The International Maria Curie-Skłodowska Congress "Innovation is a Woman. Science – Business – Education" commenced today at the Lublin Conference Center. This event is among the most anticipated of those organized to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin.
The Congress was officially inaugurated by Professor Radosław Dobrowolski, Rector of UMCS, and Professor Jan Pomorski, Chairman of the Committee for the Celebrations of the 80th Anniversary of UMCS.
In his opening remarks, Professor Dobrowolski said: - I am extremely pleased to welcome everyone to this special event, on a special day, which is part of the celebration program of the 80th anniversary of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin. We started celebrating our joint holiday in January, but October is the culmination of these numerous events and I am very glad that such distinguished guests accepted our invitation to one of the most important points of the celebration of the entire anniversary, which is undoubtedly the Innovation is a Woman Congress (...). Maria Curie-Skłodowska University is the only university in Poland whose patron is a woman, and she is an outstanding figure in every respect. Our duty as the rector authorities, as the entire academic community, is to celebrate and emphasize the role of women in various spheres of life, in science, business, and education, at every opportunity.
Professor Pomorski added that the Congress represents the realization of long-held aspirations, thanking all attendees for their participation and expressing gratitude to those who collaborated in organizing the event, including his wife.
The Congress has attracted a distinguished audience from the fields of science, education, politics, business, and culture. Notable attendees included Dr. Joanna Mucha (Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Education), Jacek Bartmiński (Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets), Michał Krawczyk (Member of Parliament), and Dr. Krzysztof Żuk (Mayor of Lublin). The event was also honored by the presence of business leaders such as Dr. Sylwia Mokrysz (Mokate), Dr. Irena Eris, and Sylwia Dołęgowska (Żagiel Group), as well as representatives of the Kulczyk Foundation, Ewa Korzec (Inter Broker,) Radosław Janik (Apis), Wiesław Czarnacki (Elpar Cable Factory), and Piotr Szulec (TFI Treasury).
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Science, Barbara Nowacka, Dr. Joanna Mucha highlighted the vital role of women across numerous domains, citing Maria Curie-Skłodowska as an exemplary figure whose achievements continue to inspire.
The Congress is structured into two parallel sessions: the Science and Business paths.
In the Science path, participants were introduced to the ATHENA consortium of European universities. The panel on "Strategic Partnerships in International University Cooperation," chaired by Professor Wiesław Gruszecki (Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation at UMCS), featured a stimulating discussion with the rectors of partner universities.
Simultaneously, the Business path featured a presentation of four leading Polish brands: Dr. Irena Eris, Mokate, Polenergia, and Żagiel Grup. This was followed by a panel discussion entitled "The Feminine Face of Business," moderated by the renowned journalist Magda Mołek. Panelists included Dr. Irena Eris, Dr. Sylwia Mokrysz, and Sylwia Dołęgowska, with Aleksander Broda representing the Kulczyk Foundation.
The Congress can be followed online via UMCS's Facebook page (Business path) and YouTube channel (Science path).
Live streams:
All are welcome to join online.
Fot. Michał Piłat
