Meetings with outstanding scientists
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the University of Lodz, a series of lectures by our graduates, researchers working in international teams (among other things, Cambridge, Maastricht, Bergen) was organised. The events carried out in cooperation with the Municipal Library in Lodz popularised science and inspired young people to study in Lodz. The lectures were given by: Prof. Maciej Dunajski, Prof. Karolina Podstawa, Prof. Katarzyna Jaszczołt and Prof. Edyta Roszko. Recordings of the meetings are available on the Science Inspires channel.
Science – first and foremost, and for all
Disseminating scientific knowledge is a large part of our activity, we want to reach as many recipients as possible in an accessible and universal way, in order to show how much value science has. That's why we create content that we share in different places: YouTube, social media, podcast platforms. There you can find films, interviews and lectures – a total of 38 materials, including 8 podcasts. These include:
- Science Inspires is a platform where you can find conversations with scientists from various fields who talk about their work and how research affects our reality. Podcasts can be found on the YouTube channel.
- Educational series about the BIOBANK of the University of Lodz, which introduces the importance of biobanking for the development of medicine and scientific research, emphasising the role of universities in creating innovative solutions. The project is co-financed from the state budget, granted by the Minister of Science and Higher Education under the "Social Responsibility of Science II" programme.
- Recordings of meetings: expert lectures, conversations with book authors or scientists.
The University of Lodz was a partner of the most important cultural events in Lodz, during which the UniLodz scientists and experts took part in panels, sat on the jury, but also presented their achievements.
- Ravekjavik Zen – the University of Lodz has been a partner of this event for the third time. In this edition, Dr Justyna Ratkowska-Pasikowska, who took part in an open discussion entitled. "Talking about Sex? Who Needs It?" During the festival, we also presented a popularisation film, which concerned the revitalisation of post-industrial buildings in Lodz. The activity shows that the University of Lodz bravely engages in the exchange of ideas on difficult topics related to human well-being, as well as actively works to disseminate knowledge related to local cultural heritage.
- Megabit Bomb (Lem Festival) – an event that promotes science and universities among young audiences in a modern way, using the language of pop culture and social media. In this edition, discussions and meetings focused on the topic of artificial intelligence and whether the development of new technologies is an opportunity or a threat. Speakers included scientists from the University of Lodz: Prof. Karolina Rudnicka, Prof. Piotr Pęzik, Dr Matusz Piątkowski, Dr Kamila Pytka, dr hab. Anita Ciesielska and Marta Nowacka. The panel devoted to the development of dual careers was attended by VIP alumni of the University of Lodz (Robert Fintak, Bartosz Brzozowski and Joanna Ufnalska).
- The "Man in Danger" Media Festival – during the event, we acted as a content partner, adding to the programme: an intervention art installation "Centripetal Space" by Marta Nowacka, the Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviours Coordinator at the University of Lodz, and an exhibition of documentary photographs "Trwoga powietrzna" [Airborne Fear] by Marek Domański (the StrzeińskiAcademy of Fine Arts) presented at the Biedermann’s Palace, which addresses the topic of social anxiety and adaptation strategies in the Ukraine engulfed in armed conflict. Before the exhibition opening, a meeting about Prof. Ferenc's book "Airborne Fear. Ukrainian Artists and Cultural Institutions during Wartime", which is the result of an analysis of over 40 interviews conducted in Lviv, Odessa and Kyiv, was held. The whole project is the result of close scientific and artistic cooperation between the two professors.
- The Camera Action Festival – as part of the cooperation, the programme included special screenings of audiovisual materials created as part of the Science Inspires series, viewers could watch them on-site and watch them online. The topics of the selected materials proved how science and film intertwine, commenting on reality.
The selection committees of the festival competitions included representatives of the University of Lodz: Dr Emil Sowiński (Department of Film and Audio-Visual Media), Dr Joanna Bachura-Wojtasik (Department of Journalism and Social Communication). Both of them also moderated the meetings, the moderators also included Dr Krzysztof Grzegorzewski (Department of Journalism and Social Communication), Anna Michalska (doctoral student at the University of Lodz Doctoral School of Humanities). The University of Lodz has funded the Aleksander Kamiński Award for overcoming threats.
