Campus life [2025-11-18]

First Convention of Women Rectors at the NCU

— Editors

Women rectors and vice-rectors from Polish universities met at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń to share experiences, develop a model for cooperation, and build leadership that supports both their individual development and that of the institutions they manage. The First Convention of Women Rectors proved to be a success in terms of attendance.

Nearly one hundred women holding the highest positions at Polish universities gathered in Toruń. On Friday, 14 November, women rectors, vice-rectors and leaders of higher education institutions met at the Collegium Maximum of the Nicolaus Copernicus University. The ladies were welcomed by Rector Prof. Andrzej Tretyn. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of the voice of our university's women vice-rectors.

I am very pleased that we have such a balanced composition in the rector's council. The women vice-rectors show at every turn how much they have to say and how many valuable ideas they have, said Rector Andrzej Tretyn.

Women in power

In the 2024-2028 term, 12 women rectors head academic universities in Poland, and 10 head vocational universities. Two women rectors and 39 women vice-rectors sit on the governing bodies of the Universities of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Universities.

I am very pleased that the first historic Convention is being held at our university. This shows how much trust the Rector has in us, says Vice-Rector for International Relations dr habil. Magdalena Barwiołek, NCU Prof., one of the initiators and co-organisers of the Meeting. The turnout for the event exceeded our expectations and proves how much such a meeting is needed.

Professor Magdalena Barwiołek emphasised that the event aims to promote cooperation in the broadest sense:

What we do is not directed against anyone or anything. We want to build solid foundations for cooperation, inspire one another to undertake new projects, support each other and solve problems – even though we come from so many different universities across the country, we face very similar challenges. We have plenty of energy, so it would be a shame not to use it.

In an atmosphere of dialogue and solidarity, women leaders from the academic community spent the day discussing, among other things, plans for joint action. They discussed the idea of establishing the Association of Women Rectors and Vice-Rectors of Polish Universities, which will be able to set the direction for the development of higher education, taking into account the special role of women leaders, and create a support network. The ladies declared their willingness to organise regular meetings in different cities.

Initiators of the First Convention of Women Rectors:

* Dr habil. Magdalena Barwiołek, NCU Prof. UMK, Vice-Rector of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń;
* Dr habil. Anna Budzanowska, former Deputy Minister of Science;
* Prof. dr habil. Barbara Jankowska, Rector of the Poznań University of Economics;
* Dr habil. Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler, UG Prof., Vice-Rector of the University of Gdańsk;
* Prof. dr habil. Bogumiła Kaniewska, rektorka Uniwersytetu Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu;
* Dr Bianka Siwińska, President of the Perspektywy Educational Foundation;
* Prof. dr habil. Lucyna Woźniak, Vice-Rector of the Medical University of Łódź;
* Dr habil. Danuta Zawadzka, KUT Prof., Rector of the Koszalin University of Technology.