NEWS

On 18 June 2026, Lublin University of Technology hosted the international discussion panel “International Networking of Innovation,” a side event accompanying the INNOWINGS 2026 exhibition. The panel was organized as part of the project “AIM – Attracting International Minds. Lublin EURAXESS Network,” funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), which supports the internationalization of the scientific community in the Lublin region.

The panel provided a platform for the exchange of experiences among international researchers and doctoral candidates representing universities in Lublin. Its main focus was on identifying effective ways to attract, support, and retain international research talent, as well as fostering collaboration within the European EURAXESS network.

The event participants were welcomed by the organizers of the INNOWINGS conference and representatives of the “AIM – Attracting International Minds. Lublin EURAXESS Network” project. The presentation session showcased the diverse research activities conducted by international scholars at Lublin’s universities. During the discussion session, participants emphasized the importance of international researcher mobility for the advancement of innovation, scientific research, and the competitiveness of European higher education institutions.

The panel featured representatives of the Lublin academic community:

• Professor Adolfo Rivero-Muller from the Medical University of Lublin,
• PhD candidate Hemant Sharma from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University,
• PhD candidate Dilek Oguz from the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin,
• PhD candidate Athul P. Kurian from the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, and
• PhD candidate Callistus Mbanwusi from Lublin University of Technology.

The speakers presented their research areas and shared their experiences of conducting scientific work in an international environment. The discussion focused on the challenges faced by international researchers, the importance of institutional support for academic mobility, the development of sustainable career pathways, and the role of international cooperation in advancing research and innovation.

Particular attention was devoted to initiatives supporting the integration of international researchers into the local academic community. Participants highlighted the importance of efficient adaptation processes, assistance with residence legalization procedures in Poland, access to modern research infrastructure, and the creation of a welcoming and open organizational culture.

The panel also provided an opportunity to showcase the scientific potential of the Lublin region and to build new relationships among researchers representing different disciplines and institutions. The meeting confirmed that international cooperation is one of the key drivers of the development of modern universities and of strengthening their position within the European Research Area.

Following the panel, participants attended the opening ceremony and inaugural lectures of the INNOWINGS 2026 Inventions Exhibition, took part in a networking session, and visited the Lublin Village Museum.

The organization of the event aligns with the strategic objectives of Lublin University of Technology, which include advancing internationalization, supporting academic mobility, and actively participating in European initiatives promoting innovation and scientific excellence. It also represents a valuable contribution to the development of the Lublin region’s strategy for integrating international researchers into the academic environment.

Photos: BKM archives.