UW in Action
Research and publications are just one dimension of the University of Warsaw's impact. Knowledge generated at the University supports public institutions, local governments, civil society organisations and businesses, helping them address contemporary challenges and develop solutions that make a difference in practice.
UW in Action – Knowledge and Collaboration for Sustainable Development
Informing and Supporting Local and Regional Authorities in Early Warning and Monitoring Climate Change-Related Hazards and Risks
Drawing on its research and expert capacity, the University of Warsaw supports local and regional authorities in identifying, monitoring and forecasting climate change-related hazards. These activities include developing analytical and forecasting tools, conducting research on climate and environmental hazards, and making knowledge and data available to support early-warning and risk-management systems. Through cooperation with public institutions, the University helps strengthen the capacity of public authorities to anticipate hazards, take preventive action and increase the resilience of local and regional communities to the impacts of climate change. Selected examples of activities carried out in 2025 are presented below.
Catalogue of Projects and Topics
Select a title to go to the full description.
A Smart City Resilient to Weather and Climate Change
Source: https://icm.edu.pl/smart-city-odporne-na-pogode-i-zmiany-klimatu/
At the Smart City Expo in Warsaw in late October, the Meteo team presented a suite of solutions for precise urban meteorological protection, combining high-resolution numerical forecasts, IoT monitoring, analytical modules and interfaces for municipal services.
Representatives of cities, local governments, technology companies and institutions responsible for public safety and city management were able to learn about ICM Meteo projects involving intelligent systems for managing weather hazards, ranging from intense rainfall that overloads sewer networks to flash floods.
The activity was intended to present solutions that could improve cities' resilience to meteorological hazards and climate change.
At the Smart City trade fair in Warsaw, the Meteo team presented:
The FLOPRES project – ‘Flash Flood Prediction and Prevention System’
- An early-warning module that integrates real-time meteorological and hydrological data, geospatial analysis, assisted algorithms and forecasting models (https://www.meteo.pl/flopres)
- The project aims to reduce the adverse impacts of flash floods, particularly in high-risk areas, including the Prešov Region in Slovakia (see the article) and Małopolska in Poland.https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/life-protecting-vulnerable-communities-flash-floods-2025-04-14_en?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- The trade fair featured an application with an early-warning module (story map available at: flopres.develop.iesprit.sk).https://flopres.develop.iesprit.sk/portal/apps/storymaps/stories/1f610e9d706440b68a0e035ca3e2105a
- The expert module developed under FLOPRES covers expert analysis, decision support and the integration of multiple meteorological and hydrological data streams (see Civitta).https://civitta.com/our-work/esprit-empowering-europes-climate-response-through-hydrology/
- As a result, users—including municipal authorities and emergency-management services—receive a tool that not only detects a hazard but also suggests adaptation and protective measures.
More information is available at flopres.eu and on the LinkedIn profile.https://flopres.eu/https://www.linkedin.com/company/flopres/posts/?feedView=all
Practical Application of the FLOPRES System in Małopolska
Under the FLOPRES project, 92 modern measuring devices were installed across three municipalities in Małopolska, including 21 water-level sensors and 71 devices monitoring rainfall, air temperature, soil moisture and other parameters. The installations covered, among others, the municipalities of Gródek nad Dunajcem and Zielonki, where the system monitors hydrometeorological conditions in the catchments of local watercourses. Data collected in real time by Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are integrated with weather forecasts and hydrological models, enabling more accurate flood-risk forecasting and earlier warnings of flash floods. The solution is being developed to support local authorities and emergency-management services in monitoring local hazards, taking preventive measures and strengthening the resilience of local communities to extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. The project is co-financed by the European Union's LIFE Programme and Poland's National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.
The SOBEK project – ‘System for Optimising the Current Operation of Combined and Stormwater Sewer Networks During Extreme Events’
- SOBEK combines rainfall forecasting, SCADA/GIS data and hydraulic-modelling modules to anticipate network overloads, support retention management and prepare response scenarios.
- The system is being jointly developed by ICM UW and KartGIS.
More information is available on the ICM project page and the KartGIS website.https://icm.edu.pl/projekty/sobek/https://www.kartgis.com.pl/projekty-sobek/
The SOBEK project addresses technical challenges involving:
- predicting the hydraulic operating conditions of sewer networks on the basis of weather forecasts, particularly forecasts of torrential rainfall;
- developing an algorithm that generates micro-catchment areas;
- bringing independent information together on a single platform;
- ensuring the permanent storage of information originating from distributed sources;
- performing complex analyses without the need to use multiple IT systems and reducing the time required to complete them;
- modelling sewer systems and developing and managing sewer networks on the basis of SCADA, GIS and billing systems as well as meteorological stations providing rainfall data;
- standardising the way information is recorded.
