The report, prepared by Perspektywy Education Foundation, shows that between the academic years 2006/2007 and 2011/2012 the number of students at Polish universities dropped by more than 177,000. Only technical universities report the systematic increase in the number of students.

"Virtually all the increase in the number of students at polytechnics is due to women, and the number of men during that time did not change significantly" - said Bianka Siwińska from Perspektywy Education Foundation, coordinator of the campaign "Girls as Engineers".

According to the report, in the academic year 2007/2008 technical universities educated more than 280 thousand students. "Currently, there are over 306,000 students, and while the number of women has increased by more than 24 thousand, the number of men at the same time by almost 2,000" - reads the report.

During the six years of the campaign "Girls as Engineers", the percentage of women at technical universities increased from 30 percent to 35.9 percent this year. At ordered courses selected by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education as a key to economic development, they represent more than 37 percent students.

"I am glad that more girls choose technical studies. They are doing very well, nearly 40 percent of all students receiving scholarships at ordered courses are girls" - emphasised Minister of Science Prof. Barbara Kudrycka.

Participants of the recent press conference also emphasised that the girls are not only more likely to take up studies in the fields of science and engineering, but also achieve great results.

"At the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, known as one of the most +man’s+ faculties, five best students were girls" - said the rector of Wrocław University of Technology Prof. Tadeusz Więckowski. "For four years, all ministerial scholarships at our university are awarded to women, although man also apply" - added rector of Czestochowa University of Technology Prof. Maria Nowicka-Skowron.

According to President of the Polish Patent Office Dr. Alicja Adamczak, women have untapped intellectual potential. In addition, they often do not try to be selected as members of research teams. This way, they marginalize their participation in scientific achievements.

"Inventions do not have a gender, but men still submit more inventions. Only 14-15 percent applications to the Patent Office are inventions submitted by women" - said Dr. Adamczak.

She emphasized that women lack the impulse that would make them more determined and courageous. "There should be a course to support creativity at the early stage of education" - said President of PPO.

According to Bianka Siwińska, the only area which does not become more popular among girls, is computer science. Only 12 percent computer science students at public universities are women, and at technical universities only just over 8 percent.

"One in five job adds in Poland is for computer science expert. Therefore, forward-thinking girls should choose the courses associated with the so-called new technologies" - argued President of the Office of Electronic Communications Magdalena Gaj.

The campaign "Girls as Engineers" is the largest program to promote technical and engineering studies and the sciences among young women. It is a joint project of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Technical Universities and Perspektywy Education Foundation.

The highlight of this year\'s edition will be the National Open Day for Girls Only on April 25. 15 Polish universities will participate. For several years, the campaign has been accompanied by the module "Girls to Science". It aims to encourage future women students to choose science at universities.

Detailed information about the National Open Day for Girls Only is available at: www.dziewczynynapolitechniki.pl

PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland

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