Representatives of Lodz University of Technology took part in the ECIU University Forum 2026, held on 16–17 June 2026 at the University of Aveiro in Portugal. The annual Forum brought together the ECIU University community — students, academic teachers, researchers, administrative staff and partners — for two days of exchange, inspiration and many conversations about the future of higher education.
This year’s edition, organised under the theme “Futuremakers: Educating for Impact”, focused on how universities can support real change and help turn ideas into action. The programme offered many opportunities to discuss challenge-based learning, student engagement, innovation in education and new ways of working together across institutions and countries.
TUL was represented by 16 staff members, researchers, teachers and administrative staff and around 10 students. For the PŁ delegation, the Forum was a valuable opportunity to meet colleagues from other ECIU member universities, share experiences and see how the ECIU University works in practice. It also open space for new ideas, future cooperation and a better understanding of how TUL can continue to contribute to the ECIU community — with curiosity, energy and a strong team spirit.
Participants returned from Aveiro with fresh energy and a strong sense of inspiration. Many of them emphasised that the Forum helped them see even more clearly the value of international collaboration and the opportunities offered by ECIU — both for students and staff. The experience encouraged them to explore new forms of cooperation, get more involved in ECIU activities and bring new ideas back to their home university. This is how they summerised the ECIU University FORUM:
Rafał Anyszka: Joining the ECIU Forum charged my batteries with inspiration and motivation - a truly powerful cocktail.
Andrea Patelski: Taking part in the ECIU Forum in Aveiro and discussing with people from across Europe made me realise that I am part of something much bigger—a trans-European family of students and academics working together to shape the future of science and build a stronger, more innovative Europe.
Karolina Beton-Mysur: ECIU Forum broadened my spectrum of possibilities - turning isolated signals into meaningful connections, shared ambitions, and tangible opportunities for future collaborations.
Joanna Jeżewska: Participating in the Eciu forum gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful people from the Eciu community and feel part of it.
Bartłomiej Zagrodny: Inspiring and very valuable experience – highly recommended.
Agnieszka Tiele: Attending the ECIU Forum 2026 reinforced my belief in the importance of lifelong learning. As a female project manager aged 50+, I am continuously exposed to new challenges, including advances in AI and emerging approaches to research, making continuous learning essential for my professional development.
Małgorzata Świt: New connections, old friends reunited, a dash of inspiration, and a boost of motivation. That’s exactly what I’ll be bringing back to home university from beautiful Aveiro.
Izabela Gołacka: It's great to discover how easily sharing a passion can turn into joint, cross-university plans.
Maria Plucińska: ECIU Forum in Aveiro was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the researchers from other countries and to learn new things. I am amazed of our students who created very interesting Eco-Gecko game.
Aleksandra Kędzierska-Sar: Attending the ECIU Forum allowed me to meet many inspiring people, and I hope we will collaborate in the future. Hearing about others' experiences with AI gave me fresh insights into its applications and helped me better understand how it should be used and where I should direct my attention in the future.
The presence of Lodz University of Technology at the Forum was not only an important moment of exchange and learning, but also a reminder that collaboration grows through people: their curiosity, openness and willingness to act together. The Forum in Aveiro gave TUL community new motivation to keep building connections and creating impact within ECIU University — and perhaps also a few new reasons to say: “Let’s do something together.”
Author: Marta Rybicka with TUL delegation and help of AI :)