The project's target users are operators of combined sewer networks: water and wastewater utilities, cities and municipalities, of which there are more than 2,000 in Poland.
Urban Meteorology
- An urban microclimate model—a tool for mapping urban heat islands, local wind conditions and thermal stress that supports green-space planning and urban cooling strategies.
- Cooperation with Meteoblue in the field of urban data and products (‘Urban Heat Maps’ and ‘Urban Climate Services’).
- Combining local Meteo models with Meteoblue data enables risk zones to be identified accurately and effective adaptation measures to be planned, from ventilation corridors to green infrastructure.
ICM Meteo invited cities and emergency-management institutions to cooperate on pilot implementations of its solutions.
THE LIFECOOLCITY PROJECT
Details:
- https://radon.nauka.gov.pl/dane/profil/62d7b5b14dbd0970051836ce
- https://woee.pl/projekty/lifecoolcity/
From 2023 to 2029, the University of Warsaw is implementing a research project entitled ‘Use of Remote Sensing for the Management of Blue-Green Infrastructure in the Process of City Adaptation to Climate Change’ (LIFECOOLCITY: Use of remote sensing for management of blue-green infrastructure in the process of city adaptation to climate change). The project is co-financed by the European Commission under the LIFE Programme for the Environment and Climate Action.
Under the project, the University cooperates with the following partners:
- University partnerships:
- University of Łódź, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, UNESCO Chair of Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology (Poland)
- Partnerships with public-sector organisations:
- City of Wrocław (Poland)
- UNEP/GRID-Warsaw, operating within the National Foundation for Environmental Protection (Poland)
- Partnerships with private-sector organisations:
- MGGP Aero Sp. z o.o. (Poland)
- Ingenieurgesellschaft Prof. Dr. Sieker mbH (Germany).
Nature of the project:
- Solutions for mitigating the impacts of climate change
- Development and implementation of Nature-based Solutions
- Collection, analysis and comparison of environmental data at the international level
- Support for local authorities
- Monitoring the effectiveness of interventions
- Dissemination of knowledge and development of education
- Collection of good practices and creation of scalable solutions.
Project topic and objectives:
- Strengthening cities' capacity to adapt to the impacts of anthropogenic climate change
- Creating models for the smart cities of the future
- Supporting the management of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) in 10,000 cities across the European Union using satellite and aerial data, remote sensing and geographic information systems
- Systematic collection, analysis and comparison of environmental data concerning European cities, enabling assessment of the condition of blue-green infrastructure, identification of trends, and comparison of the scale of environmental problems and adaptation needs among cities
- Development of the CoolCity Ranking—a tool published periodically from 2025 and covering at least 10,000 EU cities, enabling the condition of their blue-green infrastructure to be assessed and compared and changes over time to be observed.
- Development of tools for identifying local risks and areas requiring intervention
- Creation of information products and IT systems for city managers and residents
- Supporting municipal authorities and city managers in planning climate-change adaptation strategies, including decisions on the development, redevelopment and protection of blue-green infrastructure
- Identifying the most appropriate interventions for specific urban areas and identifying environmentally valuable sites that require protection because of their importance to climate resilience.
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented adaptation measures
- Practical implementation and testing of the developed solutions in Wrocław
- Creation of the ‘Life in Cool City’ information and education platform, providing access to project results and knowledge on the use of remote sensing and blue-green infrastructure in urban climate-change adaptation.
- Creating scalable solutions for European cities, enabling common methods and data to be used to diagnose problems, plan interventions and monitor their results in different EU cities.
In January 2025, the project presented representatives of municipal bodies with its first assessment of Wrocław's environmental condition. It covered five areas: surface permeability, thermal conditions, water conditions, the condition of vegetation and its diversity. The findings were intended to support officials' decisions on protecting greenery and intervening in areas requiring action. More information: https://www.mggpaero.com/en/lifecoolcity.html.
The project contributes to activities related to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: developing resilient and sustainable cities and supporting the management of urban blue-green infrastructure.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: strengthening cities' capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change, identifying climate risks and monitoring the effectiveness of adaptation measures.
