The third edition of the international Bridge Conference took place in Krzyzowa, the site of historic Polish-German reconciliation, from 29.06 to 01.07.2023. The event, attended by nearly 200 people, created a space for establishing new contacts, exchanging knowledge and experience, and presenting the latest scientific and industrial developments from Poland and Germany.
Bridge Conference is one of the most important scientific and business events, bringing together academic and business representatives from Poland and Germany. The conference provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge, experience and presentation of the latest scientific and industrial developments. The third edition of the event took place in Krzyzowa, a place that has gone down in history as a place of Polish-German reconciliation.
The aim of the conference was to present selected scientific achievements from Poland and Germany that can contribute to solving the key challenges facing societies and the possibilities of implementing them in industry, especially in Germany and Poland. The conference focused on several main topics, such as energy, medicine, Industry 4.0, transportation, artificial intelligence or materials and technologies. These are issues that are crucial to the future of both countries.
The conference was solemnly opened by:
- Wojciech Murdzek (Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education and Science)
- Thomas Trepmann (Director of the Department of Regional Policy, Rural Development and Innovation, Saxony Ministry of Regional Development)
- Florian Frank (Head of the Department of Science and Research, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Warsaw)
- Martin Kremer (Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Wrocław)
- Prof. Arkadiusz Wójs (Rector of Wrocław University of Technology)
- Prof. Lothar Kroll (TU Chemnitz, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft)
- Andrzej Dybczynski (President of the Lukasiewicz Research Network)
- Dr. Robert Żurek (Managing Director, Member of the Board of the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe)
The second day featured scientific presentations and networking sessions. The conference focused on four main thematic blocks: Energy Transformation and the Closed Cycle Economy, Micro and Nanoelectronics, Health Care and Food, and Technologies in Public Safety. A total of 57 speakers delivered speeches during the various sessions. A variety of topics were covered, such as energy, medicine, Industry 4.0, transportation, artificial intelligence or materials and technologies. These represent important issues that are crucial to the future and development of both countries.
Right now, as representatives of universities, we are facing new and multifaceted challenges. To meet these challenges, mutual cooperation and dialogue are necessary. At the Bridge Conference, we have the opportunity to participate in four thematic panels, which provide a platform for discussion and exchange of experiences. This is where we can address key issues affecting our universities. However, dialogue alone is not enough. It is important that we begin to build cooperation at the institutional level. It is through this cooperation that we can achieve growth and innovative development. By creating bridges between our universities, we cross the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines.
Nowadays, we are seeing the rise of global challenges such as the water crisis and climate change related to CO2 emissions. These are issues that affect us all and require united action. However, when we look at these challenges, we should not be overwhelmed. In fact, I believe that it is by working together that we can achieve much more than if we worked in isolation. Together, we can combine our knowledge, experience and resources to find innovative solutions to these problems. By forming partnerships and research networks, we can focus our efforts on a common goal and effectively counter these challenges. Therefore, it is important that we strive for international cooperation, engaging in research projects, knowledge and technology exchange. Together, we can conduct research, develop innovative solutions and influence the shaping of the future. Let Bridge Conference be the place where we meet, share our ideas and initiate collaboration. Together, we can address global challenges and create a better future for all of us.
The third day of the Conference was devoted entirely to joint scientific and business projects between Poland and Germany. During this day, the Lukasiewicz Research Network and Fraunhofer IWU had the opportunity to present their technological capabilities and cooperation.
The second part of the day was devoted to presentations and discussions on joint projects carried out by scientists from both countries and to discussing perspectives related to future initiatives. It was an important meeting that allowed the exchange of knowledge, experience and ideas between scientists from Poland and Germany.
Coverage of the Event on TVP Wrocław
During the conference, scientists and representatives of research institutes were introduced to lectures on the latest research presented by experts. Networking sessions enabled the exchange of experience and contacts between scientists from Poland and Germany. An important outcome of the conference was the strengthening of cooperation between the Lukasiewicz Research Network and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, including joint research activities and projects on hydrogen technologies, closed-loop economy and new materials.
Bridge Conference 2023 was organized by the College of Rectors of Universities of Wroclaw and Opole together with Wroclaw University of Technology (event leader), Łukasiewicz Research Network and partners from Germany – Technische Universität Chemnitz and Fraunhofer IWU
The event was held under the honorary patronage of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Wroclaw, the Chairman of the College of Rectors of Universities of Wroclaw and Opole, the Rector of Wroclaw University of Technology and the Rector of Technische Universität Chemnitz.
The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Austria in Wroclaw, the Honorary Consul of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Wroclaw, the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Wroclaw and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Wroclaw have also confirmed their presence.
For more photos from the Conference and announcements of future events, visit the Center for Innovation and Business profile on LinkedIn
The project was supported by funds from the Ministry of Education and Science within the framework of the program called “Excellent Science II”. POLAND
