UWM–HSO meeting: Cooperation is a shield in difficult times
On Monday, 8 December, the University of Warmia and Mazury was visited by guests from Hochschule Offenburg and the Maria and Georg Dietrich Foundation. The pre-Christmas meeting is a tradition that strengthens the ties between the two partner universities. It was, among other things, this friendship that gave rise to the ChallengeEU Alliance. The annual UWM–HSO meeting is a tradition. Professor Jerzy Przyborowski, Rector of the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM), welcomed the delegation in the rector’s office building, saying: “I am very grateful that we can meet every year as part of the Christmas Bridge initiative, launched by Georg Dietrich. It is a true symbol of friendship between our institutions, but also between all the people involved.” Both the host and the guests emphasised that good relations between countries are more important than ever in the face of the ongoing war in Ukraine and many other geopolitical threats. “Thank you very much for this wonderful welcome during Advent. For us, this is not an official visit – it is a visit to friends. This friendship is a prerequisite for successful cooperation, because something good usually grows out of human relationships,” said Prof. Dr Stephan Trahasch, Rector of Hochschule Offenburg (HSO). Participants in the meeting underlined that what has particularly strengthened the friendship between the University of Warmia and Mazury and Hochschule Offenburg in recent times is the fact that both universities are members of the ChallengeEU European Universities Alliance. The ChallengeEU Alliance places strong emphasis on student mobility. “Exchange and cooperation among young people form the foundation of unity between nations, and thus of peace in Europe,” explained Stephan Trahasch. During the meeting, discussions on joint initiatives within the ChallengeEU Alliance were continued. Prof. Dr Tobias Hagen, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation at Hochschule Offenburg and Chair of the ChallengeEU Alliance, spoke, among others, with Professor Paweł Wielgosz, the UWM Rector’s Representative for European Universities, about new joint educational programmes and academic cooperation – especially in the field of research. “The project has only just started, but we already have our first results – our academic staff have taken part in joint training sessions, and in recent days students, including from our university, met in Offenburg,” said Prof. Paweł Wielgosz. “We are preparing to launch new joint study programmes – not only with HSO, but also with other partner universities. It is also very important to me that we can conduct scientific research together. From experience, I know that effective academic cooperation is often born precisely from joint research. I hope that our working meetings will lead to ideas for new study programmes and new areas of scientific collaboration.” As Prof. Dr Stephan Trahasch recalled, in addition to cooperation within the ChallengeEU Alliance and its other dimensions, what connects UWM and HSO is joint education. The universities run two programmes at the Faculty of Geoengineering (Environmental Engineering in the field of Process Engineering and Biotechnology) and one at the Faculty of Food Science (Food Technology and Human Nutrition in the field of Food Engineering). They also cooperate in programmes such as German Studies and Business Linguistics, in which students also learn German. Prof. Dr Tobias Hagen, who took part in several ChallengeEU working meetings during his stay at UWM (including one devoted to the conference planned for May to summarise the Alliance’s first year of activities), noted that discussions within the ChallengeEU team and with the Faculties of Economics, Geoengineering and Food Science were intensive, extremely fruitful and constructive, and took place in a very friendly atmosphere. He was convinced that this would enable us to further develop the long-standing partnership between our universities and that there would be many new ideas for the future. The HSO delegation also included Prof. Dr Jens Pfafferott (Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering in Offenburg), who had the opportunity to meet with UWM representatives to discuss possibilities for further cooperation. Dr Wolfgang Bruder, Chairman of the Georg and Maria Dietrich Foundation, noted that over the years the foundation has awarded more than 200 scholarships to UWM students, contributing to broadening knowledge, creating better learning conditions, and deepening cooperation. In this way, it continues the ideas of Georg Dietrich, who already decades ago deeply understood the importance of Polish–German cooperation and was committed to ensuring that it also developed at university level.
