Successful cooperation between industry representatives, scientists and students is an excellent example of how joint activities can respond to social needs and bring benefits to all parties. The event was attended by employees of the Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, as well as representatives of companies including: ATMAT, Kya Natural, Jacek Szulc's Veterinary Clinic and the ICHEM Research and Production Center.
The meeting was led by Dr Karolina Rudnicka, ambassador of the Science Hub of the University of Lodz, together with Dr Agata Matuszewska-Kubicz and Dr Kamil Brzeziński from the Faculty of Economics and Sociology, who were responsible for moderating the training and workshop part. Prof. Dr hab. Małgorzata Posmyk – Representative of the Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection for contacts with employers and business, presented the benefits for entrepreneurs joining the Business Council of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection.
The event was accompanied by the inclusion of Kya Natural in the Business Council, thanks to which research in cooperation with the US fulvic acid extractor (Mineral Logic) has been undertaken and a video telling the story of this collaboration has been prepared.
Participants in the "Science and Business" networking event
The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the benefits and barriers related to carrying out the implementation projects and their compliance with the strategy of the University of Lodz. Numerous benefits of the participation of business representatives in shaping the study programmes so as to meet market needs, as well as the possibility of opening academic teachers to new research threads were pointed out. Students emphasized the importance of using the knowledge acquired during studies to solve real social problems. Industry representatives considered the prestige of cooperation with the University of Lodz and obtaining research results for the solutions they proposed to be a particular advantage. The presentation of current financing possibilities for research projects that combine science with business, which was discussed by Dr Karolina Rudnicka, was also an important aspect of the event.
The event participants shared their experiences and visions about future projects, which proves their willingness to continue cooperation. Students of Forensic Biology and Microbiology, involved in the research implementation, talked about employment and internship opportunities with industrial partners. Thanks to the support of the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz, Prof. Dr hab. Michał Bijak, and that of the University of Lodz Science Hub project under the leadership of Dr Małgorzata Dzimińska, the event was not only a platform for the exchange of ideas, but also a symbol of dynamic cooperation between science and business.
The success of the "Science and Business" meeting confirms that joint action by scientists, students and industry representatives brings tangible benefits to all parties. It is an invitation to further cooperation and an inspiration which shows that together we can do more. We encourage you to attend further events that will be a continuation of this successful initiative. Join us and be part of this fascinating journey towards a future where science and business go hand in hand.
Participants in the "Science and Business" networking event
Source: Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Science Hub
Text: Karolina Rudnicka, Justyna Kowalewska (3PR)