Internationalisation Strategy of the University of Lodz

Internationalisation is a fundamental component of the development of the University of Lodz, embedded horizontally across all areas of its activity – research, education and cooperation with the socio-economic environment. The implementation of strategic objectives to date has produced tangible results, placing the University of Lodz among the leaders in internationalisation in Poland, both in terms of academic mobility, the number of international students and engagement in international cooperation networks.

At the same time, the environment in which higher education operates is currently undergoing significant changes. Poland is experiencing a profound regulatory and institutional transformation in the areas of migration policy and security, particularly with regard to the admission of foreign nationals for study and employment. These changes directly affect the way recruitment processes, academic mobility and international cooperation are conducted.

Simultaneously, work is underway at the national level on a Strategy for the Internationalisation of Science and Higher Education, aimed at strengthening the quality of research, education and Poland’s position in the global knowledge ecosystem. In light of these developments, it has become necessary for the University of Lodz to adapt its approach to internationalisation, with particular emphasis on the quality, security and effectiveness of its activities.

In response to these rapidly changing circumstances, efforts should focus on a more targeted selection of recruitment markets within Europe and selected regions of the world, the effective consolidation of promotional activities and the further strengthening of the university’s position as one of the key and most internationalised academic institutions in Poland. Stable recruitment processes and a coherent, recognisable international image of the University of Lodz are essential for continuing the progress achieved over the past decade.

Primary Objective

The overarching objective of the internationalisation of the University of Lodz is to strengthen the university’s position as a modern research and teaching institution with a strong international presence by enhancing the quality of research, education and management within a global environment.

Internationalisation is regarded as a tool for:

  • enhancing the quality of research activities,
  • increasing the attractiveness of the educational offer,
  • strengthening the university’s competitiveness,
  • building intellectual and social capital.

Key Principles of Internationalisation

The priority is quality rather than merely the scale of internationalisation. This means adopting a deliberate and targeted approach to the recruitment of international students and staff, aimed at attracting individuals with high academic potential.

Internationalisation encompasses all areas of the university’s operations – research, teaching, management, operational activities and cooperation with external stakeholders.

Internationalisation activities are carried out in a sustainable manner, taking into account the university’s organisational capacity and changing legal and social conditions, including the promotion of the well-being of the academic community, diversity and inclusiveness.

The university develops its presence within European and global cooperation structures while maintaining its identity and autonomy, including through activities undertaken within: the UNIC European University alliance (European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition), the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, the EURAXESS network, and the implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers through the HR Excellence in Research strategy.

Internationalisation is pursued in compliance with applicable Polish and European Union regulations, with due regard for security in supporting mobility participants and international members of the academic community, as well as institutional responsibility.

Priority Areas of Action

  • Expanding participation in international research projects
  • Increasing the number of publications in prestigious international journals
  • Strengthening cooperation within international networks and consortia
  • Developing interdisciplinary research teams
  • Supporting the international mobility of academic staff and doctoral candidates
  • Stable development of study programmes delivered in foreign languages
  • Integrating international components into study programmes
  • Developing students’ intercultural competences
  • Promoting international mobility
  • Expanding flexible forms of education
  • Developing joint degree and double degree programmes with international partners

In response to changing legal and migration-related conditions, the University of Lodz adopts a new approach to the recruitment of international students, doctoral candidates and staff:

  • focusing recruitment activities on the eastern member states of the European Union, complemented by selected countries in South-East and Central Asia (in line with NAWA guidelines),
  • strengthening mobility with Erasmus+ programme countries and selected countries in South-East Asia,
  • consolidating international promotional efforts,
  • developing modern recruitment and promotional tools,
  • reinforcing the university’s position as a flagship institution for internationalisation in Poland.
  • Increasing the proportion of international employees within the overall workforce (particularly from the Asia-Pacific region)
  • Developing mobility programmes for academic and administrative staff
  • Supporting international academic career pathways
  • Strengthening employees’ language and intercultural competences

The University of Lodz continues its strategic approach to the professionalisation of administrative staff, recognising it as a key element of internationalisation:

  • developing staff competences in supporting international students and employees,
  • standardising and simplifying administrative procedures,
  • expanding services provided in foreign languages,
  • implementing modern tools for managing international processes,
  • enhancing the quality of the user experience (student and staff experience).
  • Developing strategic institutional partnerships
  • Actively participating in European initiatives
  • Strengthening cooperation within international networks
  • Expanding collaboration with scientific, economic and social institutions worldwide

Expected Outcomes

The implementation of the above objectives should lead to:

  • improved quality of research activities,
  • increased internationalisation of staff and students,
  • enhanced position of the university in international rankings,
  • greater attractiveness of the educational offer,
  • stronger global recognition of the University of Lodz,
  • the development of long-term international relationships,
  • improved quality of the management of internationalisation processes.

Outlook to 2030

The internationalisation of the University of Lodz up to 2030 will be developed in an even more selective, quality-driven, holistic and strategic manner. A decisive shift away from a quantitative approach towards a quality-oriented one constitutes a response to the changing legal, migration-related and competitive environment.

Particular importance will be placed on integrating internationalisation activities across all aspects of the university’s operations, as well as on the continued professionalisation of both academic and administrative staff.

The adopted approach will enable the University of Lodz to maintain and strengthen its position as one of the leaders in internationalisation in Poland, while at the same time ensuring its ability to operate effectively within a rapidly evolving global environment.

 

UNIVERSITY OF LODZ

 

Narutowicza 68, 90-136 LODZ

fax: 00 48 42/665 57 71, 00 48 42/635 40 43

NIP: 724 000 32 43

Funduszepleu
Projekt Multiportalu UŁ współfinansowany z funduszy Unii Europejskiej w ramach konkursu NCBR