A University of Warsaw delegation, led by Rector Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, University of Warsaw Chancellor Robert Grey, and Konrad Zawadzki, Deputy Director of the University of Warsaw Biological and Chemical Research Centre, visited Peru to inaugurate new directions of scientific, economic, and cultural cooperation. The meetings were accompanied by anniversary celebrations, the signing of a research agreement, and the awarding of an honoris causa doctorate to the University of Warsaw Rector.

From September 4th to 11th, a delegation from the University of Warsaw, consisting of Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw; Robert Grey, Chancellor of the University of Warsaw; and Konrad Zawadzki, Deputy Director of the University of Warsaw Biological and Chemical Research Centre, visited Peru. The programme included a series of scientific, economic, cultural, and diplomatic events that set new directions for inter-university cooperation.

During the celebration of the 64th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic University of Santa María  in Arequipe (Universidad Católica Santa María), Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak was honored with the highest academic distinction – an honoris causa doctorate, presented to him by Dr. Jorge Luis Cáceres Arce, Rector of UCSM.

Cooperation agreement

During the visit to Peru, representatives of the University of Warsaw and UCSM signed a cooperation agreement for the implementation of the BIOGLOBE project. Its goal is to develop environmental biotechnology in the development of dynamic microbial fertilisers. The signed agreement paves the way for joint research, knowledge transfer, and the implementation of innovative solutions in Peru and Poland.

“Sustainable agriculture and the development of environmental biotechnology innovations are a common space in which Warsaw and Arequipa can collaborate towards a greener future for the entire globe”, said Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw, during the meeting.

On the University of Warsaw’s side, the Faculty of Biology, in collaboration with the University of Warsaw Biological and Chemical Research Centre, is coordinating activities in this project.

The University in social life

The University of Warsaw delegation also participated in the official flag-raising ceremony and an institutional parade attended by representatives of local authorities, the military, schools, and the academic community in the main square, Plaza de Armas, in Arequipa.

The opening of modern laboratories at the UCSM Faculty of Medicine was also inaugurated, including a physiotherapy and exercise therapy laboratory. In accordance to the local tradition of naming new facilities “godfathers”, Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak symbolically assumed this role. The Sachaca Sports Complex was also opened. The event hosts emphasised Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak’s athletic youth and his current ties to academic sports as President of the Academic Sports Association.

Science and business

Representatives of the University of Warsaw and Peruvian partners met at the Arequipa Chamber of Commerce (Cámara de Comercio e Industria de Arequipa) to discuss the possibilities of creating joint technology startups, research and implementation platforms, and mechanisms for the transfer and commercialisation of knowledge developed through academic cooperation. Also attending the meeting were Anna Pieńkosz, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Poland in Peru, and Vlado Soto, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Arequipa, who emphasised the role of the scientific community as a catalyst for the development of economic relations between Poland and Peru. The discussion also included the concept of organising trade missions – both for Peruvian companies to Poland and for Polish companies to Peru, which could establish cooperation with local research institutions, universities, and technology parks.

The Rector of the University of Warsaw emphasised that the University of Warsaw, as a research university, has the resources and infrastructure to support the development of innovation and the internationalisation of startups operating in areas such as green technologies, biotechnology, medicine, and digital transformation. Joint efforts would aim not only to implement innovative solutions in local markets but also to build bridges between science, business, and economic diplomacy across continents.

Memory and spirituality

Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw, together with Anna Pieńkosz, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Poland in Peru, and Vlado Soto, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Arequipa, jointly opened an exhibition dedicated to Blessed Michał Tomaszek and Blessed Zbigniew Strzałkowski – Polish Franciscans who were murdered by Shining Path terrorists on 9th August, 1991, in Pariacoto. The event was organised just after the 34th anniversary of their deaths, ten years after their beatification. The ceremony took place at the Confucius Institute of the University of Warsaw (UCSM).

The culmination of the Polish delegation’s visit was the opening ceremony of the university exhibition entitled Capacocha. Following the Inca Deities in the new pavilion of the UCSM Graduate School in Lima. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Rector of the University of Warsaw, Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, and the Rector of the UCSM Dr. Jorge Cáceres Arce. The exhibition was prepared by researchers from the University of Warsaw’s Andean Research Center – Dr. Dagmara Socha and Dr. Dominika Sieczkowska, who specialise in high-altitude archaeology and Inca ritual research. The exhibition presents fascinating discoveries concerning sacrificial rituals (capacocha) performed on the summits of volcanoes in southern Peru, as well as the latest analyses of the mummification of child victims.

Visitors could see, among other things, a facial reconstruction of the Lady of Ampato and a behind-the-scenes look at the research on the famous Mummy of Juanita – one of the best-preserved child mummies in the world. The event was organised in collaboration with the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries in Arequipa, the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, and with the participation of TVPerú.

New possibilities

During his visit, University of Warsaw Rector Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak emphasised that scientific cooperation should not end with the exchange of information, but should lead to the joint creation of knowledge. He also announced the funding of five scholarships for UCSM students and staff, enabling them to participate in research and development stays in Warsaw.

“We are not only exchanging knowledge, we are creating it together. This is what true academic cooperation in the 21st century should look like. We want young researchers from Arequipa to develop in dialogue with our scientists – in laboratories, project teams, and an academic environment that values ​​openness and partnership”, he emphasised.