The importance of cooperation between Polish universities within alliances is emphasised at the national level, which resulted in a competition entitled "Support for European Universities" announced by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange. It made it possible for universities involved in the European Alliance initiatives to apply for financial resources to implement further activities with partner universities. The University of Lodz became one of the beneficiaries of this competition and will implement further initiatives whose goal is to build long-term potential for cooperation through joint educational, scientific and professional initiatives.
The application entitled "We are UNIC!" submitted by the International Hub in cooperation with the university staff involved in cooperation within the Alliance received positive expert opinions and funding in the amount of PLN 2 million. These funds will be used, among other things, for:
- organisation of events (conferences, seminars, summer schools), including the international scientific seminar "Rola cyfryzacji w budowaniu odporności miast" [The role of digitisation in building the resilience of cities] or the conference "Sustainable development and other paradigms and concepts in the context of contemporary civilization trends – global and local dimensions"),
- mobility of the University of Lodz community to UNIC universities, including trips to UNIC summer schools and staff weeks
- student projects, including an exhibition of student photographic works "UNiCalność. Wystawa studenckich prac fotograficznych" [UNiCality. Exhibition of student photographic works]
- implementation of innovative forms of education,
- joint scientific publication of the Alliance partners (a scientific monograph on the implementation of sustainable development assumptions and SDG goals, taking into account the experiences of cities represented in the UNIC alliance is planned)
Membership in the UNIC Alliance is a strategic area for the University of Lodz in terms of international cooperation and a path supporting development. It means belonging to a group of universities focused on common goals and aspirations, cooperating for innovation in education and science, having a similar origin and sharing the same values.
The University of Lodz and its partners want to actively support building resilience and transforming post-industrial cities and their societies towards sustainable development. Hence, the project plans to develop initiatives rooted in the local context, taking into account key issues for the well-being of residents and having not only an academic but also an applied nature.
The "We are UNIC! – Fostering Innovation and Cooperation within the European University Alliance" is financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, within the framework of the European Union programme Support for European University Alliances, number FERS.01.05-IP.08-0219/23.
Edit: Bartosz Kałużny (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)
The mission of the University of Lodz is to conduct reliable research and actively disseminate facts and research results so as to wisely educate future generations, be useful to society and courageously respond to the challenges of the modern world. Scientific excellence is always our best compass. Our values include: courage, curiosity, commitment, cooperation and respect.