Academic promotion procedures and the experiences gained from their implementation were the focus of a training conference held on 18 May at the University of Zielona Góra. The event was organized in cooperation with the Scientific Excellence Council (Rada Doskonałości Naukowej, RDN) and was dedicated to the practices of first- and second-instance bodies involved in academic advancement proceedings. The conference attracted a large group of experts interested in enhancing the standards of promotion procedures and supporting the development of academic staff in accordance with the highest quality standards.
The primary objective of the conference was to provide a platform for exchanging experiences among representatives of institutions responsible for conducting academic promotion proceedings. Participants also reflected on the practical application of existing regulations.
“We discussed academic advancement pathways, including the procedures for obtaining the doctoral degree, the postdoctoral degree (habilitation), and the title of professor. On the one hand, this is a matter of discussion; on the other, it involves numerous elements that require extensive knowledge on the part of academic staff seeking promotion. Every stage of the procedure must be conducted in full compliance with the applicable regulations. Formal requirements are of fundamental importance. Even when a candidate has made an outstanding contribution to a given scientific discipline, advancement to the next stage is not possible without fulfilling all formal criteria. This is also a key aspect of both the discussion and the event itself,” said Professor Justyna Patalas-Maliszewska, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation at the University of Zielona Góra.
Such training conferences are organized on a regular basis. “During these meetings, we address the most important issues that researchers encounter during academic promotion procedures. Many complexities arise from the interpretation of legal provisions and the proper preparation of documentation. Our role is to demonstrate how these processes can be completed correctly and effectively,” explained Professor Bronisław Sitek, Chair of the Scientific Excellence Council.
The conference programme featured presentations by members of the leadership of the Scientific Excellence Council, focusing on various aspects of academic promotion procedures. Professor Marian Gorynia, Deputy Chair of the Council, presented the criteria and procedures governing applications for the title of professor, emphasizing the importance of a substantive evaluation of scholarly achievements beyond bibliometric indicators.
Another significant contribution came from Professor Mansur Rahnama-Hezavah, Secretary of the Council, who discussed the conditions and requirements for awarding the doctoral degree, including current regulations governing doctoral proceedings.
The second part of the conference was devoted to planned amendments to the Polish Law on Higher Education and Science concerning academic promotions. Participants discussed proposed procedural changes and solutions intended to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the academic advancement system in Poland.
It is worth noting that this was the first visit of the Scientific Excellence Council to the University of Zielona Góra in this capacity. “I am delighted that we have the opportunity to host such a distinguished delegation for substantive academic discussions rather than inspection-related purposes. It is equally encouraging to see the participation of many directors of our institutes as well as heads of departments and research units. I am confident that this conference will bring significant benefits to all participants,” emphasized Professor Wojciech Strzyżewski, Rector of the University of Zielona Góra.
The Scientific Excellence Council organizes training conferences devoted to academic promotion procedures three times each year. Participation is available both on-site and online.
