On April 9, 2026, a conference was held at the Oratorium Marianum of the University of Wrocław to launch the Lower Silesian EURAXESS Network, coordinated by the University of Wrocław in collaboration with its partners: the Piastów Śląskich Medical University in Wrocław, the Polish Olympians Academy of Physical Education, and the Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
The event brought together representatives of universities, institutions supporting academic mobility, and city and regional authorities. Participants discussed internationalization, the development of research collaboration, and the creation of a welcoming environment for researchers from around the world.
The ceremonial opening was performed by Prof. Patrycja Matusz (University of Wrocław) and Prof. Marzena Dominiak (Medical University of Wrocław), who emphasized the importance of university internationalization and scientific cooperation for the region’s development.
Speaking on behalf of the city and provincial authorities were Monika Sochacka (Wrocław Academic Center) and Stanisław Huskowski, the Lower Silesian Province Marshal’s Representative for Cooperation with Higher Education Institutions, who highlighted the role of initiatives such as EURAXESS in creating an open ecosystem for researchers from around the world.
Dr. Piotr Kępski (National Agency for Academic Exchange) and Prof. Patrycja Matusz spoke about the significance and objectives of the EURAXESS network; Prof. Matusz also outlined the action plan for the project in Lower Silesia.
The presentations by international guests were also a valuable part of the program:
– Vitaliy Bondarenko (EURAXESS Germany) presented best practices for network operations from German institutions,
– Dr. Emre Can Alptekin shared his career path—from international student to researcher in an international environment,
– Prof. David Blaschke spoke about his experiences with academic mobility and research collaboration within the Bridge Professorship program.
Further project activities, focused on network development and the integration of foreign researchers, will be carried out in the coming months.