On March 17, 2026, the inauguration meeting of the Silesian EURAXESS Network was held at the Silesian University of Technology. The Silesian EURAXESS Network is an initiative created within the national NAWA-EURAXESS network and is part of a Europe-wide initiative of the European Commission supporting researchers’ mobility and career development. The creation of the Silesian network within the project was undertaken by three Silesian universities:
- Silesian University of Technology (leader)
- University of Economics in Katowice
- University of Silesia
The inaugural meeting provided an opportunity to present the project’s concept, which focuses on increasing the internationalization and competitiveness of Polish universities, and above all on effectively preparing institutions to support international researchers. The event was attended by many distinguished guests from both academia and business. The inauguration was honored by speeches from, among others:
- Prof. Marek Gzik, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education
- Prof. Marek Pawełczyk, Rector of the Silesian University of Technology
- Łukasz Gorczyński, Deputy Mayor of Gliwice
- Dr. Łukasz Gołota, Deputy Director of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
- Monika Zaremba, NAWA
- Maciej Biskupski, Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis
Following the official part, panel discussions took place, featuring representatives of our university: Edyta Lachowicz-Santos, Director of the Internationalization Office at the University of Economics in Katowice and member of the EAIE Board, and Yelyzaveta Kashlieva, staff member of the Internationalization Office.
The debates provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by international researchers and students, as well as ways to address them. The key takeaway was that comprehensive support for international researchers - who often come to work or undertake internships together with their families -cannot be limited to universities or research institutions alone, but also requires engagement and understanding from the city and the region. More information about the event, along with a photo gallery, is available on the project leader’s website.
The EURAXESS Network in Poland is coordinated by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).
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