How can knowledge in management, new technologies, media, medicine or design be used to address the real challenges facing the modern world? At the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow (UITM), sustainable development is not limited to individual courses. It is reflected in research, international projects, events, student research clubs and the University’s day-to-day operations. UITM students can learn about research findings, use specialist facilities, work in international teams and collaborate with University staff on projects addressing environmental, social and economic challenges.

The Sustainable Development Office initiates and monitors projects in this area, bringing together three interconnected dimensions: environmental protection, social development and responsible economic growth. Information on current projects, publications, events and initiatives undertaken by the academic community is available on the English-language Green UITM website. This approach complements UITM’s efforts to create a responsible, open academic environment that supports professional development, in line with the principles underpinning the HR Excellence in Research Award.

Research addressing the challenges of the future

UITM researchers examine the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development. Their work covers areas such as biodiversity, renewable energy, food production, public health, ESG, green transport, responsible management and sustainable supply chains.

One example of the international research activity of UITM academics is the edited volume Sustainable Supply Chains in the Digital Age: Navigating Complexity, Technology and Finance, published by Routledge in 2026 and edited by Kateryna Lysenko-Ryba, PhD, and Professor Sabina Kauf from the UITM Chair of Logistics and Process Engineering. The contributors examine the impact of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain technology and automation on modern logistics. They also address ESG, risk management and the development of resilient and responsible supply chains.

Another example of cooperation between researchers representing different academic centres and disciplines is the book Dbając o planetę, dbasz o swoją przyszłość (By Caring for the Planet, You Care for Your Future), published by UITM Publishing House and Aspra Publishing House. Its team of more than a dozen authors explores the links between climate, the environment, food production systems, diet and human health. The publication was prepared primarily with younger readers in mind.

The UITM President’s Green Blog, supported by Professor Tadeusz Pomianek, President of UITM, is another important platform for sharing knowledge. It features contributions from researchers and experts in a wide range of fields, including economics, agriculture, management, medicine, public health, education, biodiversity and new technologies. The articles address climate change, microplastics, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, food quality, the green transformation of industry and the energy costs associated with the development of artificial intelligence. The blog demonstrates that scientific knowledge does not have to remain confined to specialist publications: it can help people understand contemporary challenges, assess information critically and make better-informed decisions.

These science communication activities are complemented by efforts to expand open access to knowledge. Selected academic publications issued by UITM are made available on an open-access basis, while the Academic Library provides access to open research resources.

The ekoPrzestrzeń Centre for Environmental Education – learning through practice

The ekoPrzestrzeń Centre for Environmental Education at the UITM campus in Kielnarowa illustrates how knowledge and strategic objectives can be translated into practical action. The Centre provides interdisciplinary education in ecology, sustainable development, food, energy and biodiversity, combining the expertise of UITM staff with laboratory facilities and the natural assets of the campus.

The Centre is headed by Urszula Binduga, PhD in Medical Sciences, Assistant Professor at the UITM Chair of Lifestyle Diseases and Regenerative Medicine. Facilities used during its activities include the Ecobiotechnology Laboratory, the Biological Analysis Laboratory and the Renewable Energy Laboratory. These facilities enable participants to conduct microscopic observations, learn the fundamentals of microbiological analysis, examine natural raw materials and gain practical knowledge of biodiversity, ecological products and renewable energy.

The Centre is developing modular workshops on topics including organic food, natural cosmetics and products, microbiology, renewable energy and biodiversity. Activities can take place both in laboratories and outdoors — in meadows, forests and the educational garden. The programme is intended for school pupils, lifelong learners, the local community, partner institutions and anyone interested in environmental issues.

International experience and green entrepreneurship

UITM is a member of the SUNRISE European Universities Alliance — the Smaller Strategic Universities Network for Regional Innovative and Sustainable Evolution. The partnership supports the internationalisation of education, the development of European cooperation networks and the search for solutions tailored to regional needs.

