Mr. Rector, I would like to begin by asking about the main strategic goals for the upcoming 2024-2028 term. We’ll delve into the details later.
Our constant goal is to become an internationally recognized university by conducting research that truly contributes something new to science. Equally important is ensuring that our staff feel financially secure. We also aim to closely integrate our research with modern education. Our graduates should not only be familiar with the latest trends in science and technology, but also be able to think critically and explore new areas of knowledge that are evolving at a rapid pace. Of course, not everything is within our control, but this is the direction to which we are committed.
What actions do you plan to take to make Lodz University of Technology a leader in international research?
It is unrealistic to think you could be a leader in every field, but we have several areas where we truly excel, as evidenced by our participation in a large number of European projects. We intend to continue building on what is working by offering robust support to our scientists in various ways. We facilitate the process of applying for grants, provide funding for scientific collaborations and consortium building, including through the ECIU network, assist in preparing applications for ERC grants, and recognize those who are the most scientifically active.
We have also restructured the Project Service Center, splitting it between two departments. One focuses on projects related to teaching and learning, while the other, now part of the Research Support Center, is dedicated to supporting the preparation and execution of research projects.
You have mentioned the ECIU network. What are the benefits of Lodz University of Technology's membership in this consortium?
Our membership in ECIU provides us with the opportunity to regularly meet, exchange ideas, and create new, innovative projects. Currently, our scientists are leading three projects funded by European grants, with four more awaiting evaluation. This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of our collaboration within the consortium.
The European Commission views ECIU as a leader in modern education, and our work on the concept of a European diploma is well advanced. This initiative would revolutionize the educational process, particularly at the intersection of different disciplines. A European diploma would allow students to freely combine fields of study, which is crucial in today’s fast-changing world. However, for this to become a reality, legal status is required to issue these diplomas.
We are also proud that students from Lodz University of Technology are among the top participants in ECIU’s course offerings. This gives them the chance to gain knowledge and experience at various universities across Europe, significantly enhancing their qualifications.
What new approaches to education and research do you plan to introduce in the coming years?
We have already discussed the importance of interdisciplinarity, which is essential both in education and research. When developing new approaches, it is crucial to accurately identify the different areas of knowledge and skills required to implement them effectively. I believe the best solution is to create distributed structures rather than centralize staff in one location. These decentralized centers, bringing together experts from diverse fields, enable us to tackle complex problems more effectively and achieve leadership positions. A great example of this is our Research Centre for Defence and Security Technologies.
We also need specialists who understand the university well and can pinpoint the exact competencies required to solve specific problems, as well as identify the faculties where these competencies can be found. I observe our scientists and can see that they have tremendous enthusiasm, particularly when working on research that presents significant challenges.
What are the plans to effectively tap into the potential of scientists and the experience of administrative staff in the context of the new financial perspective of European funds?
The university's role is not to bring solutions to full technological readiness but to develop concepts, test them in laboratory conditions, and demonstrate their potential applications. This approach aligns with recent changes in NCBR funding guidelines, which no longer require every new idea to lead to commercialization.
The new financial perspective provides an opportunity to explore innovations that are still in the conceptual stage and require validation. This shift opens up funding possibilities for research that previously lacked support. It enables us to harness the potential of our researchers and the expertise of our administrative staff to collaborate on joint projects with companies and develop cutting-edge solutions.
TUL has changed its admissions system, the implementation of which has proven challenging. What are the conclusions after two years of its use?
We are continually working to improve the system, and not all changes yield immediate results. Our initial priority was to ensure that the most popular degree programs were accessible to the best candidates, rather than being monopolized by a few. Moving forward, we need to streamline the process from the moment applicants submit their documents to the announcement of admission lists.
I have proposed that drawing exams, which assess artistic aptitude, be held earlier in the process. This adjustment would allow applicants an extra day or two to submit their documents and reduce the verification time from 10 days to 3-4 days. This is crucial because if a candidate receives a faster response from another university, they might choose to withdraw their application from Lodz University of Technology, even if they prefer to study here.
