Representatives of Carinthia University of Applied Sciences visit the MUG

5.03.2025

Representatives from Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) in Austria – Prof. Herbert Kotsching and Dr. Sascha Fink – visited the Medical University of Gdańsk (MUG). The visit, which took place from 24th to 27th February, was part of the collaboration among European universities within the ACE2-EU Alliance and aimed to strengthen ties between the institutions and develop new forms of academic partnership.

During his stay from 24th to 26th February Prof. Herbert Kotsching met with the MUG representatives, including Prof. Edyta Szurowska, Head of the 2nd Division of Radiology, and her team, Prof. Michał Pikuła, Deputy Director of the First Doctoral School of the MUG, as well as Dr. Habil. Ewa Bandurska, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences with the Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, and Piotr Popowski, Ph.D. from the Centre for Competence Development, Integrated Care and e-Health. Key topics of discussion included student and academic staff exchange opportunities, as well as the development of programmes in telemedicine, medical technology, and medical informatics. The participants also explored potential funding sources for joint educational initiatives and future research collaboration.

Dr. Sascha Fink, who continued the visit until 27th February, focused on research related to healthy and active aging, as well as collaboration in doctoral education. He met with Prof. Jacek M. Witkowski, Director of the First Doctoral School, and Prof. Dominika Szalewska, Head of Division of Rehabilitation Medicine. Discussions covered the implementation of joint research projects and the organisation of international PhD training programmes.

The visit also provided an opportunity to familiarize CUAS representatives with MUG’s infrastructure and identify potential areas for further collaboration. A campus tour and networking meetings allowed the guests to gain deeper insight into the university’s research facilities and discuss possible synergies in education and science.

As a result of the visit, an initial agreement has been reached regarding future student and faculty exchanges, joint courses, and scientific research in the field of health and healthcare. Both universities also plan to continue discussions on securing funding for these initiatives within the ACE2-EU programme. The meeting opened new horizons for academic cooperation and international knowledge exchange, which may bring significant benefits to both students and researchers from both institutions.

For more information about the ACE2-EU Alliance visit ace2eu.gumed.edu.pl.