Jerzy Pajor
research centre. I am confident a lot of good will come from the visit of a team of top opinion-shapers from India, who were here on 4th March 2014 as guests of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting we discussed the possibility of cooperation with the University of Delhi, both for staff and student exchange as well as for joint research projects. Another good prospect for student exchange is opening up following a meeting with Dr Liane Hentschke, Director of CNPq, the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, the executive agency for the Brazilian Science Without Borders scholarship programme. I’m also full of hope that after the main jubilee celebrations are over we will be able to enter a partnership scheme with the National Autonomous University of Mexico. I have already conducted the first round of negotiations with its representatives.” □ “In September 2014 you’ll be in the middle of your term in office as Rector of the Jagiellonian University. How would you describe the first half of your term?” ■ “I’m pleased with some of the changes which have been accomplished in the University since September 2012. We have compiled a development strategy for the University for 2014–2020, and in some units there have been structural changes which should bring good effects within the next two or three years. In addition we have a very precisely defined investment and redevelopment timeline, with virtually all the potential risks taken into account. I’m also pleased that we have managed to restore and redecorate Collegium Novum, the headquarters of
the University’s authorities, for the Jubilee. The next few months will see an improvement in the premises of the students’ self-governing body, which will move from Collegium Novum to rooms at ulica Czapskich 4, and eventually, by the end of the year, to newly restored premises on ulica Jagiellońska, opposite Collegium Maius.” □ “Where do you still see shortcomings?” ■ “I have not managed to raise the University’s level of internationalisation, not only in student numbers, but also for international co-operation. This is a long-term process which calls for the right sort of impulses to stimulate it. Doctoral programmes are another area which still needs considerable support from the University’s administrative authorities. And a third task concerns the creation of a road and transport infrastructure on the Pychowice campus, which is a big and very important challenge.” □ “What would you want to tell the academic community for the Jubilee marking the Jagiellonian University’s 650th year?” ■ “That I believe in our staff’s research potential; I’m confident that if we continue to strive for quality in education and get students who will be as good as those we have now we shall soon be reaping the fruit of our labour.” □ “Thank you for the interview.”
Jerzy Sawicz
University Governance (2012–2016): Rector of the Jagiellonian University, Professor Wojciech Nowak; and Vice-Rectors (left to right): Professor Jacek Popiel, Vice-Rector for Human Resources and Financial Management; Professor Stanisław Kistryn, Vice-Rector for Research and Structural Funds; Professor Andrzej Mania, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs; Professor Maria-Jolanta Flis, Vice-Rector for University Development; and Professor Piotr Laidler, Vice-Rector for the Medical College
alma mater No. 166
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