- SDG 15 – Life on Land: protecting and strengthening urban ecosystems, green spaces and environmentally valuable areas.
THE BLUEADAPT PROJECT
Details:
- https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101057764
- https://blueadapt.eu/about/
- https://www.uw.edu.pl/w-trosce-o-czyste-wybrzeza-europy/
- https://radon.nauka.gov.pl/dane/profil/65363f4b25cdc15573f572b8
From 2022 to 2026, the University of Warsaw is implementing a research project entitled ‘Reducing Climate-Based Health Risks in Blue Environments: Adapting to the Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Pathogens’ (BLUEADAPT: Reducing climate based health risks in blue environments: Adapting to the climate change impacts on coastal pathogens). The project is co-financed by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Programme.
Under the project, the University cooperates with the following partners:
- University partnerships:
- Charles University (Univerzita Karlova) (Czech Republic)
- University of Galway (Ireland)
- University of the Basque Country (Universidad del País Vasco / Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea) (Spain)
- University of Exeter (United Kingdom)
- Bangor University (United Kingdom)
- Partnerships with public-sector organisations:
- Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) (Italy)
- Partnerships with non-governmental organisations:
- Basque Centre for Climate Change (Asociación BC3 Basque Centre for Climate Change – Klima Aldaketa Ikergai) (Spain)
- Deltares Foundation (Stichting Deltares) (Netherlands)
- Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici) (Italy)
- European Partnership for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (EuroHealthNet ASBL) (Belgium)
- Then Try This (United Kingdom).
Nature of the project:
- Identification and analysis of environmental and health hazards associated with climate change.
- Conducting field and laboratory research and case studies at various European locations.
- Developing research methods and computer-modelling tools for analysing and forecasting hazards.
- Creating a scientific basis for the development of early-warning systems and the monitoring of environmental and health hazards.
- Developing scenarios for future climatic and environmental changes and assessing their potential consequences.
- Creating knowledge resources to support public decision-makers in water-quality management, health protection and climate-change adaptation.
- Supporting the design of adaptation strategies and measures in response to hazards arising from climate change.
- Taking socio-economic, technological and regulatory conditions into account when analysing hazards and developing solutions.
- International exchange of interdisciplinary knowledge.
Thematic scope and general objectives:
- Determining the impact of climate change on the occurrence, survival and spread of pathogens in coastal zones and the associated risks to human health.
- Identifying climatic and environmental factors affecting pathogen dynamics, including changes in water temperature, precipitation, salinity and pH.
- Analysing and comparing existing climate models and developing climate-change projections for coastal areas.
- Conducting case studies at selected European locations, including field research on the occurrence and dynamics of pathogens in rivers, estuaries and coastal waters.
- Developing laboratory methods and conducting experiments on the effects of changing environmental conditions on the survival of selected bacteria and viruses.
- Developing computer models capable of simulating water flow, pathogen transport and changes in water quality in estuaries and coastal zones.
- Forecasting changes in the survival and spread of pathogens under current and future climatic conditions on the basis of laboratory findings and climate scenarios.
- Taking account of the impact of urbanisation, land-use patterns and technological, legal and policy changes on health risks associated with waterborne pathogens.
- Developing an integrated approach to assessing human-health risks that takes into account the interrelationships between climate change, the aquatic environment and public health.
- Developing a scientific basis and recommendations to support water-quality management and the adaptation of coastal areas to climate change.
- Laying the foundations for the development of early-warning tools and alert systems for hazards associated with the presence of pathogens in coastal waters.
The Role of the University of Warsaw in Monitoring Health Hazards and Communicating Climate Risk (source: https://www.wne.uw.edu.pl/en/news/facultys-researchers-blueadapt-project)
Under the BLUEADAPT project, a research team from the Faculty of Economic Sciences at the University of Warsaw is studying the effectiveness of communicating information about health hazards associated with pathogens in coastal waters, whose occurrence and spread may be intensified by climate change. The research focuses on the Gulf of Gdańsk and the Vistula Lagoon and assesses how different forms of risk communication affect the knowledge, preferences and behaviour of people using these areas. Among other matters, the study examines the effectiveness of providing up-to-date, spatially differentiated information on water quality, communications concerning risks to particular user groups, and recommendations for measures that reduce exposure to pathogens. The UW team uses experimental methods to assess the effectiveness of individual communication methods and to analyse the costs and benefits of potential public interventions. The findings are intended to provide a scientific basis for developing effective health-risk communication strategies and supporting risk-management decisions in coastal areas, potentially including decisions made by the relevant public authorities.