UWM: Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski visits the University of Warmia and Mazury
On Tuesday, 2 December, the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM) became part of the nationwide science-and-technology tour “IGNIS – Poland Reaches for the Stars.” The campus in Kortowo welcomed Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski an engineer and scientist and the second Pole to travel into space who came to Olsztyn on a mission to popularise science and share first-hand experience from an international spaceflight. “Exactly 160 days ago on 25 June at 8:51 a.m. the IGNIS mission launched from Cape Canaveral,” said Mariusz Korpoliński, who hosted the event at UWM’s Conference Centre as he introduced the guest he called a “superhero.” “Four astronauts set off on a long journey to the International Space Station. The flight carried out by Axiom Space in cooperation with SpaceX and NASA was followed by the entire country. We were all watching on TVs, tablets, smartphones and computers, living through those huge emotions together.” Beyond “sky is the limit” In an era when “sky is the limit” keeps expanding into new areas of everyday life, space is increasingly less a boundary and more a destination shaped by technology, research and imagination. Uznański-Wiśniewski’s visit to UWM was designed to make that world not only more accessible to science, but also more relatable to the public. Speaking in Kortowo, he outlined the course of his mission, described the work he carried out aboard the station and most importantly-argued that science is both a tool for understanding the world and a pathway to fulfilling personal ambitions. Drawing on his own story, he stressed that work can become a true passion-something worth pursuing wholeheartedly and encouraged students and researchers to follow their goals with consistency and courage. Don’t predict the future – build it Welcoming the astronaut to the university, UWM Rector Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski invoked Peter Drucker’s famous observation that the best way to predict the future is to create it. He argued that UWM is doing exactly that among other things through its engagement in research linked to space and radio astronomy. As the rector noted, on the same day Uznański-Wiśniewski flew into space, UWM together with partners launched Poland’s activity within the LOFAR-ERIC consortium at the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center. He also recalled that the university will co-create Poland’s consortium for the SKAO (Square Kilometer Array Observatory) project, which oversees two of the world’s largest radio telescopes located in Australia and Africa. UWM also coordinates the POLFAR initiative, while the university’s LOFAR station operates in Bałdy near Olsztyn. Prof. Przyborowski emphasised that Uznański-Wiśniewski’s participation in a space mission provided a rare boost for Polish science. “It proves that the most ambitious projects can be delivered and that it is worth working, and worth dreaming while you work,” he said, referring as well to the legacy of Nicolaus Copernicus, who worked in Olsztyn on ideas that would change the world. UWM’s community will also be reminded of the role that ambition and perseverance play in “reaching the stars” by two keepsakes displayed after the visit: a Polish flag and an IGNIS mission patch that travelled into space with the astronaut and spent several days in orbit. Uznański-Wiśniewski, in turn, left Olsztyn with a painting and a university hoodie. Look further, aim higher Uznański-Wiśniewski’s stop in Kortowo formed part of a series of events organised by Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Polish Space Agency, in cooperation with the European Space Agency. “We’ve already passed the halfway point of our science-and-technology route its purpose is to bring space closer and to discover talent,” said Dr. Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, welcoming the astronaut back to his alma mater. “Talent that might one day follow in Sławosz’s footsteps. His story shows that space isn’t as distant as it may seem. It takes passion, work and perseverance.” The minister noted that Olsztyn Copernicus’s city was an especially fitting setting for a meeting with someone who looks further than most. “Science can open doors that once seemed closed,” he said. Science supported from orbit During a special session for the academic community, Uznański-Wiśniewski spoke not only about the milestones that led him to the stars, but also about doubt, discipline and the constant need to improve. He devoted particular attention to research he helped conduct in space. “Right after going through the station, work began,” he said. “I carried out experiments from day one. One of them involved volcanic algae that we brought from Earth. We tested their survivability in space in microgravity, under radiation exposure and their efficiency in generating oxygen. Perhaps this will be used in bioreactors that enable long-range exploration of space or even terraforming other planets; or perhaps these solutions will return to Earth to help clean our atmosphere.” He added that the volume of work on board made it impossible to present every project during the meeting in Kortowo. “I had a high-computing-power computer on the station that tested artificial intelligence algorithms under space conditions,” he explained. “Among other things, we evaluated algorithms for autonomous decision-making and for the movement of lunar rovers before software like this is taken to the Moon.” Other speakers also addressed the experiments conducted during the mission particularly those who had approached ESA for support in developing their research. “I wanted to inspire the university community to seize the opportunity opening up for Poland and take the next step in space technology,” said Dr. Norbert Kapiński of Smarter Diagnostics. “We must find our niche something that sets us apart. The mission’s experiments point to directions. We have excellent engineers; we are leaders let’s not be afraid of the word in AI development, and this community strongly argues that this should become our specialty and a foundation for an innovative economy. Some of the experiments focused on AI algorithms how we can use them in space. The amount of data is growing, including in space technology, and AI is the best tool to analyse it.” The
