Bridging Regions - Connecting Universities
ChallengeEU 1st Annual Conference 2026.
Smart specialization sustainable future.
May 6-7, 2026 University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
Key details
6 -7 May 2026
Olsztyn & Online
Researchers, Staff, Students
About the Conference - Sustainable future
This conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with academic leaders, researchers, students, and stakeholders from across Europe who are committed to transforming higher education and addressing societal challenges through collaboration and innovation.
- Networking & Collaboration
- Expert Panels & Workshops
- Plenary Sessions
- Working meetings
- Sharing Knowledge
- Strengthening bonds
Conference program
Bridging Regions - Connecting Universities
Sustainable future
DAY 0
Tuesday, 5 May 2026
For participants who registered in advance, two activities are planned:
15:00 – 16:30
City Tour — Group 1
Monument of Nicolaus Copernicus, Stare Miasto 29/32, 11-041 Olsztyn
The tour at 15:00 is recommended for
participants taking part in the kayaking
activity
16:30 – 18:00
City Tour — Group 2
Monument of Nicolaus Copernicus, Stare Miasto 29/32, 11-041 Olsztyn
16:30 – 19:30
Kayaking on Łyna River
DAY 1 - Opening & External Dimension
Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Venue: CONFERENCE CENTER, DYBOWSKIEGO 11
Registration Desk: 8:00 – 18:00
9:00–12:30
Parallel Activities
- ChallengeEU working meetings.
- Campus tour
12:30–13:15
Standing Lunch
13:30–14:30
Opening of the Conference
14:30–16:00
Plenary Session I
Bridging Regions: Cooperation between Olsztyn (Warmia and Mazury) and Offenburg (Baden-Württemberg) as a role model.
Moderator: Czesław Kiński, UWM
Panelists:
- Jerzy Przyborowski, Rector of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
- Stephan Trahasch, Rector of Hochschule Offenburg
- Julia Ritter, Member of the Board of the Maria and Georg Dietrich Foundation, granddaughter of the foundation’s founders
- Agnieszka Cydzik-Kwiatkowska, Head of the Chair of Environmental Bioengineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, UWM in Olsztyn
- Maciej Madeksza, teacher at the Maria and Georg Dietrich Academic High School in Olsztyn, LO XII
16:00–16:30
Coffee Break
16:30–18:00
Plenary Session II
Impact in the Regions — Meaningful Engagement for Inclusive Digital, Green, and Social Transitions
Moderator: Ilona Maier, HSO
Keynote speaker:
Veland Ramadani, Vice-Rector of South East European University From Fragmentation to Impact. Reimagining Regional Innovation Ecosystem
Panelists:
- Iwona Kieda, Head of Communications and International Affairs, InLife Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Science, Associated Partner
- Bartłomiej Kowalik, Head of Department for International Cooperation, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, Colours European University Alliance
19:30
DAY 1 - Working Meetings
9:00–9:45
Student Introductory Meeting: Cultural Differences
University Library, R121
9:30–10:30
• Academic matchmaking in research
Conference Center, A2
• Mid-term report
Conference Center, A1
9:30-11:00
Campus Tour — Group 1
Conference Center
10:00–12:00
European Campus Quest: Kortowo Edition
Student’s Walkshop Experience, start – University Library
11:00–12:00
• Management Board + Academic Council
Conference Center, A1
• Student Council
Conference Center, A3
• Designing Joint Learning Experiences (COIL, Micro credentials…)
Conference Center, R1
• Networking in Communication and Media: Research and Teaching
Conference Center, R3
• Networking in Psychology: Research and Teaching
Conference Center, R5
11:00 -12:30
Rector's Campus Tour
Stara Kotłownia Exhibition Centre, Prawochenskiego 9
11:00-12:30
Campus Tour — Group 2
Conference Center
12:00-12:30
Management Board + Student Council + Academic Council. Joint session
Conference Center, A1
DAY 2 - Alliance Achievements & Challenges
Thursday, 7 May 2026
Venue: CONFERENCE CENTER, DYBOWSKIEGO 11
Registration Desk: 8:00 – 16:00
9:00–10:30
Working Meetings
10:30–11:00
Coffee Break
11:00-12:15
Plenary Session III
Challenge-Based Learning
Moderator: Caroline Hanras, ECAM LaSalle
Keynote speaker:
Dorota Piotrowska, Lodz Technical University, ECIU European University Alliance Challenge-Based Learning in ECIU Alliance: Innovation hype or a response to real-world complexity?
Panelists:
- Sara Gancho, Director of the Academic Model at Universidade Europeia (UEL)
- Michał Kontraktowicz, Mayor of the Municipality of Stawiguda, Associated Partner
- Rebeca Rocha, President of the ChallengeEU Student Council
12:15–13:15
Standing Lunch
13:15–14:30
Plenary Session IV
Beyond Projects: People at the Heart of ChallengeEU
Moderator: Emmanuel Hazé, UEV
Storytellers:
Fred Fellner, HSO, Rosa Sanchidrian, UEV, Mārtiņš Šabovics, LBTU, Anna
Longueville, MIUN, Caroline Hanras, ECAM LaSalle, Veli Kreci, SEEU,
Filipe Crisóstomo, UEL, Marion Angsthelm, FHNW, Julia Wysocka, UWM
14:30-15:00
Closing of the Conference
15:00–15:30
Coffee Break
15:30–18:30
Parallel Activities
- ChallengeEU working meetings.
