NEWS

How about an unforgettable learning experience in Portugal?

Lodz University of Technology invites its students to participate in a prestigious Summer School organised in Faro, in the heart of the picturesque Algarve region.

Together with students from the Netherlands (University of Groningen) and Portugal (University of Algarve), you will have the opportunity to participate in intensive workshops and discussions that will focus on developing emotional intelligence and countering all forms of discrimination in higher education.

Date: 6 – 10 October 2025 

Place: Faro, Portugal

What will you gain?

• acquire new knowledge and skills
• make international friends and exchange experiences with participants from other countries
• learn to recognise emotions and model your thinking and acting accordingly
• develop empathy, i.e. the ability to recognise and empathise with the emotions of others
• learn about discrimination and how to consciously avoid prejudice, be open to diversity, express support for stigmatised people and skilfully confront negative attitudes in our environment.

How to apply?

1. Read the rules of participation: The regulations are available to download [link to regulations]. Please read the document carefully before submitting your application.
2. Fill out the application form [link to form]: Before completing the form, make sure you have read the regulations and meet the formal criteria to participate in the Summer School.
3. Deadline for applications: Do not forget to submit your application by July 25th. You can email the form to eduprojects@info.p.lodz.pl
4. Remember that the number of participants is limited, so the sooner you apply, the more chance you have of taking part.

Interested? Do not miss out on an opportunity that could change the way you think and approach university life!

Summer School poster

See you in Faro!

The summer school is organised within the framework of the Erasmus+ project entitled „Implementation of effective practices for the development of students' emotional intelligence with particular emphasis on anti-discrimination activities at European universities”.

More information about the project can be found at https://equni.eu/

The workshops mark another important step in the implementation of the “ACE - Alliance for Community Engagement in European Higher Education” project carried out within Erasmus+ Programme. The workshops brought together representatives of all project partners to explore the future of community engagement in higher education. 

Building on the outcomes of earlier project activities, ACE Horizon Scanning and Stakeholder Dialogues, the workshops aimed to synthesize insights and identify critical interdependencies shaping community engagement practices across Europe. By combining evidence, experiences, and perspectives gathered so far, participants engaged in in-depth discussions to co-create a comprehensive vision for socially responsible and inclusive university-community collaboration.

The workshops provided a participatory space to assess potential drivers, challenges, and opportunities that could influence the effectiveness and sustainability of engagement efforts in the coming years. Participants examined key factors such as policy developments, institutional strategies, resource allocation, and evolving societal needs. Special attention was given to how these elements interact and impact one another in complex and dynamic environments.

A key objective of the Cross-Impact Workshops was to foster a shared understanding of the systemic conditions necessary for successful engagement. Discussions centred around what higher education institutions (HEIs) need to anticipate, prepare for, and prioritize in order to strengthen their role as socially engaged institutions.

Insights generated during the workshops will support the development of the European University Community Engagement Guide, which will offer guidance and inspiration to universities committed to fostering a culture of engagement, collaboration, and social responsibility within the higher education sector.

This year, 2,526 universities from 130 countries submitted entries to the ranking, with 2,318 ultimately classified. For the fourth consecutive year, Western Sydney University (Australia) topped the global list.

As in the previous edition, 25 Polish universities were included in the final ranking. The highest-ranked ones were Gdańsk University of Technology and University of Gdańsk, both placed between 301 and 400. TUL was ranked among the TOP 9 universities in Poland. The university achieved its highest score in SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, placing within the 201–300 range, jointly securing second place nationally alongside Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences.

Additionally, TUL was recognized in several other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

THE Impact Rankings consider the contribution of HEIs to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which form the core of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By performing strongly across a range of SDGs, participating universities demonstrate their commitment to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, from environmental sustainability and social inclusion to economic growth and global partnerships.

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For yet another year, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been ranked as the best university in the world, with Imperial College London and Stanford University in the world TOP3. 

Twenty Polish HEIs were ranked. The national top three are: University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Warsaw University of Technology. Lodz University of Technology (TUL) was ranked within the 1001–1200 range. 

Globally, TUL received its highest score in the Faculty Student Ratio indicator, placing 306th in the world, with an improvement of 29 positions compared to last year. This indicator reflects the number of students per academic staff, highlighting the university's capacity for student support and teaching quality.