A supply of knowledge and inspiration for the entire year
As every year, the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn has prepared a rich program of workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and other events proving that science is a great adventure and that there is an artist in all of us. The Olsztyn Science and Art Days began on September 25th and lasted three days. As every year, the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn has prepared a rich programme of workshops, lectures, demonstrations and other events showing that science is a great adventure and that there is an artist in all of us. The Olsztyn Days of Science and Art began on 25 September and lasted three days. For over 20 years, the arrival of crowds of young people in Kortowo (university campus) has been the surest sign that the Olsztyn Days of Science and Art are about to begin. This year was no different: on Thursday morning (25 September), the UWM campus was already hosting numerous groups of pre-schoolers as well as primary and secondary school students from Olsztyn and other towns in the region. Workshops: learning at your fingertips Representatives from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, among others, invited participants into their classrooms, offering workshops where attendees learned how landscape architects choose colours, where they draw inspiration, and how they apply this knowledge when designing green spaces. During other workshops (‘Let’s Protect Our Weeds’), participants discovered that plants we usually uproot, ignore or eradicate can be guardians of biodiversity, natural habitats for insects and… inspiration for artists and scientists. Meanwhile, faculty from the Department of Chemistry argued that ‘Every acid has its base’, and offered a series of colourful experiments and demonstrations. On Friday, the Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, specifically the Department of Animal Genetics, hosted a workshop for students aged 16 and over entitled “Discover the Secrets Written in Your Genes”, during which participants had the opportunity to carry out a genetic test themselves. “We use a simplified genetic-material isolation procedure, similar to the one used when registering for the bone-marrow donor database. Participants scrape epithelial cells with a brush, transfer the collected material to a test tube with a special liquid, heat it for ten minutes, and in this way obtain genetic material for simple single- or double-gene tests. Secondary-school students take part in the workshops, so, unlike university students, they do not, for example, have to prepare reagent mixes; these are ready for them. They simply insert the material into the device, which performs the analysis automatically,’ explains Dr Kamil Oleński, who co-led the workshop. Dr hab. Paweł Brym, a professor at the University of Warmia and Mazury, adds: “Students take two types of tests, and behind each lie two “secrets”: one is colloquially called “Can you be infected with HIV?” and the other is “Do you have the gene for addiction?” As you might imagine, students’ reactions vary depending on the results [laughter].” Both lecturers assured the group that the results were kept confidential, so each participant could decide whether to share them with their peers. The Department of Beekeeping at the University highlighted how important and beneficial pollinators are. During the workshop ‘People for Bees – Bees for People, or Life Sweetened with Honey’, participants learned about the structure and organisation of a bee colony, observed worker bees at work and saw a queen bee. There were also hands-on activities: everyone could make their own beeswax candle and bake honey gingerbread biscuits. The organisers also planned a sweet tasting, with honey available for anyone interested. The Food Science Department also served up something sweet, with sessions on the secrets of chocolate, among other topics. During the workshops, young explorers saw how chocolate is made from cocoa beans. They also had the chance to make their own chocolates and decorate them as they wished. Scientists from the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology discussed how to support the body, deliciously and effectively, in combating excessive oxidative stress. At the same faculty, participants also learned about brain function and the dangers of microplastics. The Faculty of Technical Sciences provided a true feast for science and technology enthusiasts. There were demonstrations of 3D printing, as well as experiments with electricity and chemical reactions. The workshop, titled ‘Idea Factory’, was led by Karolina Łabanowska, a graduate of two programmes at the Faculty of Technical Sciences, currently pursuing a third (logistics engineering) and a PhD candidate. Participants were immersed in the world of modern manufacturing technologies, learning how 3D printing works using FDM and SLA technologies, how precise laser engraving can be, and how three-dimensional forms can be created using a 3D pen. “We painted the engraved details with acrylic paints and coated the printed pendants with varnish. The children were very intrigued and said it was the best workshop they’d ever attended,” said Karolina Łabanowska. The Faculty of Economics encouraged young entrepreneurs to build their own company. Participants were tasked with devising a product, logo, name and mission, and pitching the idea to the group. There are no good ideas without a well-tuned brain. Representatives from the Faculty of Social Sciences had participants put theirs through a workout. While tackling the tasks, the children learned about the properties of the brain and how to take care of their ‘command centre’. On Thursday morning, the Faculty of Humanities offered, among other things, a lecture on Jan Kasprowicz’s “Dies irae”, while the Foreign Languages Centre invited students to learn about the superheroes of Antiquity. