Maltese engineer and former Stella Maris student Norbert Kawka, BEng, MSc, has been recognised among the highest-achieving graduates of the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering at Warsaw University of Technology (WUT).
Mr Kawka received the faculty's recognition from the Dean during the inauguration of the new academic year on 1 October, as WUT celebrated its 200th anniversary. He had already completed his Master's degree in Power Engineering, specialising in Nuclear Energy, with distinction in 2025.
His academic journey began at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), where he studied mechanical and manufacturing engineering, followed by research experience in aerospace engineering at the University of Padova in Italy.
Mr Kawka began his Master's studies at WUT in 2023 with the support of Malta's ENDEAVOUR scholarship scheme. His research focused on how radioactive material could spread through the atmosphere following an accident.
He developed a three-dimensional computer model of a nuclear research facility in Poland and used historical weather data to simulate possible accident scenarios. The research examined how wind, buildings and vegetation could influence the movement of radioactive material, with potential applications in emergency planning and public protection.
Following his Master's degree, Mr Kawka successfully secured a place on a PhD programme at Poland's National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ).
The selection process involved a demanding three-stage assessment before senior nuclear scientists and physicists from across Poland, including a technical oral examination covering 25 topics, a case study and a final interview. Mr Kawka describes it as the most difficult interview he has faced.
He is now continuing his PhD research into the safety of nuclear reactors designed to provide electricity and heat to industry. His work involves modelling potential accidents and assessing how radioactive releases could affect people and the environment.
Alongside his nuclear specialisation, Mr Kawka has developed expertise in renewable energy, energy storage and the economics of electricity generation.
His long-term ambition is to apply this international experience to Malta's energy sector, helping assess technologies that can provide a reliable and affordable energy supply while maintaining high standards of safety and protecting the environment.
"My goal is to use the knowledge and experience I am gaining internationally to contribute to Malta's energy future. Energy decisions require us to balance reliability, affordability, safety and environmental responsibility."
Mr Kawka's achievement at WUT represents another milestone in an international engineering career that began in Malta and has taken him into advanced research in nuclear energy and safety.