Nationally, TUL achieved its best result in the Citations per Faculty indicator, securing 2nd place in Poland. This metric assesses the impact and visibility of research conducted at the university, calculated as the number of citations of the institution’s scientific publications divided by the number of academic staff.

The methodology of QS ranking considers indicators grouped into five broad categories: research, employability, learning experience, global engagement (internationalization), and sustainability.

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The event brought together 10 academic and administrative staff members from Lodz University of Technology and the University of Groningen, who explored the importance of emotional intelligence and diversity in today’s multicultural academic landscape. Participants engaged in self-reflection, worked on understanding their own emotions, and learned how these emotions impact their personal lives and professional relationships.

One of the key experiences during the training was the BLACK WORLD workshop, held in complete darkness. This powerful activity aimed to raise awareness about the everyday functioning of people with visual impairments, as well as to challenge stereotypes and barriers related to disability. In specially arranged dark rooms, participants were guided by blind facilitators, allowing them to rediscover the world without the use of sight – relying only on hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

Another highlight of the week was the EQUNI Game session, where participants were introduced to a board game developed as part of the project. Set in the university environment, the game challenges players to face an invisible force – the Monster of Discrimination – which lurks within the campus and operates in the shadow, affecting students and staff alike. Divided into two teams, participants navigate the university’s haunted classrooms and halls, facing challenges that test their knowledge, courage, and empathy. The game aims to foster awareness of discrimination and its effects on individuals and communities, offering an engaging and meaningful tool for reflection and learning.

As part of the training, participants also visited the Marek Edelman Dialogue Center in Łódź, where they toured the Survivors’ Park and learned about the Center’s empathy-based social initiatives.

More EQUNI training sessions are planned for the autumn – and we warmly invite you to take part! Together, we can help create a more inclusive academic environment.

The training was held within the framework of the Erasmus+ project: "Implementation of effective practices for the development of students' emotional intelligence with particular emphasis on anti-discrimination activities at European universities."

More information about the project.

They immersed themselves in a week full of expert-led lectures, hands-on workshops, and team projects. The event focused on sustainability, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility, equipping young people with the tools and mindset needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.

One of the most engaging moments of the week was the city game, where students had the chance to explore a tool developed by the project consortium - an educational field experience designed to support understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering emotional intelligence (EQ).

The event concluded with the Debate Tournament, where students were divided into groups to discuss real-world sustainability challenges. They applied their critical thinking skills and the theoretical knowledge gained throughout the week to argue for or against a specific issue concerning social justice, gender equality and animal rights.

The most engaged and inspiring participants were honoured with a special recognition, the title of Agents of Change. This title celebrates students who not only demonstrated exceptional commitment, creativity, and leadership in advancing the values of the SDGs, but also inspired and motivated their peers throughout the program. Whether by sharing innovative ideas, fostering a collaborative spirit, or making impactful contributions to group work and discussions, these individuals stood out as true changemakers who led by example and encouraged others to get involved.

While sustainability was the overarching theme, what truly stood out to the participants was the emphasis on teamwork, communication, and cross-cultural understanding. What the students took away from the experience is best captured in their own words:

We were integrating more because of mutual tasks. Teamwork aspect was great.

I learnt that empathy and communication are crucial to find solutions, and that critical thinking combined with emotional intelligence is the best way to deal with all situations. 

Communication and discussion are key to building a better future, because everyone has a different perspective on what that future should look like.

Although the programme focused on global challenges, it empowered participants to think and act locally, proving that meaningful change often starts with small steps. 

As the participants return home inspired and full of ideas, we are excited to see the impact they will create. 

More information about the project

This year's edition evaluated over 21,000 universities and research institutions globally, with the ranking list featuring the top 2,000 academic centers.

As in previous years, the highest positions were claimed by Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Stanford University, reaffirming their status as global leaders in science and education.

Among the 40 ranked Polish institutions, the highest positions were achieved by Jagiellonian University (395^th), the University of Warsaw (427^th), and AGH University of Krakow (627^th).

The CWUR ranking, compiled by an independent consulting organization located in the United Arab Emirates, is based on seven indicators grouped into four key areas: education (25%), employability (25%), faculty (10%) and research (40%).

