Professor Stanisław Bielecki, Rector of TUL in 2008-16.
The beginning as Rector was particularly difficult for me, as it was overshadowed by the accident I suffered. Fortunately, thanks to the great support of the Vice Rectors, whom I thank very much, I was able to continue managing the university from the hospital room.
The priority was only one – Lodz University of Technology one of the best universities in the country, in Europe and in the world. Others were and are actually derivative of the above.
We have been a pioneer of good practices, including international projects on lifelong learning. We have launched many investment projects. This is our common success. I welcome every new initiative. The Technology Transfer Centre, the Engineers Factory, the European Centre for Bio- and Nanotechnology are all equally important.
Based on my years of experience, I can describe cooperation with regional authorities as fruitful and effective. We give ideas and opinions about the region, and they try to respond to them, taking the right actions to make them a reality. (...) the first outcome of this was the signing of the “Academic Lodz” agreement. This is a small step towards the realisation of my idea. The name doesn't matter, only the fact that the City of Łódź has noticed the potential that lies in universities and young people.