The project contributes to activities related to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: studying risks to human health arising from pathogens in coastal waters and creating a basis for early-warning systems.
- SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: studying water quality, modelling pathogen transport and supporting water-quality management.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: analysing the impact of climate change on environmental and health hazards, forecasting future changes and supporting climate-change adaptation.
- SDG 14 – Life Below Water: studying changes in environmental conditions and water quality in coastal ecosystems.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: an international consortium and international, interdisciplinary cooperation.
CROSS-SECTORAL DIALOGUE ON ISSUES RELATED TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The University's initiation of and participation in cross-sectoral dialogue in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including conferences involving public authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
The University of Warsaw actively engages in cross-sectoral dialogue in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), initiating and co-creating spaces for exchanging knowledge, experience and good practices among representatives of academia, public authorities, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders from the socio-economic environment. This engagement includes both organising events devoted to sustainable-development challenges and the participation of University representatives in conferences, debates and partnership initiatives. Selected examples of activities carried out in 2025 are presented below.
Catalogue of Events and Initiatives
Select a title to go to the full description.
CLIMATE KIC COLLABORATIVE LABORATORIES (COLABS)
Source: https://www.climate-kic.org/events/community-colab-public-private-partnerships-warsaw/
Details:
https://climate-hive.org/pl/knowledge-base/colab-outputs/
https://www.climate-kic.org/events/community-colab-public-private-partnerships-warsaw/
The Climate Knowledge and Innovation Community is an independent organisation and community supporting climate innovation. It originated within the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), which established it in 2010 as one of its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). In 2025, the previous form of cooperation came to an end: Climate KIC adopted a new brand and structure as a foundation, while continuing its partnership and cooperation with the EIT and European institutions.
The University of Warsaw is an active member of the Climate KIC community, participating in research, educational and innovation projects that support the green transition in Poland and across Europe.
Between September and October 2025, Climate KIC went on tour to host four Collaborative Laboratories (CoLabs) in Slovenia, Spain, Italy and Poland. The CoLabs provided an opportunity to meet members of local communities and discuss thematic cooperation for the coming year.
With contributions from local experts, business leaders, government representatives and others, participants explored opportunities related to circularity, the blue economy, housing policy, green construction, public-private partnerships, finance and many other areas.
In October 2025, the University of Warsaw hosted a Climate KIC Collaborative Laboratory (CoLab) entitled ‘Advancing Green Public-Private Partnerships: The Case of Poland and Beyond’.
Innovative public-private partnership (PPP) models are urgently needed to accelerate progress towards the EU's 2030 climate targets, because no single sector can drive systemic climate transformation on its own.
Representatives of the public and private sectors, academia and the business community were therefore invited to the Warsaw CoLab to discuss the development of green public-private partnerships together.
The ‘Advancing Green Public-Private Partnerships’ Collaborative Laboratory (CoLab), held in Warsaw on 22 October 2025, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from government, business, academia and civil society to examine how PPPs can unlock new markets, drive adaptation and deliver ambitious green commitments at scale.
The meeting formed part of the three-year Climate KIC Community programme, which builds new coalitions for systemic climate solutions across Europe. It was co-organised by the University of Warsaw and the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.
Through collaborative group dialogues and expert panel discussions, participants mapped the current PPP landscape, identified key actors and emerging priorities, and agreed practical strategies for building trust, sharing risk and supporting cross-sectoral innovation. The summary highlighted the most important insights and actionable learning outcomes, preparing members of the Climate KIC community to lead the next wave of climate innovation through effective, resilient and inclusive PPPs.
Understanding the Role and Limitations of Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships are currently most common at the local level and in smaller projects, but interest and uptake are increasing. They are not a universal solution; their use should depend on the context. Public-private partnerships are most effective when:
- project costs exceed the capacity of the public sector alone;
- complex challenges require the combined expertise of public and private actors.
Conditions for Effective and Scalable Public-Private Partnerships
- Systems approach: Effective PPP implementation requires a systems approach. Climate KIC and its partners are uniquely positioned to provide this expertise, supporting place-based transformation and portfolio innovation.
- Strategic EU-level initiatives (e.g. KROK) shape the PPP landscape and create new opportunities for joint action.
