The University of Zielona Góra recently welcomed a delegation from the University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam (Fachhochschule für Sport und Management Potsdam). The visit focused on identifying specific areas for cooperation in education, research, and institutional development. The meeting concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two institutions, marking the beginning of a new academic partnership.
This was the first official visit of representatives from the University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam to the University of Zielona Góra. Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Wojciech Strzyżewski, Rector of the University of Zielona Góra, emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with neighboring academic institutions. “Physical education and sport-related degree programmes enjoy considerable interest among students in Zielona Góra. We see great potential for expanding our cooperation and developing new initiatives in both teaching and research,” he said.
The opportunities for collaboration were further outlined by Prof. Mariusz Naczk, Vice-Rector for Development and Finance at the University of Zielona Góra. “We offer a comprehensive portfolio of programmes and expertise not only in sport and physical education, but also in health sciences and medicine. Our strength lies in our holistic approach to human health, encompassing physical activity, disease prevention, emergency medical services, nursing, and clinical care. The exchange of knowledge and experience between our institutions will be highly valuable for both sides,” he explained.
The representatives of the Potsdam institution also expressed strong interest in developing the partnership. According to Prof. Michael Barsuhn, Rector of the University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam, the cooperation will focus on both students and academic staff.“Our institutions have already established cooperation through the Erasmus programme. The next step is to create opportunities for our students and employees to get to know one another better and to strengthen professional and academic ties. Erasmus initiatives such as job shadowing enable staff to gain insight into the working environment in Potsdam as well as in Zielona Góra, whether through academic exchanges, teaching visits, or professional placements. The cooperation agreement provides an important framework for deepening our substantive collaboration and identifying future areas of joint activity,” he said.
Representing the University of Zielona Góra at the meeting were also Prof. Ryszard Asienkiewicz, Director of the Institute of Sport, Tourism and Nutrition, and Dr. Bartłomiej Hes, Head of the Department of Sport and Health Promotion at the Institute of Sport, Tourism and Nutrition. Dr. Hes highlighted the significance of the partnership and the prospects it creates for future initiatives. “Last year, a delegation from our Institute visited Potsdam. This visit was a return visit, allowing our colleagues from Germany to explore our facilities and become familiar with the structure and activities of the University. It also provided an excellent opportunity to discuss future cooperation and potential joint research projects. We have high expectations for this partnership, both in terms of scientific collaboration and educational development,” he noted.
The delegation from Germany also included Kornelia Christiansen, Director of the European Sports Academy of Brandenburg, and Prof. Lars Gabrys, lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam.
The newly signed agreement reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to fostering international cooperation, promoting academic excellence, and creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and academic staff in the fields of sport, health, and management.
