Discussions on quality-driven internationalisation took centre stage at the Study in Poland conference International Students in Poland 2026, attended by Prof. Sambor Grucza, UW Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Human Resources. The accompanying gala recognised University of Warsaw representatives Prof. Piotr Sankowski and Jeremy Caldeira among the winners of the Stars of Internationalisation 2026 and Interstudent 2026 awards.

Prof. Sambor Grucza took part in the Study in Poland conference International Students in Poland 2026, organised by the Perspektywy Education Foundation in Kraków. One of the key elements of the event was the plenary session entitled Students of the Polish Diaspora in the Spotlight, devoted to the role of diaspora students in the internationalisation strategies of Polish universities.

During the session, attention was drawn to the changing external conditions that are prompting universities to redefine their internationalisation objectives. After a period of rapid growth, increasing importance is now attached to the sustainability of activities, their quality, and their resilience to change. In this context, panellists discussed the potential of diaspora students as a group capable of supporting the long-term development of Polish higher education institutions.

“Students from the Polish diaspora play an important role in the internationalisation of Polish universities. They combine strong academic potential with high motivation rooted in cultural and identity-based ties. For this reason, recruitment strategies should be founded on quality, long-term thinking and authentic relationships – including the active involvement of students and alumni as ambassadors of the university. The University of Warsaw views internationalisation as a sustainable process that requires consistency and responsibility,” emphasised Prof. Sambor Grucza.

Topics addressed during the discussion included effective ways of reaching diaspora students, the selection of appropriate arguments and communication channels, as well as the role of current students and alumni as credible ambassadors of Polish universities. The panel also explored the significance of motivations related to identity, family ties and career plans among young people from the Polish diaspora.

The session was moderated by Bartosz Stawiarz, Chief Operating Officer of Perspektywy Press. The panel brought together representatives of the academic community and public administration, including rectors and vice-rectors of Polish universities, as well as Dr Damian Syjczak, Deputy Director of the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), who highlighted the importance of systemic programmes supporting young people from the Polish diaspora in undertaking studies in Poland.

Stars of internationalisation 2026

On 29th January, during a ceremonial gala held at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, awards were presented as part of the Stars of Internationalisation 2026 competition, which recognises scholars and academic leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the internationalisation of Polish science and higher education.

In the Research Star category, the award was presented to Prof. Piotr Sankowski of the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics at the University of Warsaw, who is also Director of the IDEAS Research Institute. The award recognised his consistent and systemic efforts to strengthen the internationalisation of Polish research through the development of projects of the highest international competitiveness and the creation of sustainable international research ecosystems.

Prof. Sankowski belongs to a select group of leaders in European science and is the first Polish researcher to have been awarded four European Research Council (ERC) grants. His research activity, focused in particular on artificial intelligence with real-world social and economic applications, enhances the international visibility of the University of Warsaw and the attractiveness of research conducted in Poland.

On behalf of the University of Warsaw, a short laudatory address was delivered by Prof. Sambor Grucza, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Human Resources.

Interstudent 2026

The gala ceremony also announced the winners of the 16th edition of the Interstudent 2026 competition, implemented as part of the Study in Poland programme. The competition aims to recognise outstanding international students and doctoral candidates studying in Poland who combine excellent academic performance with research activity, social engagement and active participation in academic life.

One of the laureates in the Doctoral Studies category was Jeremy Caldeira (USA), a doctoral candidate at the Doctoral School of Social Sciences of the University of Warsaw.

Jeremy Caldeira’s doctoral research focuses on forced migration, with particular emphasis on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Poland and other European countries. His dissertation, provisionally entitled Now or Never? Return Intentions of Ukrainian Refugees in Europe, examines patterns of refugee integration and the factors influencing decisions to remain in host countries or return to their country of origin. The research combines economic and statistical-econometric tools with a social perspective, enriched by the author’s personal experience as a student-migrant.