Meetings with Kozminski University and a conference in Gdansk
Last week, Ragnhildur Helgadóttir, President of Reykjavik University, visited Poland and met with Kozminski University in Warsaw. Accompanying her were Bryndís Björk Ásgeirsdóttir, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Jón Þór Sturluson, Chair of the Department of Business Administration, and Guðlaug Matthildur Jakobsdóttir, Director of the International Office.
From left: Aleksandra Knapp from Kozminski University, Jón Þór Sturluson and Bryndís Björk Ásgeirsdóttir from RU, Hannes Heimisson Iceland's embassador to Pollandi, Bartłomiej Nowak, Vice Rector of KU and Dean of
Law School, Ragnhildur Helgadóttir, President of RU, Guðlaug Matthildur
Jakobsdóttir from RU and Valentyna Gumynska from Kozminski University's International Office.
The two universities have enjoyed long-standing cooperation, including innovation competitions and exchange studies. Teachers from RU have also visited Kozminski and stayed there, and visitors from there have come to RU. Kozminski University offers courses in various disciplines, including business, economics, law, and computer science.
During our meeting, we discussed ways to enhance our cooperation, including research services, distance learning opportunities available in Polish, and the possibility of Polish and English speakers studying abroad on exchange. Iceland's ambassador to Poland came to the farewell lunch and supports further cooperation.
Ragnhildur also attended the European University Association Annual Conference in Gdansk. EUA is the national association of Universities in Europe, so nearly 400 universities and national association managers participated in the event. Topics discussed at the lectures and workshops were diverse and essential for RU, for example:
- Progress evaluation of academic staff, and not least, how aspects other than research are evaluated and ensured that they matter.
- Rankings, advantages, disadvantages, and how to make the discussion more nuanced and ensure that the government does not look too closely at such lists.
- Sustainability issues in Universities
- Response to technological change
- Support for Ukraine
„The conference was both educational and rewarding. Many people were willing to share their opinions and experiences, allowing everyone to gain valuable insights. It will come in handy.“
