Minister of Science, Dariusz Wieczorek and invited representatives of universities from the region and the Vice-Voivode, Grzegorz Majewski were welcomed at the Biedermann’s Palace by the Rector of the University of Lodz, Prof. Elżbieta Żądzińska, and the meeting started with a group photo of the meeting participants. Next, the Minister presented the assumptions of the strategy of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and then answered questions asked by the rectors and vice-rectors.
Let's open our minds to new solutions. We cannot be afraid of key solutions. The time has come for a calm, substantive conversation between the Ministry and the scientific community. The achievements of Polish universities are impressive. We need to start boasting about it. We have outstanding professors and we need to promote them
– said Dariusz Wieczorek.
The Minister underlined the need for the dialogue between the Ministry and the academic community, cooperation between universities and obtaining European funds by them. He also talked about the planned amendment to the Law on Higher Education. He also appealed for the academic community to submit comments, problems and demands that will help improve Polish science. He assured that all changes would take place in an evolutionary manner, not through revolution.
The meeting between the Minister and students took place in the Faculty Council Room at the University of Lodz Faculty of Law and Administration, which was filled to capacity. Many questions from students concerned, among other things: living conditions (standard of dormitories and its improvement), expansion of dormitories at Polish universities, proposals of the Ministry for students with disabilities, numerous flaws of postgraduate courses, ideas of the Ministry for the medical faculties which have been recently massively opened by numerous universities.
The period of studies is the most beautiful period in every person's life. And it's even more beautiful if you can spend it in a dorm. It is a place where new acquaintances and friendships are made
– emphasized the Minister.
At the same time, he assured that improving the conditions in dormitories at Polish universities is one of the Ministry's priorities. He also said that the Ministry focuses on the quality of science, not quantity, so it is against faculties-factories "producing" diplomas, and about planned ways to solve the problem of newly established medical faculties.
You are great strength and our hope. I want you to realize your potential and how important community you are. There are 1 million 200 thousand young people who are studying in Poland. This voice of yours must be heard
– concluded the head of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and students lined up to take photos with the Minister.
The visit of the Minister Dariusz Wieczorek to Lodz was the second one in a planned series of meetings with the academic community. The first one took place at the beginning of February at the University of Szczecin.
Source and edit: Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz
Photos: Maciej Andrzejewski (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)