On 8 March, the Jagiellonian University was visited by a delegation led by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Thomas Bagger, along with the German Consul General Michael Groß and embassy secretary Uwe Koppel. The meeting, which took place in the Collegium Novum Senate Room, was attended by JU Rector Prof. Jacek Popiel and JU Vice-Rector for International Relations Prof. Dorota Malec.
JU Rector began the meeting with a short introduction on the history of the Jagiellonian University, the oldest higher education institution in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe (which managed to keep functioning throughout the seven centuries of its existence, including the period of World War II). He also described the organisation of the University, with its division into three campuses, of which the newest one, the 3rd Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the Jagiellonian University Revival, is considered to be the most advanced in terms of technology and research infrastructure. It houses Faculties and laboratories concerned with studying exact and natural sciences, collaborating with German academic and research centres.
Prof. Dorota Malec described the current state of affairs regarding the relationships between the Jagiellonian University and its German partners, stressing that the oldest Polish university has signed up to this point more than 300 agreements with German institutions and cooperates with them on various projects, including: opening of three new Dioscuri Centres for Scientific Excellence; work in the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology carried out jointly with the Max Planck Society; School of German Law, which collaborates with universities in Heidelberg and Mainz; and active participation in international networks such as Una Europa.
The ambassador pointed out that the Polish-German cooperation is based on long and notable traditions. As an example, he provided solutions in digitalisation of the health care system that are much appreciated by German administration and doctors. He also stated that he, together with a large group of German rectors and chancellors, will take part in the events which will be hosted at the Jagiellonian University on 28 March to mark the official opening of the Dioscuri Centre.