- Common ground: Building a shared understanding of PPPs is essential, both as a specific public-procurement tool and as a lasting framework for cross-sectoral cooperation.
- Leadership and coordination: Strong, collaborative decision-making across both sectors is crucial to overcoming barriers and enabling partnerships in practice.
- Continuous knowledge development: Continuous learning—including tailored academies, analysis of best practices and systematic investigation of barriers—is crucial to equipping stakeholders.
- Risk and responsibility sharing: Closing trust gaps through clear mechanisms for sharing risk and responsibility is fundamental to the success of PPPs.
- A ‘HUB model’ for experimentation: Establishing a centre for PPP activities that encompasses experimentation, knowledge sharing and the testing of innovative approaches in different contexts.
- Public-sector innovation: Greater innovation is needed in the public sector, supported by systemic, portfolio-based interventions rather than isolated solutions.
- Access to data: Better access to data enables effective decision-making and continuous improvement in PPP implementation.
Identifying Key Actors in the Public-Private Partnership Ecosystem
- Public agencies (e.g. PARP): Potential to act as central hubs for PPP activities, coordinating efforts and knowledge exchange across sectors.
- Local authorities: They offer diverse perspectives and are currently the principal arenas in which PPPs are implemented. They therefore provide opportunities to expand and innovate place-based climate action.
- Business stakeholders (from SMEs to major industry players): They contribute diverse experience, resources and sector-specific insights that enrich PPP initiatives.
Priority Themes and Areas for the Development of Public-Private Partnerships
- Green and digital transitions: Recognised as deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing areas in which PPPs can drive both climate and technological innovation.
- Changing priorities: A shift is evident from purely ‘green’ objectives towards those emphasising competitiveness, resilience, security and autonomy. Understanding how these changing priorities shape PPP operations is crucial to adapting strategies and ensuring that partnerships remain relevant and effective.
Event Agenda
14:30–15:00 Participant registration and coffee
15:00–15:10 Welcome to CoLab. Magnus Harrison – Community and Partnership Relationship Manager, Climate KIC
15:10–15:50 Expert discussion: Accelerating the green transition and developing business opportunities through public-private partnerships. Moderator: Katarzyna Balucka-Dębska – EU Policy and Affairs Coordinator, Climate KIC
Speakers:
- Michał Piwowarczyk – Deputy Director, Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy
- Krzysztof Gulda – President of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP)
- Anna Brussa – Director for Industrial Value Chains, Climate KIC
15:50–16:00 Introduction to the discussion session
16:00–16:45 Round-table discussions
- Mobilising private and public capital. Facilitator: Przemek Derwich – EU Funding Specialist, Climate KIC
- Building and developing competitive industrial sectors. Facilitator: Anna Brussa – Director for Industrial Value Chains, Climate KIC
- Closing innovation gaps. Facilitator: Magnus Harrison – Community and Partnership Relationship Manager, Climate KIC
16:45–17:15 Plenary session: Presentation of the round-table findings. Moderator: Aleksandra Gołdyś – Industrial Value Chains Initiative Designer and Producer, Climate KIC
17:15–18:00 Networking session
‘EUROPE AND MOBILITIES: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATIONS’ CONFERENCE
Source: https://www.b2match.com/e/euromobi-conference
The international conference was held at the University of Warsaw from 4 to 6 June 2025. Organised as part of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the event provided an important platform for discussing the socio-economic transformations shaping Europe's future. It brought together leading academics, policymakers and representatives of international and non-governmental organisations, enabling in-depth debate on the most important challenges facing Europe.
The conference programme included two keynote lectures by recognised experts and seven thematic sessions devoted to key socio-economic and political transformations in Europe. Discussions covered changing migration patterns in Europe, the socio-economic consequences of demographic change, European Union enlargement policy and possible directions for its further development, democratic backsliding in Europe, the transition towards sustainable energy, the socio-economic effects of the global digital transformation, and Europe's role in developing digital platforms and shaping their impact on human well-being and the health of the planet.
The conference was accompanied by a series of meetings presenting forthcoming calls under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme and encouraging knowledge exchange and cooperation. A brokerage event supported applicants in preparing high-quality, competitive research projects addressing the challenges discussed during the conference.
The event was organised by the Centre of Excellence in Social Sciences and the Centre of Migration Research, with support from the National Science Centre, the National Centre for Research and Development, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Key Issues Addressed During the Conference
- How will international migration flows in Europe evolve in response to global and regional changes?
