History of the University of Lodz

For nearly 80 years, the University of Lodz has been a meeting place for people who believe that knowledge is the first step to freedom.

We have always created a space where students, doctoral candidates, and those focused on conducting research, teaching, and administrative work learn about the world together – with curiosity, responsibility and respect for others.

Our university was established on 24 May 1945, shortly after the end of the war, but its roots reach further – to the Lodz branch of the Free Polish University (1928), the Teacher Training Institute, and the University of Social and Economic Sciences.

The idea of the university was created by Professor Teodor Vieweger – a biologist and a social activist who, even during the occupation, gathered the scientific community from Vilnius, Lviv, and Warsaw around him. He died tragically just before the inauguration. In his place, Professor Tadeusz Kotarbiński, an eminent philosopher and an ethicist – a co-founder of post-war academic life in Poland became the university's first Rector.