Our scientists and representatives of the Film Studies Student Science Club participated in the festival as jurors, selectors and moderators of debates. The "Krytyk Pisze" competition, which is an initiative that has been discovering new talents in the field of writing about film for years, inspiring young authors to think creatively about cinema and its language, is one of the most important elements of the Camera Action Festival. The author of the best critical text selected by the Critics' Jury was awarded, m.in, the #FreeYourMind financial prize of the University of Lodz. The main prize of the Critics' Jury was awarded to Daria Sienkiewicz for the text "Film balkonowy – recenzja filmu Balkoniary".
Educational and social projects
We carry out initiatives that show the impact of science and research results on society, as well as the opportunities offered by studying at the University of Lodz:
- UniLodz Young Science Fest – a picnic of young science, involving science clubs and students in the popularisation of knowledge. The fest proved that learning can be fascinating, engaging and... communal! Science clubs, student organisations and young researchers invited us to the world of experiments, robotics, literature, ecology, history and new media. The programme of the event included workshops and demonstrations from various fields of science, from the world of nature, history, social sciences and exact sciences, as well as a lot of conversations, exchange of experiences and impressions. The interiors of the Biedermann’s Palace were filled with energy, passion and scientific curiosity on 15 May of the current year.
- “Wystudiowane w Łodzi” – a citylight campaign of the Lodz Academic Partnership, which presents inspiring profiles of alumni, educators and researchers associated with the the University of Lodz, the Grazyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Lodz, the Lodz University of Technology, the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts, the Lodz Film School, and the Medical University of Lodz. It is a story about the fact that studying in Lodz can be the beginning of a fascinating path – regardless of the place from which it begins. The initiative encourages people to discover their own path and shows that Lodz universities give space for development, passion and courage in making dreams come true. The project's website is an extension of the outdoor campaign. The project was carried out thanks to the funds obtained by the University of Lodz Foundation. Contest operator: OPUS Center. Task implementer: a group representing the Lodz Academic Partnership. The public task "Academic Lodz 2025 – Scientific, Creative and Multicultural" is financed from the budget of the City of Lodz.
- DOGSPECTIVE – a project (https://uni.lodz.pl/wystawy/piespektywa) which arose from the observation that awareness of dog welfare has increased significantly in recent decades – we are moving away from aversive methods and learning to communicate and respect their needs. Despite this, shelters are overcrowded, which shows that education is still necessary. The University of Lodz gets involved in activities for dogs through the artistic and scientific project DOGSPECTIVE and the annual collection "Psia Kość!". The works by Maria Apoleika, Jacek Laube and Natalia Pietrzak were presented at the Wozownia 1/5 Gallery, showing various aspects of the relationship between humans and dogs – from the beginnings of their shared fate, through everyday caring practices and creative cooperation (!) to coping with loss and mourning. The project was also attended by scientists analysing canine senses, dealing with the role of dogs in culture and family relationships, as well as representatives of the Animal Shelter in Lodz and OTOZ Animals Łódź.
Diversity and inclusion – the social responsibility of the university
We have been building a culture of diversity at the University of Lodz. We have been implementing the project "UniLodz – a discrimination-free zone", which includes:
A. Workshops and training on non-discrimination and diversity management.
B. Training to raise awareness of anti-discrimination regulations and policies.
C. Social campaign for equal treatment "UniLodz Unified"
D. Specialist counselling (psychological, organisational) addressed to people directly experiencing discrimination.
In response to current needs, we have implemented a comprehensive series of trainings for all UniLodz employees, covering five key thematic areas: multiculturalism and intersectionality, communication based on trust and cooperation, dealing with conflict situations, responding to violence and discrimination, and building a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI). It is an investment in competences that support openness, empathy and mutual respect – fundamental values for our university.
The University of Lodz signed an agreement with the Responsible Business Forum in January 2025. It is the national coordinator of the Diversity Charter, which is an international initiative under the auspices of the European Commission.
The Diversity Charter is a written commitment signed by organisations that declare their willingness to introduce a policy of equal treatment and management of diversity and an expression of the readiness of the University of Lodz to involve all employees and business and social partners in these activities.
Signatories of the Diversity Charter (currently about 250 institutions) who decide to implement this tool work for social cohesion and equality.
