The gathered guests were welcomed by Prof. Łukasz Bogucki, the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for International Relations:
One of the objectives of this kick-off conference is to ponder over the vision of UNIC in the distant future, perhaps as distant as 2040. We are in fact shaping UNIC not for us, but for students who are still at school and for rectors who are now working on their PhDs. The limits of UNIC are in our heads, in the rigid structures imposed by our governing bodies, in the budgetary constraints, perhaps in the engagement of our cities and faculties. However, the “prison break” is perfectly possible, because what it takes – involvement, initiative, imagination, professional expertise – we all have in spades.
The title of the conference "Towards a Joint Vision 2040" refers to the UNIC Alliance's joint ambitious plans in the long-time perspective.
University leaders at the University of Lodz – plans for the coming years
It is with pride and joy that I open the Lodz Kick-off UNIC Conference to mark the start of four years of very close collaboration among our ten universities. It’s Phase Two, but it’s by no means the final phase. Planning for the next two decades runs a considerable margin of error, but the very fact that there IS a vision for 2040 goes to show that UNIC will prevail even when the support of the European Commission terminates. Rectors of Polish universities are in agreement that the European Universities initiative has opened the doors to Europe and for Europe. We have just launched a research mobility programme for Lodz academics to travel to UNIC universities. We firmly believe that UNIC boosts our international position and facilitates further expansion
– said Prof. Elżbieta Żądzińska, Rector of the University of Lodz.
The conference has brought together university leaders, coordinators of work packages and people involved in them, people representing priority thematic lines at UNIC, as well as UNIC Student Ambassadors. Professionals from various areas carrying out ambitious partnership activities within numerous projects, who support academic staff with knowledge and experience, namely: experts in projects, mobility, international cooperation, superdiversity, sustainability, social inclusion, also have had the opportunity to meet.
During the opening of this event, we extend our gratitude to Elzbieta Zadzinska and Lukasz Bogucki from the University of Lodz, marking a pivotal moment in the history of UNIC. It's crucial to recognize the significance of this juncture; we are not just another university network. We stand as pioneers, introducing a fundamentally novel approach to collaborative university endeavors. This isn't merely a project but a journey, akin to the everlasting allure of Hotel California. As we embark on this new phase in UNIC, it's not about simply upgrading to UNIC 2.0; rather, it's about laying the groundwork for our collective vision in 2040. Understandably, this isn't a sprint; it's a marathon, a test of endurance that prompts us to ponder the challenges and the pain associated with such a pursuit. UNIC is a safe haven, a space to create the future of higher education. It is not just ‘for’ students, but WITH students
– said Prof. Dr Peter Scholten, UNIC Alliance Coordinator.
We have met one of the UNIC Ambassadors – Rumbidzai Hodzonge, who emphasized that UNIC provides a valuable opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers, where everyone works together to achieve the meaningful mission set forth by the partnership:
As UNIC student representatives, our role goes beyond representation; we are catalysts for change, advocates for collaboration, and heralds of the transformative power of education. One of our primary responsibilities is to raise awareness among our fellow students about the incredible opportunities that UNIC brings to our doorstep. Our ambition is to empower members of our university communities, enabling students, PhD candidates, and university staff to move effortlessly within and outside UNIC. Virtual mobility and participation in online classes conducted by partner universities will also play a pivotal role in broadening our educational horizons.
The Alliance's plans for the coming years include developing various forms of innovative education, supporting academic teachers in developing teaching tools and skills, mobility – also virtual mobility, and creating common educational formats, such as double-diploma programmes or micro-credentials (confirmation of academic results achieved within the framework of a short educational experience, e.g. course or training).
The next stage of the Alliance's operation is to further support the development of knowledge through cooperation, innovation and integration for social impact. As universities, we want to have a real impact on the world around us.
Most sessions are taking place at the Faculty of Philology and some of them at the Faculty of Management and the University of Lodz Library.
University of Lodz in UNIC – the second phase of the partners' cooperation and the new name of the Alliance
The UNIC Alliance was launched in 2020 as a partnership of eight universities. University of Lodz joined it two years ago. The second phase of cooperation between the partners, who set long-term goals in terms of joint implementation of educational initiatives, promoting Engaged Research, cooperation with the city and its inhabitants, and deepening the integration of partner universities at all levels is just beginning.
This is the first official meeting of all representatives of the 10 universities from across Europe that make up the Alliance, which opens up its new phase.
The next phase of the cooperation also includes the new name of the Alliance: The European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transitions, reflecting the close connection of the planned activities with the environment in which the universities operate. Each of them is located in a city or region that has undergone post-industrial transformation and is struggling with its consequences while building a new identity.
The UNIC Alliance wants to be a part of the changes that occur in the communities of these cities by engaging in community issues through educational, research, scientific, social and cultural activities.
More information about the UNIC Alliance
UNIC Has Obtained Funds for a New Phase of Operations
Mega-university of the future with the participation of the University of Lodz – the university has joined the international UNIC Alliance
Source: Małgorzata Gramala, Katarzyna Pardyka, International HUb, University of Lodz
Text: Iwona Ptaszek-Zielińska, photos: Maciej Andrzejewski, Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz