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A Region Welcoming Talents from Abroad
Conference participants discussed how to work together to build a welcoming academic environment in the region for people from abroad, during a conference summarising the activities of the REGIOSTAFFNET to date.
The aim of the REGIOSTAFFNET project, carried out as part of the NAWA–EURAXESS programme, is to establish a regional cooperation network to support foreign researchers, PhD students and their families in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship. The initiative, led by Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, is being carried out in partnership with the Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, the University of Economy in Bydgoszcz, the WSB Merito University in Toruń and the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz. – “For us, being part of the European EURAXESS network is a significant milestone," said dr habil. Adam Kola, NCU Prof. and Vice-Rector for Research. “Previously, we used it as a database for information and job vacancies. Today, we are a full partner, and alongside our status as a research university and our membership of the YUFE and YERUN, this is a key element in building our European standing."
photo Andrzej Romański
The conference entitled 'A Region Open to Talent – How Can We Work Together to Create a Welcoming Environment for Researchers and PhD Students from Abroad?' was held at the Collegium Maximum of Nicolaus Copernicus University. The event brought together representatives from universities, public administration, local authorities, institutions and organisations supporting foreign nationals, employers and the international academic community. Together, they discussed how the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship can foster a welcoming environment for foreign researchers, PhD students and their families – from the initial formalities involved in arriving in Poland, through their time at university and within the local community, right through to creating conditions that encourage them to stay in the region for the long term. – “We are discussing one of our challenges: how to attract talent to Toruń – people who will not only study here, conduct research and carry out projects, but who will also make an important decision for the city and choose to stay here," said Adam Szponka, Deputy Mayor of Toruń. “I think dozens, if not hundreds, of towns face this challenge. Towns that are looking for ideas and ways to find their own identity, towns that are grappling with a demographic crisis, towns that are trying to attract young people to study and settle down here."
photo Andrzej Romański
The conference also provided an opportunity to review the REGIOSTAFFNET's activities up to now, exchange best practices and draw up recommendations on attracting, supporting and integrating foreign researchers and PhD students in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship. “This project is about creating a welcoming environment for people who come to us and decide to stay in Poland, in our region, in our city and at our university," explained Prof. Adam Kola. “The aim is for them to feel at home here. Contrary to appearances, this is one of the most important aspects of the process of employing foreign nationals, and it is something we care deeply about." Thanks to funding from the Excellence Initiative – Research University" programme and external projects, the internationalisation rate has risen significantly, but it remains isolated and very limited compared to large European universities. So, we've still got work to do.
The REGIOSTAFFNET project is funded under the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange–EURAXESS programme, which aims to strengthen the internationalisation of Polish higher education, develop services supporting academic mobility, and improve the professional standards of support provided to international researchers. The project will run until 30 September 2028, with a total budget of PLN 451,992.
