On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Łukasiewicz – AI Institute hosted the fifth and final study visit of the 7th edition of the “Katowice – City of Experts” (“Katowice Miastem Fachowców) program. This marked the conclusion of another series of meetings with students aimed at introducing them to the world of modern technologies, research, and work at a research institute.
The program is a municipal career guidance initiative organized in cooperation with the City of Katowice, targeted at 7th-grade students from local schools. Its goal is to support youth in making informed educational choices, promote technical and vocational education, and provide insight into careers in companies, institutions, and emerging professions of the future.
A key component of the program is the study visits, during which students can experience the work environment firsthand, speak with experts, and see how theory translates into practice.
The 7th edition focused on the practical application of modern technologies, rather than abstract definitions. Students observed how AI-based solutions are developed, how they are implemented, and why cybersecurity is now an integral part of the technology we use every day.
The seven edition consisted of five study visits, engaging 75 7th-grade students from Katowice schools and providing over 12 hours of educational activities.
One of the main topics was AI-powered sign-language avatars. Students learned how AI algorithms assist communication with Deaf individuals, how such systems are designed, and what skills are needed to work on these innovative solutions.
Another major focus was cybersecurity — covering basic online threats, challenges from rapidly developing digital technologies, and the importance of protecting information and systems. Students learned to recognize disinformation and deepfakes, safeguard their data and passwords, and navigate the online world responsibly.
Students were introduced to the daily life of researchers and engineers, discussing the challenges faced in R&D projects and the skills required for careers in modern technology fields. They also received guidance on planning their educational path to succeed in future tech careers.
Every visit included tours of state-of-the-art research laboratories, including the EMC Laboratory (Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing Laboratory) and the Radio Research Laboratory, where devices and systems are tested — from consumer electronics to advanced communication solutions. Students learned why devices are tested, how compliance and durability are verified, and the role these processes play in a technology-driven world.
Students were encouraged to ask questions directly about research, careers, studies, and how to prepare for future roles in science and technology. These face-to-face interactions helped students understand that the world of modern technology and research is tangible, accessible, and open.
Łukasiewicz – AI has actively participated in the “Katowice – City of Experts” program for several years as part of our commitment to Social Responsibility of Science (SON). We have contributed to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th editions of the program, running study visits continuously since 2022. In previous editions, we organized 22 visits, welcoming 415 students.
The program was initiated by the City of Katowice to bridge the gap between education and the local labor market, responding to regional economic analyses highlighting a shortage of qualified professionals as a key barrier to business growth.
We believe that these visits will help Katowice cultivate the skilled workforce needed across multiple industries, while providing young people with stable and ambitious career opportunities. Positive feedback from participants motivates us to continue our cooperation with the City of Katowice, and preparations for future sessions with aspiring experts are already underway.