Therefore, I urge those responsible for admissions to thoroughly analyze the process from all possible angles and consider the external environment. My goal is to ensure that we don’t lose potential candidates to other universities in the future.
What initiatives do you intend to undertake to support career development of Lodz University of Technology students and graduates, including aligning education with the needs of the job market?
One of our key initiatives is to fully leverage micromodules offered by us and our partners. These micromodules, which focus on the latest developments, are integral to our students' growth and will play a central role in our educational approach.
We also aim to enhance our summer and winter schools by inviting specialists from various universities to share cutting-edge knowledge. We are committed to fostering international cooperation and capitalizing on these opportunities.
Additionally, new agreements with industry partners will not only provide internships and diplomas but also facilitate project-based activities that transform the educational experience. Rather than relying on traditional lectures and repetitive tasks, we focus on equipping students with new knowledge and skills through real-world industrial problem-solving.
What plans do you have for increasing academic community engagement in university life?
We plan to introduce a new initiative called Scientific Discipline Day. The idea is to encourage researchers from different fields to become more familiar with each other's work and achievements. Our goal is to bring together related disciplines, fostering interactions and allowing them to showcase different aspects of their research.
Apart from events focusing on science and research, it is equally important to organize recreational activities, especially sports activities. We began with interdepartmental volleyball tournaments, which later expanded to badminton. These activities have demonstrated that not only do teams participate enthusiastically, but spectators also get involved, which promotes community spirit and integration.
One particularly memorable event was the Rector’s Cup regatta at our sailing base in Roganty. We encouraged competition between university faculties, creating a fun and communal atmosphere. We plan to organize a similar event to celebrate the university's anniversary, aimed at bringing the community together once again.
What investments in the university's infrastructure are planned for the coming years?
We have many plans, far more than our current financial resources can support. We are in the final stages of completing the Alchemium project, and we expect to obtain the occupancy permit in November. The building is currently being outfitted and is scheduled to be fully operational by March 2025.
We also plan to demolish the old, unused chemistry building and construct a new facility to house the entire rector’s administration and bursar’s office, along with a modern education methodology center.
Furthermore, we are actively seeking funding to renovate the rectorate building, which was damaged by fire. The estimated cost is around 30 million złoty, and we should have clarity on financing by the end of the year. I would love to see the rector’s offices to return to a beautifully restored villa.
We are nearing completion of a major renovation of the building housing the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering, which has included replacing the installations and restoring the structure. Our aim is to realize the original plan of connecting this building with the Architecture building. Renovation work is also underway on part of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering building on Stefanowskiego Street, where we plan to relocate the dean’s office.
Additionally, we have applied for funding to renovate the palace in Piotrkowska Street, which previously housed the Faculty of Organization and Management. We are also seeking funds to carry out a full renovation of Dormitory VI to improve living conditions. In Dormitory IX, we plan to install a new internet network, and we are already upgrading the fire protection system in Dormitory III. Last but not least, we have secured funds to modernize the university’s IT network.
You are the chairman of KRPUT and a member of the presidium of CRASP. What are the key challenges you anticipate in this role?
The Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities of Technology (KRPUT) unites 33 institutions, and this collaboration is essential for the future of higher technical education in Poland. Our collective efforts are crucial for the advancement of the economy. By working together, we aim to develop solutions that ensure stability and security, including financial stability, which will support strategic planning. This unity will enable us to fulfill the role the same role as universities play in many countries – not only by training future leaders, which is fundamental to the functioning of the state, but also by proposing innovative projects.
I believe that both KRPUT and the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP) are pivotal in fostering dialogue and developing solutions with the government that best serve our sector. Coordinated and united action, which sometimes requires compromise, is crucial, as different types of universities may have varying interests. Only through unanimity can we effectively represent our community.
Interviewed by Ewa Chojnacka