- What is the vision for the future governance of migration in the European Union and its Member States?
- What are the economic consequences of population ageing and declining fertility in the EU?
- Which public-policy measures can effectively address the demographic challenges facing Member States?
- What are the most important challenges and opportunities facing the European Union in the context of enlargement?
- How can social resilience to democratic backsliding in Europe be strengthened?
- How can Europe transition towards a sustainable and just energy system, with particular emphasis on Poland and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe?
- How can the EU compete effectively with the United States and China in the global technology race?
- How do legal regulations affect the digital economy, data protection and Europe's ability to maintain technological independence?
- How does Europe participate in developing digital infrastructure and shaping its impact on human well-being and the health of the planet?
Cross-sectoral dialogue was ensured by speakers representing the following institutions and organisations:
Public Authorities and European Union Institutions
- European Commission Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME)
- European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD)
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC)
- European Commission Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL)
- Ministry of the Interior and Administration (Poland)
- Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy (Poland)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Poland)
- Ministry of Industry (Poland)
- Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (Spain)
- Ministry of Social Affairs (Estonia; listed in the programme as the Ministry of Social Affairs and Communications)
- Embassy of Ukraine in Poland
International Organisations and Financial Institutions
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- International Organization for Migration (IOM)
- World Bank
Non-Governmental Organisations, Foundations and Civil-Society Organisations
- Ukrainian House Foundation
- Share the Care Foundation
- Humanites Foundation (Humanites Institute)
- Population Europe – the European demographic research network
- Czech trade unions (the programme did not identify a specific organisation)
Universities and Research Institutions
- University of Warsaw
- SGH Warsaw School of Economics
- Silesian University of Technology
- SWPS University
- Sorbonne University
- University of Tartu
- Tunghai University (Taiwan)
- Central European University
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Leeds
- Liverpool John Moores University
- Institute for Structural Research (IBS)
- Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM)
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
- Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society
- Energy Security Centre
Institutions Supporting Research and Innovation
- National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) – National Contact Point for EU Research Programmes
Media and Media Organisations
- TOK FM
- European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
- ‘Energy Drink!’ podcast
CEBIOFORUM 2025 RECURRING NETWORKING CONFERENCE
Sources:
https://cebioforum.com/pl/cebioforum2025/
https://cnbch.uw.edu.pl/podsumowanie-udzialu-cnbch-uw-w-cebioforum-2025/
CEBioForum is a networking conference that has been organised for more than 20 years. It brings together biotechnology innovators, business leaders and government representatives, and includes panel sessions, presentations by companies from Poland and Europe, and B2B meetings arranged through a dedicated application.
On 2–3 April 2025, representatives of the University of Warsaw's Biological and Chemical Research Centre took part in CEBioForum 2025 at the Cambridge Innovation Center in Warsaw. This year's edition was exceptional because, for the first time, as many as nine University of Warsaw units participated in the event, creating a shared space in which the University's scientific and innovative potential was presented.
During the forum, the activities, projects, research and achievements of the Biological and Chemical Research Centre were presented, and valuable contacts were established with representatives of the scientific and business communities. Together with other University of Warsaw units—including the Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, Centre of New Technologies, Business Centre, Faculty of Philosophy, Faculty of Medicine, and Centre for Technology and Knowledge Transfer—an exhibition space was created where visitors could discuss the University's offer and opportunities for cooperation.
This year's Forum responded to rapid changes in global and European biotechnology. In the face of global political and economic realignments, participants focused on how to strengthen the position of the European sector through effective financing, regulatory changes and strategic partnerships. Key discussions concerned breakthrough AI- and data-based solutions in drug discovery, precision medicine and longevity, as well as the role of biotechnology in sustainable development and the circular economy. Participants also emphasised the importance of cooperation among start-ups, SMEs, contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) and large pharmaceutical companies, and discussed the latest investment trends and methods for assessing risk in the financing of biotechnology projects.
Eight panel discussions addressed key issues including strengthening Europe's competitiveness through financing and partnerships, the use of AI and data in drug discovery and longevity therapies, the role of biotechnology in sustainable development, and synergies among start-ups, SMEs and large pharmaceutical companies in commercialising innovation. BioTech Talks and B2B networking sessions also attracted particular interest, providing a platform for establishing new contacts and developing business cooperation.
CEBioForum 2025 brought together 550 participants representing more than 220 companies and institutions from around the world.