- Campus tour
19:30
DAY 2 - Working Meetings
9:00–9:30
Working meeting on Interregional student's M.A.R.K.E.T.'s (M.A.R.K.E.T.'s Officers & Students)
University Library, R121
9:00–10:30
Strategy Board (joined by External Advisory Board and Academic Council members)
Dybowskiego 13, A 3.01
9:30–10:30
• PhD joint module
Conference Center, R2
• M.A.R.K.E.T.'s Officers meeting
University Library, R121
• Financial Officers meeting
Conference Center, R4
• Working Session in Co-creating Joint Courses/Double/Joint Degrees
Conference Center, A2
• Student's Communication training
Faculty of Humanities, R134
• Building a Holistic, Equitable, and Supportive University Ecosystem
Conference Center, R3
15:30-16:30
Management Board
Conference Center, R2
15:30-17:00
Student's training: Love Across Cultures: Building Healthy Relationships and Promoting Mental Well-Being
Conference Center, A2
Accessibility
- The Conference Centre and the University Library at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn are accessible and welcoming to participants with disabilities and diverse accessibility needs.
- The venues provide accessible entrances, ramps, adapted restrooms, and designated parking spaces. The University Library is equipped with lifts and assistive technologies, including screen readers and dedicated workstations for users with visual impairments.
- Selected conference spaces are equipped with an induction loop system, supporting participants who use hearing aids or cochlear implants.
- The University is committed to digital accessibility. Conference materials can be provided in alternative formats upon request, and a designated contact person is available to assist participants with specific accessibility requirements.
Useful information
Bridging Regions – Connecting Universities
University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM), Olsztyn, Poland • Main conference dates: 6–7 May 2026. We recommend arriving on 5 May (optional pre-activities) and scheduling departure for 8 May.
At a glance
Olsztyn • 6–7 May 2026-
Conference dates
6–7 May 2026
Main conference programme in Olsztyn.
-
Venue
UWM Campus, Olsztyn
A nature-rich campus with two lakes within its area.
-
Recommended arrival
5 May 2026
Optional preliminary working meetings, sightseeing and networking.
-
Recommended departure
8 May 2026
Allows a comfortable travel buffer after Day 2.
Quick actions
More details (registration & full agenda) will be provided soon.
Key dates & recommended plan
Arrive early for optional pre-activities, depart with a buffer
Key dates & recommended plan
Arrive early for optional pre-activities, depart with a buffer
-
5 May 2026
Recommended arrival • optional preliminary working meetings, city tour & networking. -
6 May 2026
Conference Day 1. -
7 May 2026
Conference Day 2. -
8 May 2026
Recommended departure.
Nearest airports & transport to Olsztyn
Recommended airports + train & private bus options
Nearest airports & transport to Olsztyn
Recommended airports + train & private bus options
For travel convenience, the easiest airports to use are: Warsaw Chopin (WAW), Warsaw Modlin (WMI), and Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa (GDN). We do not recommend Olsztyn Szymany Airport.
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Train
~6 connections/day, every 2–3 hours. Tickets in Poland are typically available up to one month in advance.
Buy tickets: polishtrains.eu -
Train stations in Olsztyn
Destination stations: Olsztyn Główny or Olsztyn Zachodni.
Accommodation recommendations
Choose: campus / Old Town / Lake Ukiel
Accommodation recommendations
Choose: campus / Old Town / Lake Ukiel
The UWM campus is located on the outskirts of Olsztyn and offers a unique academic environment surrounded by nature, with two lakes within its area. Approximate distances:
-
2.5 km
from the Old Town -
3 km
from Lake Ukiel (leisure & recreation zone) -
4 km
from Olsztyn Główny (main railway station) -
3 km
from Olsztyn Zachodni (railway station)
Hampton By Hilton Olsztyn
Centrally located, close to the Old Town; easy access to restaurants, cafes, and city attractions.
Best Western Plus Hotel Olsztyn Old Town
Between the Old Town and the University; good access to both areas.
Omega Hotel
By Lake Ukiel; great for relaxation and scenery, slightly further from the University.
Hotel Tiffi Boutique (lakeside alternative)
A similar lakeside option near Lake Ukiel (leisure and recreation zone).
HP Hotel Park
Very close to the University; ideal for quick campus access, but farther from city centre and Old Town (limited public transport options).
Getting around Olsztyn & reaching UWM Campus
Public transport, taxis, and ride-sharing
Getting around Olsztyn & reaching UWM Campus
Public transport, taxis, and ride-sharing
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Public transport (MPK)
Tickets via apps (SkyCash, moBilet, Zbiletem.pl) or on board with a payment card.
Campus lines: 103, 109, 119, 136. -
Taxis
Available citywide; safe and affordable. -
Ride-sharing (Bolt & Uber)
Old Town → campus typically ~15–30 PLN (approx. 4–8 EUR), depending on time of day.
Contact
Organisers’ email and phone numbers
Contact
Organisers’ email and phone numbers
Where We Meet
The Conference Center at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
The Conference Center is an integral part of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, offering a modern venue for diverse professional and cultural events.
Our facility features fully equipped conference rooms and infrastructure designed to host conventions, conferences, congresses, academic symposiums, business meetings, and artistic performances. We provide comprehensive event support, including dedicated spaces for catering services, coffee breaks, and lunch buffets, as well as exhibition areas for trade displays and promotional stands. All conference rooms are climate-controlled for year-round comfort, and convenient parking is available on-site.
Situated on the university campus in the scenic outskirts of Olsztyn, the Conference Center offers an ideal environment for both productive work and relaxation. The surrounding area features two picturesque lakes, a horse riding center, the university’s stunning lakeside park, and pristine forest trails, creating a perfect balance between professional focus and natural tranquility.