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invited anyone fascinated by the world of pharmacy to a session in the pharmacy. Workshop participants had the opportunity to make their own moisturising vitamin ointments and to familiarise themselves with pharmacy equipment used to prepare suppositories, emulsions, suspensions, solutions and prescription powders. Representatives from the Faculty of Law and Administration invited participants to take a closer look at crime. During forensic-science workshops, attendees assumed the role of experts, analysing traces and evidence and exploring how the human mind responds when confronted with criminal mysteries. The Faculty of
Branding, or building identity. Workshops in Poland
Representatives of the nine universities forming the ChallengeEU alliancemet at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) to discuss how to communicate and disseminate the alliance’s activities, which aim to open new opportunities for members of the academic community. To discuss the image of the ChallengeEU alliance and strategies for reaching various target audiences, representatives from all partner universities gathered in Olsztyn. Among them, the largest group consisted of those responsible for communication within the project. Also present were leaders of other work packages and the Secretary General of the alliance. All had the opportunity to connect with UWM staff involved in other parts of the project. The workshops were also attended by Prof. Paweł Wielgosz, UWM’s Representative for European Universities. Branding – Building the Identity of the Alliance The identity and future of ChallengeEU will be shaped by those who co-create it and seize the opportunities it offers. However, its image—especially in the eyes of individuals or companies potentially interested in collaborating with the universities—will also play a vital role and should be considered from the very beginning. Working on the alliance’s identity means also working on its visual communication and messaging—key elements that ChallengeEU will use to connect with others. Learning from One Another and Combining Our Strengths The second day was equally productive, featuring workshops and a working meeting held at the UWM Center for Marketing and Media. “A very important part of the visit was the opportunity for our guests to explore various units of UWM — including the editorial offices of the university media, the Office for International Cooperation, the Student Affairs Office, the Center for Cooperation with the Socio-Economic Environment, as well as selected faculties,” explains Dr. Marta Śliwa. “It was a great opportunity to present UWM’s educational offer and scientific potential, but also for our community to learn more about the ideas and objectives of the ChallengeEU alliance.” – “The meeting in Olsztyn was very highly rated by all participants, which is a great joy for us. We feel that thanks to this event, ChallengeEU has truly found its place within our university’s academic space.” Participants of the workshops in Kortowo also emphasized how meeting in person made them realize how strong their relationships have already become — and how positively this strengthens their collaboration. Together with all those involved in the project, they are gradually building the foundation for a shared, open, and inclusive campus.
LBTU hosts programme “Media Literacy for Future Leaders”
The Institute of Social and Humanitarian Sciences of the Faculty of Economics and Social Development (ESAF) at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) has successfully completed the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) project “Media Literacy for Future Leaders”. Among the participants were students and lecturers from ChallengeEU partner universities — Hochschule Offenburg, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, and South East European University (SEEU) — joined by representatives of the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The program was led by an international team of lecturers, including five LBTU faculty members from ESAF and guest lecturers – professor Edlira Palloshi Disha from North Macedonia, media science professor Urszula Doliwa, and associate professor Magdalena Szydłowska from Poland. The programme focused on media literacy, critical thinking, and intercultural communication — equipping students with tools to analyze digital content, detect disinformation, and craft meaningful messages. Following an initial online seminar, participants gathered for a vibrant study week in Jelgava, featuring hands-on workshops, cultural visits to Riga and Rundāle Palace, and student presentations during the international conference “Students on Their Way to Science”. It was a great experience, as reflected in the words of one of the participants: “I would like to sincerely thank you for the wonderful experience during the Blended Intensive Programme in Latvia. It was an incredibly enriching opportunity, both academically and personally. I am truly grateful for the chance to participate, to meet inspiring peers, and to learn from outstanding professors. The organization and hospitality throughout the programme were exceptional. I truly appreciate all the efforts that made this an unforgettable experience”. >>> More information