CEBioForum was held under the honorary patronage of the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, the Mayor of Warsaw, the National Centre for Research and Development, the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, the University of Warsaw and the Medical Research Agency. The strategic partners were EuropaBio, Prague.bio, ExecMind, Agenox, InnerValue, the LifeScience Kraków Cluster, PACTT and the Biocatalyst Foundation.
Industry organisations, clusters, foundations and cooperation networks – strategic partners:
- EuropaBio – the European association for the biotechnology industry
- Prague.bio – a Czech biotechnology initiative and cluster
- LifeScience Kraków Cluster – a cooperation network linking science and business
- Agreement of Academic Technology Transfer Centres (PACTT) – a network of academic technology-transfer centres
- Biocatalyst Foundation – an organisation supporting the development of biotechnology innovation
Companies – strategic partners:
- ExecMind – specialist consulting and recruitment in the life-sciences sector
- Agenox – a biotechnology company
- InnerValue – corporate communications and investor-relations consulting
Private-sector representatives included:
- QIAGEN
- Polpharma Biologics
- Polpharma API
- Adamed
- Bioton
- FamiCord
- Insilico Medicine
- JJP Biologics
- WPD Pharmaceuticals
- SyVento BioTech
- NanoGroup
- TZF Polfa
- Longenesis
- A4BEE
- BioResearch Pharma.
‘SCIENCE IN THE SERVICE OF NATIONAL RESILIENCE’ DEBATE
A debate organised by Rzeczpospolita at the University of Warsaw, November 2025
Source: https://www.uw.edu.pl/nauka-w-sluzbie-odpornosci-panstwa/
Investment in science pays for itself many times over. Information resilience must be strengthened. The scientific community proposes specific tools for combating disinformation. Building technological sovereignty and retaining talent are prerequisites for national resilience. These were the main conclusions of the Rzeczpospolita debate attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Dr Krzysztof Gawkowski; Rector Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak; Chancellor Robert Grey; researchers from the University of Warsaw; and Lieutenant General Professor Grzegorz Gielerak, Director of the Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute.
The Minister of Digital Affairs, the Rector, the Chancellor and researchers from the University of Warsaw, together with the Director of the Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute, discussed how to combine science, artificial intelligence and national resilience.
THE UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW AS AN ACADEMIC PARTNER OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN DAVOS
Source: https://www.uw.edu.pl/uw-w-davos/
The University of Warsaw was an academic partner of AI House and the Polish Business Hub, held during the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2025. These prestigious events brought together representatives of leading institutions and organisations from academia, technology and industry. The University was represented by Rector Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak, Chancellor Robert Grey, and Professor Piotr Sankowski from the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics.
AI House is an initiative of the AI House Association and the Swiss National AI Institute, bringing together representatives of leading institutions from academia, technology and industry. Held alongside the World Economic Forum in Davos, it provided an opportunity to exchange experience and establish cooperation with international partners. The theme of this year's edition was ‘After the Hype’.
The University of Warsaw was one of the event's academic partners, alongside institutions including the University of Cambridge, the University of Tokyo, the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, Google and Cisco.
The University of Warsaw was also a partner of the Polish Business Hub in Davos—a space for presenting the role of business in shaping global economic and social progress. This year it was held under the theme ‘Shaping Partnerships and Empowering Ideas’, emphasising the leading role of the private sector in promoting sustainable economic growth.
The Rector and Chancellor of the University of Warsaw were guests on selected panels at the Polish Business Hub. Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak spoke at a meeting devoted to the development and commercialisation of artificial intelligence on 22 January, while on 21 January Robert Grey participated in two meetings concerning the effective development of start-ups and socio-economic changes driven by AI.
The Future of Artificial Intelligence
Participants in this year's AI House focused on identifying the best paths for the sustainable and ethical development of artificial intelligence in the contemporary world, so that it becomes more innovative and equitable.
The event was held in Davos, Switzerland, from 20 to 24 January and brought together representatives of 28 institutions and organisations. The University of Warsaw was represented by Rector Professor Alojzy Z. Nowak, Chancellor Robert Grey, and Professor Piotr Sankowski from the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics.
On 21 January, the UW Rector spoke at the round table ‘Geopolitics Meets AI: What Now?’, which addressed how artificial intelligence is transforming global power dynamics. Professor Piotr Sankowski participated in the panel ‘Beyond Borders: Keeping AI Talents Local, Making AI Impact Global’ on 24 January.