Ministry of Science
and Higher Education

Summary of achieved results and exchange of experiences

The conference constituted a platform for a comprehensive presentation of achieved results and challenges met while implementing the development plans by the universities selected in the 1^st IDUB competition. The event also aimed at promoting the dialogue and exchange of good practices that significantly contribute to further strengthening of the research and teaching potential.

Recognition of distinguished experts and opening of the conference

The 5^th Progress Review Conference was opened by dr Karolina Zioło Pużuk, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. – The IDUB programme could not function without the professional support provided by the excellent group of international experts, collaborating with the Ministry from the start of the programme. I would therefore like to recognise the excellent work of the International Team of Experts for the IDUB programme. It is thanks to them that we can talk about the an actual internationalisation of the Polish science – emphasised the deputy minister of science.

In his opening speech following the welcome by the deputy minister, Professor Peter Maassen – the Chair of the International Team of Experts for the IDUB programme – pointed to the high level of the universities participating in the initiative so far, and he expressed his conviction that the 2^nd IDUB edition (2027-2032) will generate similar interest and deliver tangible results for the Polish science system.

The event was also an occasion for the former Chair of the International Team of Experts for the IDUB programme – Professor Lauritz Holm-Nielsen – to be awarded a “For Merit to Polish Science Sapientia et Veritas” medal by the deputy minister, in recognition of his significant contribution and long-term commitment to raising the quality of Polish science.

Expert evaluation and international support

The conference was supported by the participating members of the International Expert Team appointed by the Minister of Science and Higher Education in August of 2025. The Team plays a key role in evaluating the progress and the quality of programme implementation. The conference consisted of 3 panels, covering, i.a., the principal effects of the IDUB programme, international visibility and attractiveness of the Polish universities, as well as challenges related to the development of organizational and research culture at IDUB universities.

Final evaluation and the future of IDUB

Besides the conference, The Ministry of Science and Higher Education currently prepares the final evaluation of the 1^st edition of IDUB (assessing the implementation of the ‘top ten’ universities’ IDUB plans for 2020-2026), as well as the launch of the 2^nd IDUB competition, for which the Ministry does not foresee any changes in the applying law. The final evaluation of the 1^st IDUB edition winners will be conducted in 2026, and its results will constitute the basis for the Minister’s decision on further financing. As a result of the expert evaluation of both the implementation of the 1^st IDUB edition plans, and the new plans’ for the 2nd IDUB edition, at least 2 out of 10 1^st edition winners will need to vacate their spots, to be filled by the new entities selected in the 2^nd IDUB competition.

Strategic significance of the IDUB programme

The “Excellence Initiative – Research University” programme remains one of the pillars of Poland’s science policy. The IDUB programme addresses the challenge of increasing the quality of research and teaching at Polish universities, and its implementation strategically contributes to the competitiveness of Polish science globally.