On January 28, 2026, the AGH University of Krakow hosted the official launch event of the project “Małopolska – Inspiration for Your Research Journey”, implemented under the NAWA–EURAXESS Network Programme.
The event brought together representatives of the HEI, public authorities, and international researchers, marking an important step toward strengthening Małopolska’s position as an attractive destination for scientific research and academic career development.
The project was inaugurated in cooperation with leading academic institutions in Kraków: Jagiellonian University, Cracow University of Technology, the University of Agriculture in Kraków, and the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. A total of 132 participants attended the project launch event.
The official opening of the event was delivered by:
- Prof. Rafał Wiśniowski, Vice-Rector for Cooperation at AGH University of Krakow,
- Mr. Krzysztof Jan Klęczar, Voivode of Małopolska Region,
- Mrs. Maria Klaman, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Kraków,
- Dr. Piotr Kępski, Director of Department of Programmes for Institutions of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).
Following the opening remarks, Mrs. Monika Zaremba presented the activities of the EURAXESS Network supported by NAWA, while Mr. Paweł Świerk, Director of CSM, introduced the objectives and key assumptions of the project “Małopolska – Inspiration for Your Research Journey.”
Supporting international researchers
The main goal of the project is to create and develop a comprehensive support system for international researchers coming to the Małopolska region and to promote the region as an attractive and welcoming environment for conducting scientific research and building academic careers. The initiative focuses on strengthening cooperation between academic institutions, improving services for foreign researchers, and enhancing Małopolska’s visibility on the international research map.
Voices of international researchers
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring international researchers currently working in Małopolska. The panelists shared their personal experiences, perspectives on scientific cooperation, professional successes, and challenges related to working and living in Poland. They also spoke about their motivations for choosing Małopolska as a place to develop their academic careers, emphasizing the region’s strong research infrastructure, growing international networks, and supportive academic environment.
The event programme included:
- official opening and keynote speeches,
- presentation of the project,
- panel discussion with international researchers and experts.
The discussions and exchanges of experiences created a valuable platform for dialogue between institutions and researchers and highlighted the importance of international collaboration in science.
The Programme is Financed with European Union funds from the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 (FERS) under the NAWA Project “Support for higher education and research institutions in supporting foreign nationals and Polish citizens going abroad,” project number FERS.01.05-IP.08-0003/24.
Looking ahead
The launch of the project “Małopolska – Inspiration for Your Research Journey” marks the beginning of a long-term effort to strengthen institutional cooperation and to build a sustainable support system for international researchers in the region.
The organizers would like to thank all guests, partners, and speakers for their participation and valuable contributions to the discussions that will shape the future of international research collaboration in Małopolska.
