The themes of internationalisation and strengthening institutional cooperation were central to the conference Cooperation Without Borders: Building a Regional NAWA–EURAXESS Network, held at the University of Gdańsk. The event, which took place on 25th–26th March 2026, brought together representatives of universities, public administration and organisations supporting researcher mobility.
The conference programme featured a series of panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions, focusing in particular on the role of European Universities alliances, the implementation of the HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) framework, equality policies, and the creation of a supportive environment for international researchers. A key element of the event was the joint development of the foundations for a regional EURAXESS network aimed at strengthening international scientific collaboration.
The Medical University of Gdańsk (MUG), as a partner of the conference, was strongly represented both among expert contributors and participants in the discussions. University staff actively engaged in thematic panels, sharing their experience in the field of internationalisation and the implementation of institutional solutions. Panel participants included Katarzyna Bruder from the ACE²-EU Alliance Office, Olga Hofman, HRS4R Coordinator, Małgorzata Omilian-Mucharska from the Gazeta GUMed Publishing Office, and Marzena Kołtoniak from the Welcome Point – Foreign Students and Employees Support Centre at the MUG. Representatives of the University contributed to discussions on, among others, cooperation within European university alliances, HR Excellence in Research policies, equality-related issues and support mechanisms for international researchers.
Representatives of the MUG student and doctoral communities also played an active role in the event. Michał Bystram, Vice-Chair of the Doctoral Students’ Council of the Medical University of Gdańsk, and Bogumiła Szymendera, a member of the MUG Student Self-Government, participated in a panel dedicated to the role of students and doctoral candidates as co-creators of inclusive and democratic universities.
Ewa Kiszka, Rector’s Plenipotentiary for Internationalisation Support and External Relations at MUG, served as coordinator of a strategic workshop focused on developing a joint strategy for the EURAXESS network in the Pomeranian region.
The conference concluded with the signing of a declaration of membership in the regional EURAXESS network by institutions from the Pomeranian region. This document represents a further step towards strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and building a coherent support system for international researchers. The participation of the Medical University of Gdańsk in the event confirms its active role in advancing internationalisation and co-creating a modern, open academic environment.
