‘The world around us is full of unsettling events, and so we look to the future with fear. But on this special day, the opening of the academic year, let our hearts and minds be filled with joy and hope for a better tomorrow, with mutual respect for everyone. The history of the oldest university in Poland reminds us that if we remain steadfast in defence of the fundamental values that were passed on to us by the previous generations, we can be optimistic as we enter this new academic year 2023/2024’, said JU Rector Prof. Jacek Popiel.
In his speech, JU Rector stressed that the 2020–2024 term was undoubtedly one of the most difficult in the last several decades, as these years bore the tragic mark of the coronavirus pandemic and war in Ukraine. These events heavily impacted the functioning of the Jagiellonian University, but they did not interrupt it, and for that Prof. Jacek Popiel expressed his deep gratitude to the University’s research, teaching and administrative staff.
The opening of the academic year provides an excellent opportunity for adopting a broader perspective and reflecting upon social, political and cultural events that shape the world around us. Hence, the Rector’s speech, while focused on the activities of the Jagiellonian University and the state of research and science in Poland, also touched upon the issues concerning the public debate in Poland and worrying phenomena in Polish politics.
‘As one of a very few national higher education institutions, the Jagiellonian University is classified in the most important global rankings of academic institutions. Although we certainly aspire to achieving even better results, I can’t really agree with those that say the Jagiellonian University is somehow worse than other institutions that are ranking higher. We need to bear in mind that we’re not going to be on the same level as Harvard, Oxford or Cambridge unless there is a significant change in funding for Polish science. Therefore, the fact that we’re amongst the top four or even five hundred universities in the world, in rankings that sometimes include more than 20,000 institutions, is definitely a success when we take into account the funding we receive’, said JU Rector.
He also encouraged everyone to take part in the upcoming parliamentary elections. ‘Our vote will help decide the future of our country, of the city where we live, work and study. We should choose people that stand for our fundamental values: respect for truth and human dignity, tolerance, honour, honesty and hard work as well as responsibility for the whole of humanity’, stressed Prof. Popiel.
During the opening ceremony, two researchers received the Jagiellonian Laurel, an award for outstanding academic achievements from the last five years. This year, it went to Prof. Renata Jachowicz from the JU MC Faculty of Pharmacy for her work on cutting edge medicine and contributions modern medical technology, and Prof. Jan Potempa from the JU Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology for his achievements in the study of the virulence of human oral bacteria.
The celebrations culminated in the matriculation of new students, whose representatives from all 16 faculties swore an oath to uphold the values of the University. ‘By working today, we’re working towards our future. Our mission is to conduct research projects and teaching new generations of young people that will help shape that future. Our ambition is to carry out that mission in accordance with the highest global standards’, said JU Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs Prof. Armen Edigarian.
The final part of the opening ceremony, a lecture entitled ‘Will the Arctic turn green?’, delivered by Prof. Michał Węgrzyn from the JU Faculty of Biology, director of the JU Botanical Garden.
