The idea behind the first edition of the “Science – Business – Construction” conference under the patronage of the “Builder” magazine, was to create a platform for exchange of experiences and knowledge among scientists and construction practitioners. The representatives of science presented their lectures, including Professor Leonard Runkiewicz, Ph.D., Eng. from the Warsaw University of Technology, Klaudiusz Fross, Ph.D. Eng. in Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology and Professor Andrzej Flaga, Ph.D., Eng. from the Cracow University of Technology. The construction industry was represented by conference partners, including Mostostal Warszawa.

The debate entitled “Science and Business in the Construction Industry and Architecture” devoted to the mutual benefits of cooperation between companies and scientific units, research institutes and universities was attended by the President of Mostostal Warszawa Andrzej Goławski and Juliusz Żach, Director of R[&]D Division. Mostostal Warszawa shared its experiences, which are plentiful, in this respect. Over 10 years ago, the company – being the only one in the entire construction industry in Poland – established its own R[&]D Division. At the present moment, this scientific unit employs several specialists from such industries as construction, sanitary engineering, electronics and materials science and cooperates with almost all important research institutions in the country and abroad.

We are trying to make the best possible use of the company’ innovative potential. R[&]D activity is a great advantage of Mostostal Warszawa that provides it with a competitive edge in the industry. There are few construction companies in Poland that can boast of such extensive accomplishments and engineering potential. The achievements of the R[&]D team in the area of innovations cannot be overestimated. Thanks to this unit, Mostostal Warszawa successfully meets its business objectives and promotes the cooperation of industry and science consortia. We are building a space for cooperation and we prove that work in the science and business model offers great results. The common denominators of implemented activities are innovations and a conviction that we can change the future for the better. Without great visions, perseverance, solid knowledge and interdisciplinary approach, we would not have been able to present such exceptional facilities as, e.g., the composite bridge in Błażowa, said Andrzej Goławski, President of the Management Board of Mostostal Warszawa SA.

On the second day of the conference, Juliusz Żach talked about research and development activity of Mostostal Warszawa. The main subject matter of the lecture was the innovative road bridge made of composite materials; this is the first structure of this type in Poland and one of the few in Europe. The bridge in Błażowa is also the largest facility of this type in the world with respect to the size of the span. The task was implemented as a part of the Com-bridge research project. A consortium headed by Mostostal Warszawa,  with such partners as Promost Consulting from Rzeszów, Rzeszów University of Technology and Warsaw University of Technology were responsible for its implementation.

Completion of this facility is an excellent example of good cooperation between industry and science under the auspices of Mostostal Warszawa.