We are involved in a BIO4PAK project co-funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC)
In October, the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz launched the international project BIO4PAK (Biodegradable Bio-based Bioactive Packaging Technology for Supporting Food Safety). The project, recognised by the European Commission as a breakthrough for the packaging industry in the food industry, received funding under the Horizon Europe programme – EIC Pathfinder Challenges.
The BIO4PAK project is carried out by an international research consortium led by scientists from the University of Lodz. Our university is the leader and coordinator of the project, which has received funding of almost 4 million euros.
The aim of the BIO4PAK project is to develop a new generation of innovative, bio-based, biodegradable and bioactive packaging, inspired by solutions found in nature. The project's smart, compostable materials aim to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based plastics used in food systems, while supporting food safety.
Science and art
We combine science with culture on socially important topics. Thanks to the presence of the University of Lodz in the Lodz Academic Partnership, together with the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts, the Medical University of Lodz, the Lodz University of Technology, the Lodz Film School, we create exhibitions and events that raise a variety of issues. This year they included:
-
Genetics and archaeology in artistic interpretation: Marzena Mirewicz-Czumachenko's exhibition
On the eve of Women's Day, on 7 March, the exhibition "Obecność T2b. Pramatki – kontynuacja" [The Presence of T2b. Foremothers – a sequel], which consisted of sculptural objects and graphics by Marzena Mirewicz-Czumaczenko. The exhibition has been created thanks to the artist's cooperation with the Biobank of the University of Lodz and the Department of Anthropology at the Faculty of Philosophy and History of the University of Lodz. Both during the opening of the exhibition and during its closing with the participation of the participants of the conference of the Stowarzyszenie PR i Promocji Uczelni Polskich „PRom” (Association of PR and Promotion of Polish Universities "PRom"), a meeting with the participation of the artist and scientists from the University of Lodz was held.
The exhibition was accompanied by open events organised by the student science clubs of the University of Lodz: the Varia Archaeology Student Science Club at the University of Lodz, the BIFAS Prehistoric Archaeology Student Science Club, and the Game Researchers Student science Club at the University of Lodz. There were Viking rune writing workshops, Stone Age rock art workshops and an analogue RPG gameplay related to the Slavs.
-
“(Nie)dopasowane” is not just an exhibition, it is a space for dialogue and joint discovery of the meanings of the female body. We ask how the canons of beauty affect our bones, why the female body still operates in a man's world, and how art can become a tool for emancipation. As part of the accompanying events, we invite you to attend talks, workshops and creative activities that will allow you to look at corporeality from different perspectives: artistic, anthropological-biological, sociological.
Three experts took part in the project: dr hab. Beata Marcinkowska, Associate professor at the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts – an artist, creator of the exhibition, Dr Beata Borowska – an biological anthropologist, representing the Department of Anthropology at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz, dr hab. Dominika Byczkowska-Owczarek – a sociologist of the body, representing the Department of the Sociology of Culture at the Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Lodz.
The UniLodz community as a priority
We know very well that no institution exists without people, which is why we are so keen to maintain relationships with the University of Lodz alumni. In 2025, two meetings were held as part of the Students Alumni Meetup.
The university authorities have been awarding the most outstanding alumni of the University of Lodz with a distinction – the title of VIP Alumni since 2013. Currently, over 260 people from the world of business, science, art and culture form a unique network. What is more, the awarded people join the activities of the University of Lodz by participating in the Mentorship Programme as mentors, appearing in panels and debates, and supporting the university in organising various initiatives. Together with Radio Łódź, in 2025 we produced 5 podcasts in which our VIP Alumni talked about their experiences at university and how they built their careers.
Awards and distinctions
We received a distinction for the Support for Transgender and Non-Binary People project during the Diversity Charter 2025 gala in Warsaw, in November. The winning projects were selected by an independent jury, which also awarded honourable mentions, and people voting in a plebiscite of Internet users.
Together we can do more
Thanks to these initiatives, the University of Lodz strengthens its position as a university open to cooperation, supporting development and sensitive to social needs. We build relationships and the UniLodz community, which is our greatest value. We are not slowing down – there are more projects, new challenges and further development of activities that combine science, culture and social engagement ahead of us. We encourage you to subscribe to the newsletter on LindekIn, where we inform and summarise the University of Lodz activities.
Text: Jolanta Lechowska-Białecka, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
