Employees of Project Management Centre at the 4th Academic Administration Forum – discussions on the future of science management
Employees of the Project Management Centre (CZP) of the Silesian University of Technology took part in the 4th Academic Administration Forum, which took place on June 18th –19th at the Medical University of Gdańsk.
The event brought together approximately 350 participants representing managerial and administrative staff from universities and research institutes from across the country.
Thanks to the participation of, among others, Dr Wojciech Karczewski, Director of the National Agency for Academic Exchange, and Dr Marcin Liana, Deputy Director of the National Science Centre, it has become a key platform for the exchange of experiences in the field of modern higher education management.
Modern management and digitalization
During this year's edition of the Forum, dynamic changes in academic structures were discussed. The main goal of the debates was to develop standards that would increase the effectiveness of support for scientific processes.
The event program focused on the following areas:
- the influence of European University consortia on national institutions,
- the development of research managers (RMA) as a key to university grant success,
- building professional identity and well-being of university employees,
- artificial intelligence and automation in everyday administrative work (support systems, micro-credentials, electronic documents, etc.).
Active participation of FAA and PolARMA members
The active participation of CZP representatives in the 4th Forum is a direct result of the strong representation of employees in the member bodies of both the Academic Administration Forum Association (FAA) and the Association of Managers and Administrators of Research and Scientific Projects PolARMA. The presence of our University in the structures of associations allows us to truly co-create national standards for the professionalization of staff supporting science.
Administration as a partner for science
Presentation in the panel discussion "Image and identity of academic administration employees" by Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska, chairwoman of KRASP, highlighted the thesis that the division into academic staff and administrative staff is not conducive to the development and well-being of the entire academic community. The conclusions drawn from the 4th Forum clearly indicate that modern academic administration is no longer merely a technical support facility. It is a key strategic partner for scientists in the process of digital transformation and building the international position of the university.
Integration meeting of the participants of the 4th Academic Administration Forum
The 4th Academic Administration Forum also provided an opportunity for an integration meeting of conference participants with representatives of PolARMA - a nationwide association of managers and administrators of research and scientific projects. The event brought together current PolARMA members as well as those interested in strategy and getting involved in the organization's activities. It also created an excellent opportunity to establish new contacts, exchange experiences, and continue the discussions initiated during the forum in a less formal, yet friendly atmosphere. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about PolARMA's activities (www.polarma.pl) and build relationships that support its further operation. Networking talks became a valuable addition to this year's Forum program.
KRASP appeal of 8th of June 2026 regarding increasing financing and strengthening Polish science and higher education.
During the conference, both organizations PolARMA and FAA, as an expression of commitment and concern for the Polish scientific community, decided to support the KRASP Appeal https://www.facebook.com/krasp1997/posts/pfbid02b3m9EXLZU8J3uMoL6oucTPtNeYXnkC5pr7iVyCfma2x7wsVTEqH6t2wpt3TxtgUXl on increasing financing and strengthening Polish science and higher education.
In the document, KRASP appealed to the state authorities to increase financing of science and higher education and to treat them as a strategic element of Poland's development. It was emphasized that the current level of expenditure (1.09% of GDP in 2026) is insufficient and leads to the deterioration of conditions for conducting research and education and the outflow of young scientists. The main postulate is to develop a long-term plan for a gradual increase in funding, ultimately to the level of 3% of GDP, as well as to introduce legal solutions supporting the development of the science sector. The signatories of the appeal point out that investing in science and higher education is an investment in the security, innovation, and competitiveness of the state.
Text by Katarzyna Dudek
Pictures: GUMed, Katarzyna Dudek, PolARMA, Piotr Potapowicz - Warsaw School of Economics
