European Convention of Engineering Deans | Engineering the Circular Transition: Digital, Sustainable & Human-Centric Futures

The Silesian University of Technology is pleased to host the SEFI European Convention of Engineering Deans (ECED) in Gliwice, Poland, between 25–27 May 2026.

The European Convention of Engineering Deans (ECED) is SEFI’s flagship annual event, bringing together engineering deans, academic leaders, and key stakeholders from across Europe and beyond. It provides a high-level forum for strategic dialogue, exchange of experience, and reflection on the future of engineering education — with a strong focus on leadership, governance, and institutional development. ECED fosters peer interaction in a professional environment, supporting the identification of shared challenges, practical solutions, and stronger collaboration across institutions.

This year’s theme — Engineering the Circular Transition: Digital Sustainable Human-Centric Futures — reflects the growing need for engineering education to support Europe’s shift toward sustainability, digital transformation and human-centric leadership.

ECED 2026 will continue the well-established single-track format, offering space for deans, academic leaders and industry partners to exchange strategic perspectives, practical insights and institutional experiences.

Key Information

• Dates: 25–27 May 2026
• Venue: Silesian University of Technology – Gliwice Education and Congress Centre, Gliwice, Poland
• Convention website: Visit here
• Format: Single-track conference
• Audience: Deans, programme directors, educational leaders, industry partners

Programme Highlights

• Opening Forum: Engineering Europe’s Future – Circular, Digital & Human
• Inspiring keynotes by Virginijus Sinkevičius, MEP and former EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries (Lithuania); and by Artur Pollak, Founder and CEO of APA Group (Poland)
• Plenary Panels on circular collaboration, leadership and alliances
• Interactive Workshop: All Hands on Circular Transition
• Student & Young Leaders Forum
• Industrial Night in the historic Guido Coal Mine (Zabrze)
• View info about keynotes and the detailed programme here

Conference Fees

Student Poster Session

• Theme – Student Visions for the Circular Engineering Future
• Submission Deadline – 18 May 2026
• Submit to – eced2026@polsl.pl
• Eligibility – The session is open to BSc, MSc, and early PhD students (within the first two years of their doctoral programme) from European universities, applying individually or in teams (1–4 students). At least one student author must attend ECED 2026 in person and be present during the poster session.

Submission and Selection

Submissions are based on a short abstract (up to 220 words) addressing:

• the idea or problem tackled,
• the innovative or original aspect,
• the link to the ECED 2026 theme (circular, digital, human-centric),
• any industry or alliance collaboration (if applicable).

Evaluation and Awards

Posters will be evaluated on:

• relevance to the ECED 2026 theme,
• innovation and originality,
• clarity and coherence of the idea,
• potential to inspire deans and educational leaders,
• (optional) quality of collaboration with industry or alliances.

A Best Poster Award and up to two Honourable Mentions will be decided by a jury of SEFI Corporate Partners’ representatives.
Finalist poster teams (approx. 3–5) will be invited to the Industrial Night at the Guido Mine, where the awards will be announced and presented.

Contact

For questions or early inquiries, please contact the Local Organising Committee: 📧 eced2026@polsl.pl