𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜𝗜: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 (𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆), 𝟱:𝟯𝟬 𝗽𝗺 - 𝟴:𝟯𝟬 𝗽𝗺

𝗦𝗪𝗣𝗦 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘄, 𝟭𝟵/𝟯𝟭 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗮𝗸𝗼𝘄𝘀𝗸𝗮 𝗦𝘁., 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝟯𝟬𝟲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲

In a dynamically changing world, at a time of tremendous technological advances, but also advancing climate change and challenges to democracy, the role and mission of universities are also being transformed. At the next meeting of the HumanTech Meetings series, we will talk about the tasks facing universities of the future.

Speakers:
prof. Riccardo Pietrabissa - Professor of Industrial Bioengineering. Rector of the Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS di Pavia,

Iwona Gawrycka - Director of the Center for Knowledge Transfer, SWPS University.

Panelists:

prof. Roman Cieślak - Rector, SWPS University.
The panel discussion will be moderated by:

dr Michal Boni - doctor of humanities, politician (1989-2019), minister in many governments, including the first Minister of Digitization in Central and Eastern Europe.

The meeting will be opened by:
dr Konrad Maj, head of the HumanTech Center for Social and Technological Innovation at SWPS University.

The lectures will be held in Polish and English. The broadcast of the meeting will be translated simultaneously. Stationary participants are advised to bring their phones and headphones.
 

Shaping the Future: The Mission of Universities

In the 21st century, universities are undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements and globalization. As higher education institutions grapple with this new reality, they face the crucial task of adapting to meet the evolving demands of the modern world. However, the influential role universities play in shaping the future should not be underestimated.

The key question is: How can universities shape their path forward? How can they effectively translate brilliant ideas from scientists, young startups, business representatives, and NGOs into tangible social impact? The challenge lies in the seamless transfer of knowledge, forging robust partnerships with businesses and communities, and empowering innovative solutions that serve the greater good while upholding the principles of modernity and scientific integrity through an evidence-based approach.

These topics will take center stage during our upcoming HumanTech Meeting. Professor Riccardo Pietrabissa, Rector of the University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, and Iwona Gawrycka, Director of SWPS University's Center for Knowledge Transfer. Dr. Konrad Maj, Head of the Center for Social and Technological Innovation HumanTech at SWPS University, will host the meeting. The lectures will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Michał Boni.

Lectures will be held in Polish and English and will be translated simultaneously. In-person attendees are advised to bring phones and headphones to access the translation.

The event is held under the auspices of Strefa Technologii (Technology Zone) of SWPS University

HumanTech Meetings

We live in an era of innovation, technological progress and digitalization. This current innovation drive may lead to unpredictable psychological and social outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to establish collaborations between engineers, programmers, IT specialists and social scientists during initial phases of any new projects related to development of new technologies or services. Such collaborations may help to avoid mistakes and can support better development of new ideas.

The project is planned as a series of meetings, gathering academics and professionals from the technology sector from Poland and other countries. Each meeting will include two lectures, one delivered by a speaker from Poland and one presented by a guest from another country. The lectures will be followed by panel discussions, where panelists will represent different approaches to innovation and technology.

HumanTech Meetings is a project of SWPS University's Center for Social and Technological Innovation.

Lectures

1. Iwona Gawrycka: Centers of Technology Transfer and Social Mission of Universities

   Technology transfer centers are an integral part of most Polish universities, dedicated to the commercialization of scientific research outcomes. In Poland, these centers have long been assessed based on various metrics, such as the number of patents and utility models acquired, as well as the revenue generated from research and development (R&D) results and contracted research. However, a recent scientific evaluation conducted in Poland in 2022 introduced a new criterion: the impact of scientific activities on both society and the economy. This shift raises important questions about the activities of technology transfer centers and their ability to effectively balance their profit-driven goals with the social mission of universities.

2. Riccardo Pietrabissa: Is there a third mission for universities?

   Recently, with the introduction of evaluation criteria, the University has been assigned multiple missions. One of these primary responsibilities, referred to as the "third mission," is to engage with society to generate impact. However, it's worth questioning whether there are genuinely multiple missions and what exactly is meant by social impact. Research contribution lies at the core of university policies, involving autonomy, responsibility, defined roles, economic support, and the power to shape the future. This meeting aims to spark a thoughtful discussion on the diverse roles of the University, with a particular focus on its mission for progress and development.

Keynote Speakers

Riccardo Pietrabissa

Professor

Is a distinguished Full Professor of Industrial Bioengineering and currently serves as the Rector of the University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia. His research focuses on mathematical and experimental methods in biomechanics. From 1990 to 2019, he held various academic positions at Politecnico di Milano, where he founded the Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LABS) and established the patent office and technology transfer office. He also served as Vice-Rector of the Politecnico di Milano Lecco Campus from 2005 to 2010. Throughout his career, Professor Pietrabissa held various leadership positions at the National Research Council of Italy, including serving as Director of the ICT Department and the Production Systems Department. He co-founded the Netval Research Universities Network in 2002 and held the position of President until 2013. Since 2016, he has held the esteemed position of President of the Eucentre Foundation in Pavia. He was recently appointed the Conference of Italian University Rectors' delegate for Research Valorization and Technology Transfer.

Iwona Gawrycka

As the Director of SWPS University’s Center for Knowledge Transfer, she focuses on facilitating the advancement of innovations by leveraging research findings from the humanities and social sciences. Additionally, she manages the knowledge transfer processes and the commercialization of research outcomes. For several years, she has been co-teaching classes for doctoral students on knowledge transfer, with a focus on integrating research into the socio-economic landscape. With over 18 years of experience in the R&D sector, she has worked in both public administration and scientific institutions, successfully overseeing diverse implementation projects.

Panelists

Roman Cieślak

Professor

Is a psychologist and professor of social sciences. Since 2016, he has served as the Rector of SWPS University, following his previous role as Vice Rector for Educational Affairs from 2012 to 2016. He also has experience as a visiting professor and director of research at the Trauma, Health, and Hazards Center at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. His research interests encompass stress management, occupational burnout, and the impact of traumatic events on mental health. He is the founder of the StresLab team, dedicated to developing and evaluating online psychological interventions related to health and well-being. He is actively involved in the academic community, serving on the editorial boards of several international journals and holding positions on various boards of international scientific societies. Additionally, he holds the esteemed position of Chairman of the CRASP Communications and Social Responsibility Committee.

The panel will be hosted by

Michał Boni

Ph.D.

Holds a doctoral degree in humanities. He is a former politician (1989-2019), Minister of Administration and Digitization (2011-2013), and a former member of the European Parliament (2014-2019). He is also a public policy negotiator specializing in public affairs. Dr. Boni is the author of “Poland 2030 Report” and several reports on youth. His professional interests include protection of personal data and development of the 5G network.

Link for info and to sign up: https://english.swps.pl/we-the-university/our-news-and-events/lectures-and-meetings/33687-humantech-meetings-ii-future-of-universities-and-universities-of-the-future