On 25 October 2025, an Internationalisation Day titled “Doctoral Schools – What a PhD Should Be? The Future and Challenges” was held at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (PUM). The event focused on the future and role of doctoral schools in the process of internationalising Polish science.
The event was organised on the occasion of the III Open Meeting of the Board of the National Representation of Doctoral Students and the ProDok Doctoral Community Competition Gala, and it brought together representatives of universities, doctoral schools, and early-career researchers from across the country.
The meeting provided an opportunity to talk about the role of the PhD degree, the challenges young researchers face, and directions for the development of Polish science. The importance of internationalisation as a key aspect of the quality of doctoral education was emphasised, and discussions included strategic and practical perspectives.
At the opening, speakers highlighted the importance of internationalisation for the development of science and research careers, noting that doctoral students and doctoral schools play a significant role in the academic and higher education system. It was also pointed out that work on the National Strategy for the Internationalisation of Polish Higher Education and Science is in its final stage and the document will soon be presented to the academic community.
The discussion touched on scientists’ returns to Poland and the rebuilding of research teams, underscoring that institutional support enables the continuation of research, team development, and the transfer of knowledge and experience gained abroad. Stable working conditions were emphasised as essential for career development.
A key theme was the mobility of doctoral students and its importance for scientific development. It was stressed that openness to international cooperation is a standard in the global academic environment, with mobility contributing to higher research quality and network-building. Barriers — both institutional and mental — should be overcome, and mobility was described as an investment in the future of science.
At the end of the event, NAWA’s programme offer for doctoral students and doctoral schools was presented, including available forms of financial support and application opportunities within the Agency’s programmes. Participants were encouraged to actively engage with internationalisation initiatives.
The event was financed by the European Social Fund under the project “Strategy for the Internationalisation of Polish Higher Education and Science”, Measure FERS.01.05 – Skills in Higher Education.
The Internationalisation Day in Szczecin was part of a nationwide series of events organised by NAWA as part of the environmental consultations on the National Strategy for the Internationalisation of Polish Higher Education and Science.
Programme of the Internationalisation Day
- 09:30 – 10:00 – Participant registration (general)
- 10:00 – 10:30 – Opening of the event, welcome remarks by NAWA Director Dr Wojciech Karczewski (plenary)
- 10:30 – 12:00 – Keynote speech: Polish Returns – a programme success, an opportunity for doctoral students
With Dr hab. Tomasz Wojdacz, Head of the Independent Clinical Epigenetics Lab at PUM, in conversation with Dr Damian Syjczak, NAWA Deputy Director. - Panel – “Doctoral Students in Science Without Borders” (moderated by Dr Joanna Smolarczyk, Medical University of Silesia, NAWA Council Member)
Participants:- Dr Łukasz Gołota, Deputy Director of NAWA
- Dr hab. Adrianna Seniów, Professor, Director of the Centre for Research and International Promotion of the Polish Language, University of Szczecin
- Dr hab. Jarosław Korpysa, Professor, Director of the Doctoral School, University of Szczecin
- Dr Aleksandra Lewandowska, Vice-Chair of EURODOC, University of Białystok
- Dr Artur Łabuz, Coordinator for University Student and Doctoral Organisations, University of Szczecin
- 12:00 – 12:15 – Coffee break
- 12:15 – 14:00 – NAWA Programmes for doctoral students and doctoral schools (presented by Agata Kręt and Andrzej Szachewicz)
- 14:00 – 15:00 – Lunch
The Internationalisation Day in Szczecin is part of the nationwide series of events organised by NAWA as part of the community consultations on the National Strategy for the Internationalisation of Polish Higher Education and Science.