

• Nina Bartl – 1st level student of Algorithmic Computer Science
• Oliwia Borkowska – 1st level student of System Engineering
• Piotr Dębicki – 1st level student of Cybersecurity
• Mateusz Kula – 1st level student of Technical Computer Science
• Jakub Piotrowski – 2nd level student of Applied Computer Science
• Victor Sadowy – 2nd level student of Artificial Intelligence
• Nicola Secci – 1st level student of Applied Computer Science.

The Dean's Distinction for commitment and contribution to the development of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology in the academic year 2024/2025 were given to:

• Bartosz Brejna – 1st level student of Applied Computer Science
• Igor Buszta – 1st level student of Cybersecurity
• Jakub Gałązka – 2nd level student of Applied Computer Science
• Bartłomiej Gawryszuk – 1st level student of Technical Computer Science
• Jakub Owoc – 1st level student of Information and Communication Technology
• Izabela Paniczek – 1st level student of System Engineering
• Filip Puszko – 1st level student of Applied Computer Science
• Karolina Rybszleger – 2nd level student of System Engineering
  
• Amelia Sroczyńska – 1st level student of Technical Computer Science
• Mateusz Kula – 2nd level student of Trusted AI Systems.
  

Congratulations to the awarded students.

Quantum revolution

This year's inaugural lecture was about quantum computers. It was delivered by Prof. Wojciech Bożejko, head of the Department of Control Systems and Mechatronics.

– Quantum computers, even in the minds of the biggest sceptics, have ceased to be theoretical constructs. They are no longer more or less successful prototypes. We can use them to run some calculations, and the results of these calculations are consistent with theoretical predictions. The computational capabilities of these machines are enormous. This technological leap is happening now – said Prof. Wojciech Bożejko.

Part of the lecture was dedicated to the quantum computer launched in May of this year at our University. It is the first in Poland to use superconducting qubit technology at low temperatures. The five-qubit machine, named Odra 5, was developed and delivered by IQM Quantum Computers, a global leader in the field of superconducting quantum computers. It is located at the Wroclaw Centre for Networking and Supercomputing.