The possibility of establishing a formal academic partnership between the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) and the University of Gdańsk was discussed at a meeting of the authorities of both universities held at the UG on October 10.
The University of Gdańsk was represented by the Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, dr hab. Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler, prof. UG, and the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education Quality, dr hab. Arnold Kłonczyński, prof. UG, while the European University of Viadrina was represented by its President, prof. dr Eduard Mühle.
The meeting was also attended by the Head of the UG International Cooperation Office, Magdalena Sawicz, the Head of the UG Herder Centre, Zbigniew Zembrzuski, and dr Anna Kowalewska-Mróz from the Herder Centre.
The European University Viadrina is the German university most popular among international students, including Poles. Its president for the term 2023-2029 is prof. Eduard Mühle, who headed the Herder Institute in Marburg from 1995 to 2002 and the German Historical Institute in Warsaw from 2008 to 2013.
The Vice-Rector for International Cooperation talked about the SEA-EU (South European Atlantic Universities) alliance, of which the University of Gdańsk is a member, and explained what the network of nine European and coastal universities from Cadiz, Brest, Kiel, Split, Malta, Algarve, Naples and Bodø is all about. She also talked about promoting the mobility of students, academics and administrative staff.
During the meeting, the possibility of establishing a formal academic partnership between the two universities was discussed, including joint curricula, research and student exchanges to enhance cultural and scientific diversity.
They also considered how the two universities could work together. The organisation of joint events such as conferences, symposia, exhibitions or cultural festivals that promote cultural and scientific exchange was discussed.
One of the topics taken up by Vice-Rector prof. Arnold Kłonczyński was how to finance joint projects and obtain grants at both national and international levels. Much attention was also paid to international students at the University of Gdańsk.
The head of the Herder Centre at the University of Gdańsk, Zbigniew Zembrzuski, presented the possibilities of studying German at the University of Gdańsk and of passing Goethe-Institut certificates at the University of Gdańsk (from 2023), which make it easier to apply for admission to German universities.
Vice-Rector Prof. Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler emphasised the importance of personal contacts and cooperation at the level of individual faculties or institutes within both universities.
Prof. Eduard Mühle explained that within the three Faculties, Law, Cultural Studies and Economics, there are approximately 5,000 students at Viadrina University, of which about 16% are foreigners. It is noteworthy that Viadrina University actively promotes international student exchange and offers many English programmes, attracting students from different countries.
Cooperation between the University of Gdańsk and the European University Viadrina can benefit students and academic staff at both universities and increase the region's research and scientific potential.