From June 22 to 24 this year, the University of Zielona Góra hosted the 2nd meeting of the University Science Committee (UKN), which operates within the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities (KRUP). The committee comprises vice-rectors responsible for scientific affairs and international cooperation. During the meeting, held at the University Rectorate, the participants worked on developing a unified stance on various topics — including the evaluation of scientific activity, publications, grant issues, and securing funding for research projects.
Professor Zygmunt Lalak, Chair of the University Science Committee, emphasized before the meeting began: "We are at a crucial point. The evaluation period is ending this year. We are approaching decisions that will determine science funding in the coming years and the infrastructure needs of universities. This meeting is of great importance."
The meeting was attended by Prof. Maria Mrówczyńska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, along with Dr. Michał Doligalski, Director of the Department of Innovation and Development at the Ministry. They discussed programmatic changes stemming from government initiatives. "We are implementing legislative changes related to the Law on Higher Education and Science," said Prof. Mrówczyńska.
"These include deregulation measures prepared by the Government Deregulation Task Force, as well as changes resulting from the needs expressed by academic communities and students, especially from student parliaments and doctoral representatives."
Another major topic discussed was the funding of research and innovation through the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR). Its director, Prof. Jerzy Małachowski, stressed the importance of university development and noted that the Centre's offerings continue to expand: "We now offer a wide range of opportunities for applying for interdisciplinary projects covering research, development, and innovation."
An essential part of the meeting was the discussion of the evaluation processes for scientific activity quality and systemic changes. This was presented by Dr. Rafał Stanisławski, Chair of the Team for Lists of Scientific Monograph Publishers, Journals, and Peer-Reviewed Conference Materials within the Science Evaluation Committee.
The vice-rectors also had the opportunity to learn about the European Investment Bank’s offerings. Its representative, Paweł Paszczyk, presented options for financing research infrastructure projects.
The gathering of vice-rectors for science and international cooperation from universities across Poland served as a platform to discuss the future of science development in the country, to forge shared solutions, and to foster dialogue and experience exchange.
The program included a visit to the Space Technology Park in Nowy Kisielin, where attendees learned about ongoing research projects. They toured laboratories equipped with specialized instruments and explored developments in materials engineering, robotics, and space medicine.
Participants also experienced the cultural offerings of Zielona Góra. They visited the Zielona Góra Philharmonic, where students from the Felice Cantando scientific circle (from the University’s Institute of Music), together with lecturers and Philharmonic musicians, presented a musical performance titled "Mozart’s Opera Salon." The show, directed by Dr. Marzanna Rudnicka, Prof. UZ, transported the audience to the salon of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, where the composer hosted friends (opera singers) for a nostalgic journey through his operatic works.
Another highlight was a visit to the Zielona Góra Palm House, where participants met with Dr. Jarosław Flakowski, the city’s Deputy Mayor. He also attended the Rectorate session and spoke about the city's cooperation with the University.
The event concluded with a pleasant visit to the vineyard in Górzykowo, adding a local cultural and scenic touch to the scientific gathering.
