The University of Lodz was represented by: Dr Aleksandra Różalska – Rector’s Representative for Equal Treatment, Dr Krzysztof Kędziora – Ombudsman for Academic Rights, mgr Patrycja Chudzicka-Dudzik from the Faculty of International and Political Studies, and mgr Marta Nowacka – Coordinator for Preventing Discrimination, Mobbing and Other Undesirable Behaviours from the Support and Accessibility Centre.
The Academic Network for Safety and Equality is a nationwide association bringing together individuals working within higher education institutions to protect academic rights and values, and to strengthen safety, equality and diversity. The network includes people engaged, among other areas, in combating discrimination, supporting the well-being of the academic community, and developing ethical standards in higher education.
Joint Efforts for Safety, Equality and Well-being
This year’s congress was opened by the Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Prof. Arkadiusz Wójs, and the Chair of ANSE, Dr Anna Cybulko. The inauguration was also attended by the guest of honour, Dorota Olko, Member of the Polish Parliament, Vice-Rector for Development and Community Integration at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Prof. Karolina Jaklewicz, and the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs at the University of Wrocław, Dr Łukasz Prus. The programme of the event included lectures, plenary sessions and workshops devoted to the well-being of the academic community, the quality of workplace relations, the prevention of abuses of power and challenges related to organisational culture in higher education institutions. An important component of the programme consisted of expert training sessions and thematic section meetings, enabling the exchange of experiences and good practices among representatives of universities from across Poland.
Another Meeting in Łódź
During the congress, it was also announced that the next meeting of the Academic Network for Safety and Equality would take place on 21–23 April 2027 in Łódź. The event will be co-organised by the University of Lodz and Lodz University of Technology.
The Academic Network for Safety and Equality (ANSE) and the Equality Policy of the University of Lodz
The participation of the University of Lodz in the ANSE network aligns with the objectives of the equality policy set out in the Gender Equality Plan for the Years 2025-2027 at the University of Lodz, which envisages cooperation with universities in Poland and strengthening the visibility of the University of Lodz as an institution promoting equality, diversity, safety and anti-discrimination activities.
Together, We Are Developing a Culture of Safety and Equality
On 26 June 2026, the University of Lodz hosted Dr Jan Gałkowski from the University of Rzeszów – Vice-Chair of the Academic Network for Safety and Equality (in which the University of Lodz has been actively involved since 2024), Vice-Chair of the Advisory Team to the Minister of Science and Higher Education for Equality and Counteracting Undesirable Phenomena in the Academic Environment, Academic Ombudsman at the University of Rzeszów in 2022–24, mediator, sociologist and an ethicist.
Dr Gałkowski conducted a meeting entitled “Przeciwdziałanie i reagowanie na mobbing i zachowania niepożądane” [Preventing and Responding to Mobbing and Undesirable Behaviours] for the University of Lodz management staff, representatives of trade unions and members of the Anti-Mobbing and Anti-Discrimination Committee. For the University of Lodz Equality Council, He also proposed a workshop entitled “Przeciwdziałanie i reagowanie na przemoc ze względu na płeć (GBV)” [Preventing and Responding to Gender-Based Violence (GBV)] during the Council’s final meeting before the summer break.
Source: Patrycja Chudzicka-Dudzik, Aleksandra Różalska
Edit: Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
