NEWS

In this year’s edition, Lodz University of Technology confirmed its stable position among institutions with strong research output and significant scientific impact, ranking 896th globally and 274th in Europe.

The ranking includes over 2,800 universities worldwide. The top positions were claimed by Harvard University (USA) and two leading Chinese institutions: Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Zhejiang University. Among Polish universities, the highest-ranked were: AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow (294th), Jagiellonian University (306th), and University of Warsaw (503rd).

The Leiden Ranking is based on data from the open bibliometric database OpenAlex, ensuring greater transparency and accessibility of research performance analysis. It focuses exclusively on publication-related indicators, evaluating universities according to: number of publications (P), citation impact (PP(top 1%, 5%, 10%, 50%)), international collaboration (IC) and open access publications (OA).

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As part of the project, partner institutions continue to organize interactive game sessions tailored to their local communities - students, staff, and other stakeholders. Each session invites participants to explore the realities of discrimination, inclusion, and quality culture in higher education through the immersive experience of the EQUNI Game.

At Lodz University of Technology, the session held on October 13th 2025 brought together international and local students for a bold, collaborative journey. They stepped into a fictional scenario where a silent force - the Monster of Discrimination - was creeping through campus life. But this wasn’t a story about fear. It was a story about taking action.

Participants assumed real-life roles, faced dilemmas, made decisions, and worked together to shape a more inclusive university environment. They explored emotional intelligence, empathy, and the power of teamwork. They learned how to respond to discrimination - whether as victims, witnesses, or even unintentional perpetrators.

The session created a safe space to reflect, engage, and grow. It sparked meaningful conversations and empowered students to become agents of change.

The event was organized as part of the 2025 Erasmus+ Days - a unique opportunity to promote the multitude of benefits that result from the EU programme.

This was just one of many EQUNI Game sessions held by the project partners - each unique, each impactful, each contributing to a shared vision of a more inclusive and quality-driven higher education.

For more stories from our EQUNI journey, please visit the website: https://www.equni.eu 

If you are interested in hosting an event at your unit or institution as part of the EQUNI project - whether to play the game or to learn more about the project and explore our good practices in implementation - please contact us at eduprojects@info.p.lodz.pl.
We would be happy to organize an event tailored to your needs!

The event brought together over 60 students and staff from partner universities: University of Algarve, University of Groningen, and Lodz University of Technology. 🌍

During the Summer School, participants followed five learning pathways focused on topics such as 💡 emotional intelligence, 🚫 combating discrimination, ⚖️ equality, and 🤝 building an inclusive academic environment. The sessions were held as interactive workshops, fostering exchange of experiences and reflection.

On the very first day, participants explored our EQUNI board game 🎲, introducing them to themes of equality and cooperation. An accompanying training on responding to discrimination helped participants understand the importance of the active bystander – someone who does not remain indifferent to undesirable behaviours.

Working in international groups became an inspiring space for co-creating solutions for a more equitable and open academic environment. Each team was tasked with developing a solution to a selected discriminatory situation. The results included short 🎥 films and 🖼️ posters – all highly creative and inspiring. Their creators demonstrated that diversity can be a source of strength, not a barrier. 💪

The EQUNI Summer School was not only an intensive learning experience 📚, but above all, a gathering of people with shared values, open minds, and social awareness 💖. Each day brought new experiences, and activities on mindfulness, empathy, and communication helped participants better understand themselves and others, as well as find their own voice in building a more inclusive academic world 🌟.

For more information about the EQUNI project and its initiatives, visit:
👉 www.equni.eu

The award ceremony took place at the historic Lobkowicz Palace in Prague, where Dr. Dorota Piotrowska, the project coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the entire international consortium.

This recognition celebrates EQUNI’s innovative and impactful work in promoting emotional intelligence, anti-discrimination, and inclusive practices across European universities. Through a rich blend of activities - including training programs and summer schools - EQUNI empowers students and staff to build safer, more empathetic academic communities.

A key innovation of the project is the introduction of micro-credentials, which formally recognize learning outcomes achieved through these diverse educational opportunities. These credentials provide students and university staff with meaningful acknowledgment of their personal growth and acquired competencies.

