From May 26 to 30, 2025, the University of Lomza hosted the 4th International Staff Week, welcoming 22 representatives of partner institutions from Europe and Asia. The event brought together guests from Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Georgia, Romania, Albania, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Turkey.
The international participants represented diverse academic backgrounds — including academic teachers, researchers, administrative staff, and experts in fields such as education, management, new technologies, public health, economics, linguistics, and psychology.
The program featured not only academic sessions, but also carefully curated cultural and educational activities, which formed an integral part of the Staff Week experience. On Monday, participants were officially welcomed by the university authorities, introduced to the structure and functioning of the various faculties, and given a campus tour. In the evening, a welcome reception was held with the participation of university staff and invited guests.
Throughout the week, participants joined a study visit to the Białowieża National Park, a unique forest complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They also presented the institutions they represented, sharing best practices and experiences related to internationalisation. The programme included a visit to the Northern Mazovia Museum, a guided walking tour of Łomża, and participation in the International Theatre Festival "Walizka".
A highlight of the week was the Open Classes Day on May 29, led by lecturers and specialists from the University of Lomza. These sessions were delivered by representatives of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Law and Administration, Faculty of Computer and Technical Sciences, and Faculty of Health Sciences, who shared their knowledge and experience with international guests.
As part of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr Magdalena Forfa and Mr Norbert Arszułowicz conducted workshops titled "Simulation games used in classes with management students." The Faculty of Law and Administration invited guests to the seminar "Electoral systems: a global perspective", delivered by Dr Łukasz Buczkowski.
The Faculty of Computer and Technical Sciences hosted two lectures: "CHAOS and NOISE – practical applications", presented by Prof. Wojciech Korneta, PhD, and "How can IT project management help in everyday life?", conducted by Eng. Paweł Kamiński, MSc. The Faculty of Health Sciences organised two hands-on workshops: "Digital skin diagnostics and analysis workshop" by Dr Patrycja Mościcka, and "Acorns – food for squirrels or for people? Wheat-acorn shortbread cookies production" by Dr Eng. Emilia Szabłowska.
Following the official programme, a meeting was held between the university authorities and two international guests: Assoc. Prof. Nazira Esenalievа, PhD, Rector of Ala-Too International University in Kyrgyzstan, and Prof. Valeriu Poteceа, PhD, Vice-Rector of the Romanian-American University in Romania.
The meeting was attended by Rector Dr habil. Dariusz Surowik, Prof. of UL, Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation Dr habil. Sylwia Chojnowska, Prof. of UL, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Student Affairs Dr Izabela Sekścińska, Dr Natalia Malenko, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Katarzyna Zacharzewska-Arnista, Head of the International Relations Department.
Although this meeting was not part of the formal Staff Week agenda, it was initiated by both sides as a genuine expression of commitment to international collaboration. The talks focused on higher education internationalisation, university development strategies, planned research and teaching projects, and the deepening of institutional relations within the Erasmus+ Programme. The discussions were held in an atmosphere of partnership and openness to future cooperation.
The 4th International Staff Week once again confirmed that the University of Lomza is a place open to the world, to collaboration, and to creative action. Participants exchanged knowledge, ideas, and good practices, demonstrating that internationalisation — both academic and cultural — is a true driving force behind the development of the university community.
