Rate My Professor Rafał Dańko

Professor Rafał Dańko is a professor in the Faculty of Foundry Engineering at the AGH University of Science and Technology. He completed his Master of Engineering studies at the Faculty of Foundry Engineering from 1993 to 1999. On October 15, 1999, he began his professional career at the same faculty. In 2006, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences for his dissertation titled "Theoretical and technological foundations for selecting optimal methods of dry regeneration of used foundry masses." He obtained his habilitation in 2012 with the thesis "Strength model of self-hardening molding masses with synthetic resins in the aspect of integrated recycling of the base." In 2020, he received the title of Professor of Technical Sciences. From 2016 to 2020, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Foundry Engineering, and since 2020, he has been Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, with his term extended to 2024-2028.

Prof. Dańko's academic interests encompass foundry technology, reclamation of spent moulding sands, properties of moulding sands, environmental protection in foundry processes, microstructure and mechanical properties of cast irons, and development of innovative binders for foundry moulds. Affiliated with the Chair of Chemistry and Corrosion of Metals, he has produced over 320 scientific publications, including two monographs authored solely by him and five co-authored monographs. Among his most cited works are "Microstructure and properties of ductile iron and compacted graphite iron castings: the effects of mold sand/metal interface phenomena" (2015, cited 80 times), "Innovative developments in sand reclamation technologies" (2011, cited 50 times), "Reclamation of used sands in foundry production" (2003, cited 49 times), and "Foundry industry–current state and future development" (2012, cited 48 times). His scholarly impact is evidenced by over 1,667 citations on Google Scholar. Prof. Dańko has received numerous honors, including the Gold Honorary Badge of the Polish Foundrymen's Association (STOP), the Silver Honorary Badge of the Supreme Organization of Technology, six Rector's Awards for Scientific Achievements, and two Individual Rector's Awards for Scientific Achievements. He currently holds the position of President of the Polish Foundrymen's Association (STOP) and has been elected President of the World Foundry Organization for the 2026-2027 term.