Liliana Lato has been shaping the internationalisation policy of the University of Lodz for years. Thanks to her work and the efforts of the whole team of the UL International Relations Office, the number of international students at the largest university in Lodz has increased several times in the last decade (from 134 students to over 1800). What is worth emphasizing – it is not only the recruitment process itself, but also the on-site service provided to students, consistent support for them during their studies in Lodz, as well as maintaining relations with them after graduation.
She is one of the pillars of internationalisation development, both at the University of Lodz and nationwide. If there was an archetype of the right person in the right place, then Mrs Lato would be the best example of it in the field of internationalisation and building strong diversity of the University. Therefore, this award, although it is a great joy for us, is not really a surprise"
– says Professor Elżbieta Żądzińska, the Rector of the University of Lodz, about the winner.
Liliana Lato has coordinated the creation and introduction of the SmartUni application, which aimed at supporting international students in taking their first steps at the University of Lodz and Lodz. She is the co-initiator of the University of Lodz – University Diversity campaign, which consisted of photo shoots of students, the Christmas Guest campaign, the publication of the International Cook Book, the publication of the student’s guide entitled Brighter side of life: how to stay positive, and the organisation of University Diversity days. She was the president of IROs FORUM for two terms.
As a result of these and many other activities of Liliana Lato, the University of Lodz is ranked 3rd among public universities in terms of the number of international students studying full-time. The University of Lodz is also among the top Polish universities in terms of student and staff mobility within the Erasmus+ programme and exchanges under bilateral agreements.
In order to work in the field of internationalisation of a University, it is good to have or develop some personal qualities that can bring positive results over time. These qualities include: openness to people and their diversity, the ability to work in a team and with a team, flexibility to adapt to the changing situation in Poland and in the world, faith, determination, optimism and creativity
– says Liliana Lato, the Head of the International Relations Office, UL.
The "Stars of Internationalisation" award honours individuals who have made outstanding contribution to the internationalisation of Polish higher education. The work of the Jury, consisting of the heads of all the institutions and organisations supporting internationalisation, is headed by prof. Arkadiusz Mężyk, President of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP) and Rector of the Silesian University of Technology.
Partners of the Award: CRASP - Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland, Ministry of Education and Science, NAWA Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, Foundation for the Development of the Education System, Perspektywy, National Representation of PhD Students, Parliament of Students of the Republic of Poland, IROs FORUM, PRom Association, Erasmus Student Network.
Source: Study in Poland
Edit: Promotion Centre, University of Lodz