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
Sustainable future
Day 1 – Opening & External Dimension
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09:00–12:30
Parallel activities (choose one)
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12:30–13:30
Standing Lunch
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13:30–14:30
Opening of the Conference
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14:30–16:00
Plenary Session I
Bridging Regions: The 20-Year Collaboration Between Olsztyn (Warmia and Mazury) and Offenburg (Baden-Württemberg) as a Role Model
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16:00–16:30
Coffee Break
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16:30–18:00
Plenary Session II
Impact in the Regions
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19:30
Festive Dinner at Campus Marina
Day 2 – Alliance Achievements & Challenges
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09:30–11:00
Working meetings
ChallengeEU Boards working meeting
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10:30–11:00
Coffee
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11:00–12:15
Plenary Session III
Challenge-Based Learning
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12:15–13:15
Standing Lunch
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13:15–14:30
Plenary Session IV
Results & Challenges through rectors perspective
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14:30-15:00
Closing of the Conference
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15:15–15:45
Coffee Break
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15:30–18:30
Parallel Activities
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19:30
Non-hosted Dinner
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.
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Venue
UWM Campus, Olsztyn
A nature-rich campus with two lakes within its area.
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Recommended arrival
5 May 2026
Optional preliminary working meetings, sightseeing and networking.
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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
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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:
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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.
