Universities join forces to launch Inter-University Space Ecosystem Center

“It’s been a year since the launch for the ISS, but from the very beginning, the IGNIS mission was more than a spaceflight. Its aim was to provide a boost to the development of Polish science, technology and education. I am delighted to be able to celebrate the anniversary of this special event at the Warsaw School of Economics, the university that awarded me an honorary doctorate. The SGH Warsaw School of Economics plays an active role in fostering dialogue between the worlds of academia, business, and innovation. I believe that the experience gained through the IGNIS mission will bear fruit for many years to come, inspiring new projects, international cooperation, and future generations who will help develop the Polish space sector,” said Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, a project astronaut at the European Space Agency (ESA).

“The IGNIS mission has demonstrated that Poland has the expertise, ambition, and potential to play an active role in shaping the future of the European space sector. We have the opportunity to draw on the experience gained during this historic mission to build a sustainable ecosystem that links science, education, government, and industry. As a university specialising in economics and business, we want to be a place where new ideas, skills, and partnerships are born, supporting the development of Polish space technologies and the next generations of experts,” said Piotr Wachowiak, Rector of the Warsaw School of Economics.

“The conclusion of the agreement by and between the five universities demonstrates that the development of the space sector requires cooperation across institutional boundaries. The Lodz University of Technology has been involved in research relating to space technologies for many years, including the work on safety measures for the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the construction of the ‘artificial sun’ (ITER) in France. Five of our graduates are pursuing careers at the ESA. Among them is Dr Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, who has made a lasting mark on the history of space research and exploration,” noted Krzysztof Jóźwik, Rector of the Lodz University of Technology.

“The establishment of the Center presents an excellent opportunity for universities to become active participants in the development of space technologies. A key component of the initiative is the involvement of research centres that will combine their expertise, infrastructure, and resources to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and advance space-related research. This project is an important step towards strengthening Poland’s engagement in international space missions, and we are delighted to be part of this process. The Jagiellonian University is already conducting space research, including work on the prestigious ERC project relating to the preparation of the HYADES mission. The telescope launched into orbit is intended to help determine the origin of water on Earth,” said Piotr Jedynak, Rector of the Jagiellonian University.

“Building a strong Polish space sector requires cooperation between a wide range of stakeholders, including academia, business, and public administration. We are proud to be part of the initiative to create the Inter-University Space Ecosystem Center. AGH University’s contribution is rooted in experience gained through international collaboration within UNIVERSEH, or the European Space University for Earth and Humanity, and the operation of Poland’s first Faculty of Space Technologies, established last year. I am convinced that our expertise in research, teaching, and project management will be of valuable support in the development of the Center and the entire national space technology ecosystem,” emphasised Krzysztof Mendrok, Vice-Rector for Education at AGH University.

“The establishment of the Inter-University Space Ecosystem Center proves that Polish universities are capable of joining forces to carry out projects of strategic importance for the country’s future. From its involvement in the preparations for Mirosław Hermaszewski’s flight to its support for the IGNIS mission, the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw has consistently contributed to the development of Poland’s presence in space. We believe that interdisciplinary collaboration within the academic community will enable us to develop innovative solutions and systemic measures that will support space exploration and help build Poland’s strong position in the space sector,” said Bartosz Molik, Rector of the University of Physical Education in Warsaw.