Nearly 100 scientists representing priority research areas, university core facilities, and support structures established under the Excellence Initiative – Research University program took part in an October meeting summarizing more than two years of its implementation and plans for the near future.

The event, which took place on October 14-15 this year, was the first time that initiatives undertaken and planned by the IDUB Program Office were discussed among such a wide range of University employees. In addition to representatives of the University’s authorities: Prof. Marcin Gruchała – Rector, Prof. Michał Markuszewski – Vice-Rector for Science, and Prof. Jacek Bigdy – Vice-Rector for Development and Organization of Education, the leaders of the Priority Research Areas: Prof. Jacek Jassem, Prof. Krzysztof Narkiewicz and Prof. Ryszard Tomasz Smoleński and Prof. Tomasz Bączek – the Rector’s Representative for the Excellence Initiative – Research University Program, the conference brought together those actively involved in the work of research teams (baskets), as well as those involved in various forms of support for scientists in their daily activities.

The beginning of the meeting was devoted to a brief reminder and summary of the activities of the structures and initiatives created as part of the implementation of the Excellence Initiative – Research University program. PRA leaders introduced the participants to the most important research achievements in each area. However, the key purpose of the conference was to discuss the most pressing needs of the MUG researchers and to present selected new solutions supported by the IDUB Program Office aimed at optimizing the research process. Piotr Falc, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Digitization and Processes, and Wojciech Kiedrowski using the example of a new tool, the so-called data bus, discussed the possibility of improving the cooperation between the MUG and the UCC in the field of clinical data. The scope of support offered to researchers by the Clinical Research Support Centre was introduced by Prof. Piotr Widłak, who heads it, while Katarzyna Grzejszczak, Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Development and Mateusz Kirjak presented activities aimed at increasing the pool of funds obtained by the MUG researchers from the Horizon Europe program. A strategic look at the future of medical research was presented by special guest Professor Michel Burnier of Lausanne University Hospital.

inauguration of the meeting

Participants spent the next part of the meeting in discussion groups moderated by Priority Research Area Leaders. Together they searched for ideas on how to improve communication to build interdisciplinary teams, tried to define new research areas worth exploring, also created a list of key obstacles to research activities, and developed proposals for desired changes. Thanks to the commitment of the participants, it was possible to gather rich material, many conclusions, and recommendations, which will be the basis for further work in the units responsible for the various processes and the search for optimal solutions.

An expert cooperating with the Office of the “Excellence Initiative – Research University” Program was also invited to participate in the meeting. Danuta Roclawska – psychologist, coach, and consultant in crisis intervention and psychoeducation, talked to participants about building a culture of cooperation in scientific teams, the role of motivation in achieving satisfactory work results, as well as the challenges that arise in intergenerational teams.

photo Agnieszka Anielska/MUG