Paweł Dzikiewicz and Zofia Stypułkowska, graduates from our Faculty, were awarded the prestigious „Sigma” Prize granted by the Wrocław University of Science and Technology Alumni Association. Congratulations!

The „Sigma” award is one of the most prestigious awards granted to students of Wrocław University of Science and Technology. It is awarded by the WUST Alumni Association to graduates of first or second cycle studies in recognition of their contribution to the academic community – from their activity in student research clubs, through organizing events, to their active involvement in student government and initiatives for the local community.

In the case of Paweł Dzikiewicz, it is first and foremost in recognition of his tireless work, passion, and involvement. The former president of the strategic Neuron Neuroinformatics Research Club is currently pursuing a master's degree in Applied Computer Science. His engineering studies were filled with numerous activities and achievements, and Paweł declares that he is still hungry for success.

– I participated in many competitions, including international ones, where I achieved, among others, second and fifth place worldwide in competitions related to brain–computer interfaces. I was also the president of the Neuron Neuroinformatics student research club, and during my term, we managed to earn the title of strategic club at WUST. I was also involved in promotional activities and scientific publications. I think all of this effort has translated into today's achievements – says Paweł Dzikiewicz.

The laureate was also a member of the team that won the award in the CreatiWITy competition for the best engineering project, as well as the team that received a ministerial grant for the PosyVibe project. He also received a grant from the FAST programme of the Wrocław Academic Centre, under which he carried out a project on the use of brain–computer interface in therapy for people with attention disorders. He was also the initiator, the main organizer and the manager of the Neurohackathon – an event he still finds a significant achievement.

– I look at this award as a summary of my activities so far. It's nice to be noticed and distinguished among so many graduates. This recognition shows the real impact of my work. I consider this award as the culmination of my undergraduate studies and at the same time a good entry into my second-cycle studies, which I have just begun. I’m continuing my activities, no longer as the president of the club, but more in the field of research and scientific projects – he adds.

Outside his other activities, he is still involved in the PosyVibe project, as part of which, together with the Neuron Neuroinformatics Research Club, he participated in the Music & AI Hackathon in Japan or competed with teams from around the world in the biggest brain–computer interface hackathon BR41N.IO.

– As part of the PosyVibe project, we generate music based on the user's emotional state. We strive to match its character so that – if the user is stressed – we can help them calm down and maintain balance. It can be described as a form of music therapy supported by technology.

Several of this year's graduates from our Faculty were also honoured with distinctions and recognition awards. They are: Piotr Gabrysch, Wiktor Sadowy, Szymon Romanek, Izabela Kalenik.

We were unable to contact the second “Sigma” award laureate, Zofia Stypułkowska.