University 360° – people, communication, cooperation
The "PRom" conference is one of the most important annual meetings for the academic, scientific and institutional communication community. For years, it has provided a platform for the exchange of inspiration, the presentation of best practices and discussions about the role of universities in building a culture of dialogue and social trust. A simple question: how can universities communicate knowledge effectively, responsibly and inspiringly? was the guiding principle of this year's conference was "University 360°. People – Communication – Cooperation in Action". It is in this context that the University of Lodz projects have proven particularly appreciated – combining science, art, social activities, and partnerships in a way that perfectly reflects the idea of University 360°.
Three UniLodz projects among the case studies
During the conference, selected case studies from universities across Poland were presented – three of the six presentations showcased activities implemented by the Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility, University of Lodz in collaboration with partners.
"Wystudiowane w Łodzi" – human faces of science in urban space
Bartosz Kałużny and Agata Dawidowicz presented the outdoor citylight campaign "Wystudiowane w Łodzi" – collaboration between six universities within the Lodz Academic Partnership. The project showcased the social impact of nearly 60 female scientists, artists and graduates of Lodz Academic Partnership in an accessible way – over 70 large-format posters featuring photographs and storytelling quotes were displayed throughout the city. This gave science and art a "human face" – one that encourages studying in Łódź and explains complex issues in an accessible way. All profiles of the women, representing various disciplines – from biotechnology and nuclear physics, through emergency medical services, to philosophy, scenography and music – can be found on the project website.
Scientific and artistic projects at the University of Lodz – a new language for science popularisation
Two further case studies focused on scientific and artistic projects. The PRom Association's selection demonstrated that the academic communications community recognises the value of unconventional forms of popularisation. The dialogue between science and art opens up new possibilities for telling research stories, allowing it to reach diverse communities and social groups.
“Dogspective” – about the relationship between a man and a dog
"Dogspective" presented by Bartosz Kałużny, which focused on canine well-being and the human-dog relationship was the first of the discussed initiatives. The project involved artists associated with the Lodz Film School (Maria Apoleika – author of "Psie Sucharki" Jacek Laube, and student Natalia Pietrzak) as well as scientists from various faculties at the University of Lodz – Dr Dariusz Pietraszewski, Dr Katarzyna Majecka (both from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz), Adrianna Kaczuba-Kozic (Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Lodz), Dr Magdalena Piotrowska-Grot and Prof. Natalia Lemann (Faculty of Philology, University of Lodz). "Dogspective" addressed socially important issues – everyday communication with canine companions, the issue of adoption and responsible breeding, as well as the anthropomorphisation of dogs in cultural texts. The project was planned before the annual “Psia Kość!” fundraiser, thus increasing interest in supporting the Animal Shelter in Łódź.
(Mis)matched – on Femininity Between Biology, Art and Social Norms
The project "(Mis)matched – on Femininity Between Biology, Art and Social Norms" presented by its initiator and coordinator, Agata Dawidowicz was the second scientific and artistic endeavor which was discussed. The interdisciplinary nature of the project was presented, combining three distinct worlds: art, biological anthropology and sociology, represented by: dr hab. Beata Marcinkowska, Associate Professor at the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts Łódź, dr hab. Dominika Byczkowska-Owczarek (Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz), and Dr Beata Borowska (Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz). The project's communication strategy was discussed – how, through the faces of female experts, researchers and artists, communication based on trust, accessibility and authenticity was achieved. Interdisciplinarity was identified as a working method and simultaneously became an expression of openness to the diversity and complexity of human nature, which is at the centreof our interests.
Panel Discussion: cooperation as the foundation of a University 360°
In addition to presenting case studies, the University of Lodz also participated in the panel discussion "University 360°. Collaboration in Action – How to Build Bridges in the Academic Community", which was attended by Honorata Pytloch-Ogieniewska. The discussed topics included effective collaboration with the university's community, the role of values in strengthening partnerships and the significance of a university as an institution of public trust. As the University of Lodz representative emphasised: "In my interactions with the community, I am guided by respect, collaboration, courage, curiosity and commitment. These are the values of the University of Lodz – and this approach truly pays off".
UniLodz among the best – three projects in the PRom awards finals
During the closing gala of the conference, the results of the PRom awards were announced. Three projects from the University of Lodz were recognised among the best projects in Poland – once again underlining the fact that our initiatives are appreciated, visible and inspiring for the entire community.
UniLodz as a University 360°
This year's PRom conference confirmed that the University of Lodz is developing academic communication in a bold, creative and responsible manner. It also sent a clear signal that projects implemented by the Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility, University of Lodz are becoming an important point of reference for other institutions – both universities and social partners. The University of Lodz demonstrated that University 360° is not just a concept – it is a daily practice stemming from collaboration, dialogue and openness to diverse communities.
Source: Agata Dawidowicz, Bartosz Kałużny, Honorata Pytloh-Ogieniewska (Centre for External Relations and Social Respons, University of Lodz), Stowarzyszenie PRom
Edit: Agata Dawidowicz, Centre for External Relations and Social Respons, University of Lodz
Photos: Łukasz Kamiński