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ICC announces the fourth recruitment for doctoral students from abroad to participate in the prestigious PROM programme - Short-term academic exchange at Lodz University of Technology. We still have 6 spots available for incoming mobilities!

This is your chance to join a vibrant TUL academic community, gain global experience, and contribute to impactful research.

Mobility implementation period: from August 1st to December 31th, 2025. 

Home countries: the whole world

Financing for the participant*:

• travel costs from PLN 1.000 to PLN 6.500 
• subsistence and accommodation costs from PLN 1.500 to PLN 9.000 
• scholarship from PLN 625 to PLN 3.750 

*When planning the mobility, it should be taken into account that the university has at its disposal an average of PLN 10.000 per participant to cover travel, subsistence & accommodation costs and scholarship.

🔗 Apply today!

Step 1 - Read the Regulations for participation in the project, including the appendixes:

• List of available mobilities
• Travel, subsistence and accommodation costs and amount of scholarships
• Recruitment schedule for the fourth call
• Mobility Funding Application of a Doctoral Student
• Application Assessment Form for a Doctoral Student
• Data form for the Agreement
• Agreement template
• Appendix 1 to the Agreement – Certificate template pl and en
• Appendix 2 to the Agreement – Financial settlement of the mobility
• Project Participant form
• Competency Assessment Form of the Project Participant

Step 2 - Plan your mobility

Step 3 - Fill in the Application Form

Step 4 - Send a set of documents to the Project Office at the following address: promobility-incoming@info.p.lodz.pl – incoming mobilities to TUL

📅 Application deadline: June 30th, 2025.

Don’t miss out—opportunities like this don’t come often!

The PROM Programme is implemented by Lodz University of Technology under the agreement with the National Agency for Academic Exchange and is financed from the European Union funds as part of the NAWA project entitled “Short-term academic exchange as a way to improve the quality of education at institutions of higher education and science” with the number FERS.01.05-IP.08-0218/23.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ Project Wrap-Up Discussions: The team reviewed all completed activities and consolidated the outcomes, ensuring that the project’s goals are met with relevance and sustainability.
• ❤️ EQUNI Game Session: The game was tested with a group of local teachers of University of Groningen, whose positive feedback highlights its strong potential to promote equity on university campuses and support inclusive education.
• 📱 EQUNI App Development: Project members collaborated on the final form and content of the mobile app, which is set to launch soon. The app will serve as a dynamic tool for personal growth, helping users cultivate empathy, understand diverse perspectives, and actively challenge bias.
• ☀️ Summer School in Faro: Initial arrangements were made for the next edition of the EQUNI Summer School, set to take place in Faro later this year. This event will bring together educators and students to explore inclusive education and emotional intelligence through engaging, hands-on activities.

The team continues its efforts and shared commitment for delivering lasting tools and resources for educators and learners alike.

For more information visit the project website.

The project "EUREKA – Global Challenges, Local Solutions: Shaping Future Leaders through Knowledge and Innovation" aims to enhance the quality of education at TUL and increase the university’s attractiveness to international students, particularly from the Asia and Oceania regions.

As part of the initiative, an Intensive International Education Programme (IIEP) titled "The Europe Ready Challenge" will be launched. It will involve a group of 60 students – both from TUL and partner institutions - Avantika University, University Malaysia Perlis, and Papua New Guinea University of Technology. The programme will be delivered in a blended learning format, combining online learning with an intensive three-week on-site visit to Lodz for students from Malaysia, India, and Papua New Guinea. Courses will be conducted using the Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) method by TUL academic staff in collaboration with representatives of local employers. Participants will visit regional companies and, working in interdisciplinary teams, develop ready-to-implement solutions, gaining valuable practical skills and experience.

Participation in the project will enable students to develop key competencies sought after by employers. The micro-credentials they receive will enrich their educational and professional portfolios and increase their competitiveness in the global job market.

The project will launch on June 1, 2025, and will run until the end of July 2026. ICC’s Director - dr inż. Dorota Piotrowska, TUL professor – will coordinate the initiative.

The project is implemented under the SPINAKER programme which is financed from the European Fund for Social Development 2021-2027 (FERS) as part of the NAWA project entitled "Support for the creation and implementation of international education programs", project number FERS.01.05-IP.08-0436/23.