Engineer, academic teacher, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor of Agricultural Sciences, experienced scientist. Since 2023, he served as Rector of WSEI University. He had extensive experience in the field of science and university management. We present the profile of the Rector of WSEI University – Prof. Marek Opielak, who passed away on 8 March 2026.
He obtained his engineering degree at the Higher School of Engineering in Lublin and his Master's degree in agricultural mechanisation at the Agricultural Academy in Lublin (now the University of Life Sciences in Lublin), where he also obtained further academic degrees – a doctorate in technical sciences and then a postdoctoral degree in agricultural sciences. In 2003, he was awarded the title of professor of agricultural sciences.
He was employed at Lublin University of Technology. Between 2000 and 2011, he was the head of the Department of Process, Food and Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Lublin University of Technology, and since 2006 he held the position of full professor. He served as Vice-Rector for General Affairs (2002-2008) and then Rector of Lublin University of Technology (2008-2012).
Prof. Marek Opielak had been associated with WSEI University since 2003. Between 2003 and 2008, he was employed as an academic teacher, and since 2022, he held a research and teaching position at the Faculty of Transport and Computer Science.
He taught classes in the first and second cycle Transport programmes, including Engineering Design, Transport Impact on the Environment, as well as seminars.
In autumn 2023, he took up the position of the Rector of WSEI University.
Experienced scientist
Prof. Marek Opielak's scientific research covered the construction and operation of machines and vehicles, agricultural engineering, and food industry machinery. He was the author and co-author of over 250 scientific publications (including 20 books), as well as 12 patents and utility models.
He served on the editorial boards of the journals ‘Postępy Techniki Przetwórstwa Spożywczego’ (Advances in Food Processing Technology), ‘Inżynieria Przetwórstwa Spożywczego’ (Food Processing Engineering), ‘Nauka i Technika’ (Science and Technology) and others, as well as on the Agricultural Technology Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He was also a member of several committees of the Lublin Branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
In his academic work, he dealt with issues related to the construction and operation of machines and vehicles, agricultural engineering, and food industry machinery.
Professor Opielak had many years of teaching experience at all levels of education (Bachelor's, Engineering, Master's, postgraduate and doctoral studies).
He supervised four doctoral dissertations and approximately 250 Master's theses, and authored nearly 50 reviews of academic achievements, including 16 doctoral dissertations, 14 postdoctoral dissertations, and 17 applications for the title of professor. He also supervised two applications for honorary doctorates and reviewed one such application.
He actively participated in scientific conferences and served on the scientific committees of many conferences, both domestic and international.
In 2002-2005, he served as vice-president of the Polish Society of Food Processing Engineering and Technology ‘SPOMASZ’ and the Polish Scientific and Technical Society for Exploitation. He was also chairman of the Supervisory Board of Lublin Science and Technology Park and a member of the Supervisory Board of Lublin Airport. He was also an expert for SIMP (Association of Polish Mechanical Engineers and Technicians) and an expert for the Provincial Court in Lublin in the field of automotive technology and road traffic.
Honoured for his work
He received many awards, including the Gold Cross of Merit, the Medal of the National Education Commission, and the Gold Badge of Honour of the Association of Polish Mechanical Engineers and Technicians.
He received the Medal of the 550th Anniversary of Lublin Province in gratitude and recognition for his commitment and contribution to the development of the region and the preservation of its historical and cultural identity.
He was also awarded the Pro Scientia et Humanitate medal. This unique distinction is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and the academic community.
He received honorary doctorates from two universities: Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University in Drohobych and Sumy State University in Ukraine. He also held the title of Honorary Professor of Vinnitsa National Technical University and Belarusian National Technical University in Minsk, but after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Professor Opielak renounced this title.
Prof. Opielak's many years of extensive experience in both science and university management brought measurable benefits to WSEI University – its community and development in the field of innovation and teaching.
In his private life, he was the father of his son Grzegorz, a doctor of medical sciences, and his daughter Katarzyna, a doctor of technical sciences.
WSEI University in Lublin has suffered a painful loss. We have lost not only an outstanding scientist and respected academic lecturer, but
also a man who led our University with great commitment and contributed to its development, who educated and shaped many generations of young engineers.
Professor Marek Opielak will remain in our memory as an ambitious person, consistent in his actions, devoted to science, and at the same time full of humour and kindness.
We bid farewell to our Rector and Friend, whose sudden passing is a painful loss for the entire community of WSEI University.
