Five scientists from the University of Silesia received Bekker grants awarded by the National Academic Exchange Agency Program. Bekker grants allow the researchers employed in Polish universities and scientific organizations to apply for the best research centers in the world.

The aim of the Program is to increase the international mobility of scientists and academic teachers employed at Polish universities by enabling them to conduct research or teaching in renowned foreign centers around the world. Trips may last from three months to a year.
The laureates of the program are Dr Monika Jagielska from the Faculty of Law and Administration; Prof. Przemysław Marciniak from the Faculty of Philology; Dr Łukasz Pawlik from the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Dr Anna Świtlicka and Dr Anna Maroń from the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.