One of its initiatives was the SUNRISE Green Summer School – Green Business & Education for a Sustainable Future. The five-day programme brought together more than 50 students, lecturers, volunteers and academic staff from partner universities in Poland, Germany, France, Sweden and Portugal, representing more than a dozen countries. Students worked in international teams, explored the principles of green business and developed concepts for responsible start-ups. At the same time, staff from partner universities took part in workshops on modern teaching methods, leadership and the use of artificial intelligence in education. The programme therefore provided development opportunities for both students and academic staff.

Students making a difference

UITM encourages students to address sustainable development in their own research. The second edition of the competition for the best degree thesis in this field received 24 submissions representing all four UITM Colleges. The main prize went to Beata Balon, a graduate of the Master’s programme in Cosmetology, for her thesis entitled “Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Using Extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica)”. Oskar Gawroński, a graduate of the Bachelor’s programme on the English-language Aviation Management pathway, received a distinction for his thesis, “The Path to Green Aviation: Actions by Airlines Towards Sustainable Development”. Further details are available in the competition summary. The range of submitted topics demonstrates that sustainable development is not confined to any single degree programme. It can connect medicine, management, technology, aviation, media, communication and design.

UITM student research clubs provide another setting in which students can develop their research and social interests. Working with their academic supervisors, students prepare projects, seminars, workshops and public-engagement events. One example is the Humanus Interdisciplinary Student Research Club, supervised by Paula Wieczorek, PhD. During the third Holidays and Myths Festival, international students presented myths and traditions illustrating different cultural understandings of the relationship between people, water and the environment. Stories about Nyami Nyami, the god of the Zambezi River, and African water spirits such as Mami Wata and Yemoja opened a discussion about the significance of water, the region’s colonial history, displacement and the consequences of major infrastructure projects.

Students studying graphic design and related subjects also use art to communicate social, economic and climate-related challenges. Their work was presented to the people of Rzeszów at an exhibition of posters devoted to sustainable development, organised in cooperation with the Provincial and Municipal Public Library in Rzeszów. The activities of student research clubs show that UITM students are not merely recipients of knowledge. With the support of University staff, they become the authors of presentations, projects and initiatives addressed to secondary-school pupils and the local community.

Knowledge for society and a people-friendly community

UITM staff initiate and co-create debates, lectures, conferences, podcasts and publications that make research accessible to the wider public. One example is the nationwide debate “Our Planet – Our Common Future”. Its first edition attracted more than 200 participants, including researchers, politicians, local-government representatives, members of the agricultural sector, environmentalists, activists and young people.

UITM staff helped prepare the event and contributed as speakers and experts, addressing topics such as the transformation of agriculture, food production, the protection of natural resources and the effects of the environment on human health. In this way, UITM demonstrates that the role of a researcher includes not only conducting research, but also sharing knowledge and participating actively in public debate.

Sustainable development is also visible in the University’s everyday operations. Students and staff can use the Green Bike rental scheme, while the Kielnarowa campus is home to an apiary and an educational garden. UITM also promotes physical and mental health, accessibility, work–life balance and equal treatment. Its initiatives include Health Week, development workshops and support for students and staff provided by the Academic Centre for Personal Development and Psychological Support. The University also implements its Gender Equality Plan for 2026–2029 and a policy for preventing workplace bullying, discrimination and violence.

A university where knowledge leads to action

At UITM, sustainable development means much more than environmental protection. It encompasses responsible research, modern education, international cooperation, social engagement, well-being and the creation of equitable and accessible opportunities for development.

This approach is consistent with UITM’s Human Resources Strategy for Researchers. Since 2017, the University has held the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award, confirming its commitment to creating a supportive research environment and applying transparent principles to the recruitment of researchers. The Award also requires the University to continuously improve its human-resources policies in accordance with the European Commission’s recommendations.

For prospective students, this means the opportunity to study at a university where important ideas are translated into concrete research, projects and initiatives. For staff, it means an environment that supports responsible research, interdisciplinary cooperation, knowledge sharing and professional development at every career stage.