Among the project’s signature tools is the EQUNI Game, a collaborative board game that challenges players to confront the “Monster of Discrimination” through teamwork, reflection, and real-life decision-making.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all project partners and participants for their dedication and vision. This award is a testament to what we can achieve together in advancing equality and inclusion in academia.

🔗 Learn more about the project: https://equni.eu 
🔗 Meet the winners: https://2025.triple-e-awards.com/finalists/region/2025global

This year’s edition of the ranking includes 2,191 universities from 115 countries, which is 99 more than last year. For the first time, universities from Senegal, Libya, and Yemen were included in the ranking.

At the top of the global list, for the tenth consecutive year, is the University of Oxford (United Kingdom). The podium is completed by two American universities – the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Princeton University. The top ten is dominated by institutions from the United Kingdom and the United States, although the presence of rapidly developing Asian universities, particularly from China, is becoming increasingly visible.

In the THE World University Rankings 2026, the number of Polish universities included increased to 42 (compared to 40 in the previous year). The Wroclaw Medical University and the Jagiellonian University achieved the highest positions (in the 501–600 band), followed by the University of Warsaw (601–800). Lodz University of Technology ranked 23rd among Polish universities and was placed in the 1500+ range worldwide.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 ranking is based on the WUR 3.0 methodology, with the evaluation criteria grouped into five areas - teaching, research environment, research quality,  industry, and international outlook. 

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Universidade da Coruña opens the Call for Course Proposals for The International Summer School 2026 with the conditions described here.

The International Summer School 2026 will be held in A Coruña. Courses shall be entirely taught in English. Each intensive course shall have a total teaching load of 42 hours divided into two weeks (from 13th to 24th July, 2026) and will have an academic value of 6 ECTS credits.

Visiting teachers shall apply by filling in the following Course Proposal Form (DEADLINE: 20th October 2025).

Thanks to budget savings, we are now able to fund up to 4–5 additional mobilities, available exclusively for PhD students and academic teachers from institutions abroad (incoming mobilities only).

Whether you're aiming to advance your research, build international academic networks, or experience Polish academic life, this is your opportunity to join us in Łódź!

📅 Mobility period:

October 27 – December 31, 2025

🌐 Eligible applicants:

PhD students and academic teachers from any country worldwide, except the Russian Federation

💰 Funding includes:

• Travel costs: PLN 1,000–6,500
• Subsistence & accommodation: PLN 1,500–9,000
• Scholarship: PLN 625–7,500

Please note: the average budget per participant is approx. PLN 10,000, covering all costs.

✅ How to apply:

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 fifth call
• Mobility Funding Application of a Doctoral Student
• Mobility Funding Application of an Academic Teacher
• Application Assessment Form for a Doctoral Student
• Application Assessment Form for an Academic Teacher
• Data form for the Agreement
• Agreement template
• Appendix 1 to the Agreement – Certificate template
• 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: Complete the Application Form (linked above)
Step 4: Send your full application package to:
📧 promobility-incoming@info.p.lodz.pl 

⏳ Deadline:

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and funding is awarded first-come, first-served — so don’t wait too long!

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.

🏛️ September 11 – ACEEU Forum
The consortium participated in the ACEEU Forum, where discussions focused on the role of universities in fostering civic engagement and entrepreneurial mindsets. The event provided valuable inspiration for the project’s current and future activities.

🤝 September 12 – Project Meeting
The second day was dedicated to the internal consortium meeting, where partners discussed key developments across all work packages. Topics included the development of a practical guide for universities on forward-looking civic engagement, the structure and sustainability of the ACE Alliance, as well as the structure of the ACE platform, which is planned to be launched next year.

🔗 For more information, visit the project website: https://acecommunity.eu

✅ How to vote:

1. Register the vote with your email at https://2025.triple-e-awards.com/finalist/id/1211
2. Like 👍 and share 🔁 our posts about the awards on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin)
3. Spread the word and help us shine! ✨

Why EQUNI?
Because we believe that universities should be places of equality, inclusion and respect. 
That is why our mission is to strengthen students’ Emotional Intelligence to prevent discrimination and ensure equal opportunities across European campuses. 🎓✨

Our partners in the project: University of Groningen (the Netherlands), University of Algarve (Portugal), SumFuo (France), Rafał Nykiel Coaching (Poland). 

Every vote counts — thank you for being part of our journey! 🙌

The voting will be closed on Monday, 8 September 17:00 CEST.

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/