The Conference of Rectors of
Polish Technical Universities (KRPUT) took part in the International Academic
Forum in Portugal. During a three-day conference (12th-14th October), the
participants discussed the topics of cooperation between science and industry,
common research projects and exchange of students and academic staff.
Polish
rectors went to Portugal on the invitation of the Technical Universities
Coordinating Council (CCISP), with which our conference signed a cooperation
agreement a year ago. The visit included a series of meetings at technical
universities, e.g. in Viana do Castelo, Leiria, and Lisbon. The rectors were
also hosted by the President of the Association of Cities of Northern Portugal,
and during their visit at the Polish embassy in Lisbon, they were accompanied
by Prof. Nuno Crato, the Portuguese Minister of Education.
An
important part of the meeting was an economic panel with the participation of
Secretary of State in the Ministry of Education, Prof. Jose Ferreira Gomes and
representatives of large Portuguese companies: Jeronimo Martins (owner of the
Biedronka grocery network), EDP, and EFACEC (power suppliers).
What
they said about the cooperation:
Prof. Tadeusz Więckowski,
President of KRPUT and Rector of Wrocław University of Technology: - There are many
challenges before us. The common European market needs today highly qualified
specialists. We must teach them in accordance with the requirements of the
economy, as universities and companies are natural partners today. Also, the
transfer of scientific and technological achievements to the industry is very
important.
Prof. Joaquim Mourato, President
of CCISP:
- I am very glad that our cooperation is developing and our students more and
more decide to study abroad – Poles in Portugal and Portuguese in Poland. We
want to establish new programmes and opportunities to exchange academic staff,
which will allow conducting common scientific and research projects. They are necessary
for economic growth.
Prof. Bronisław Misztal, Polish
ambassador to Portugal: -
I am very optimistic about the cooperation between Polish and Portuguese
technical universities. The first meetings that were held in Poland last year
were dedicated to the flow of energy, which led to signing a contract between
our governments. Now we should focus on the flow of technology and human
capital, as we are all beneficiaries of free Europe.
Prof. Jose Ferreira Gomes,
Secretary of State in the Portuguese Ministry of Education: - Our countries have
very well developed systems of science and higher education. We are facing
similar challenges, but we have also similar capacities to shape good future
for the following generations. Universities and governments will have to make
great effort for the platform of cooperation to bring as many tangible effects
as possible.
The
next forum of Polish and Portuguese technical universities is planned for the
middle of next year in Poland.
Joanna
Pająk
Translation:
Dariusz Więcławski