The official inauguration of the 2026/2027 academic year took place on the 5th of October in the University’s Biocentre. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the academic community, regional authorities, institutions collaborating with the University, and invited guests.

“When I look at our University through today’s perspective, I have a feeling that we’re in the right place. The previous year gave us a few very important reasons for satisfaction, but most of all, gave us a strong fundament for further development” – said UPP prof. dr hab. Krzysztof Szoszkiewicz, Rector of PULS, in his opening speech at the ceremony.

This year’s inauguration ceremony took place in the year of the University’s 75th anniversary. However, the University’s history goes back much further, as its roots lie in the development of agricultural and natural sciences education in Poznań, a tradition dating back to the 19th century.

Today, PULS connects traditional natural and agricultural sciences with new technologies. Veterinary medicine, forestry, animal production management, food technology and agriculture (agronomy) are developing alongside biotechnology, data science, engineering and environmental protection.

High evaluation scores

PULS begins the new academic year with stellar results of the latest scientific activity’s evaluation.

Poznań University of Life Sciences achieved one of the best results among universities in the country, whilst also ranking first amongst natural sciences and agricultural universities in Poland. Nine out of ten assessed scientific fields received the highest rating: A+ and A. Category A+ was assigned to veterinary sciences, as well as animal production management and fishery, and next seven scientific disciplines received the grade A.

The evaluation results are important not only for the scientific activity of the University, but also for their undergraduates and PhD students. They confirm the research potential of PULS and the quality of conducted research in areas relevant to modern sociological and economic challenges.

More than 7000 candidates

This year’s admission/recruitment confirmed a growing interest in the University’s educational offer. More than 7000 candidates applied for studies. The biggest competition was recorded in the following fields of study: veterinary medicine, landscape architecture, dietetics, environmental protection, geodesy and cartography – a recently launched course, and finance and accounting. The new academic year will begin with more than 3300 new students. The chosen fields of studies display a wide interest in fields connected to health and food, technologies, economy, environmental protection and the management of natural resources.

The university in the world of data and information overload.

The inauguration lecture, titled “The last institution which checks. The university in the world of data, algorithms and information overload.” was held by UPP prof. dr hab. Krzysztof Koszela.

The speech was dedicated to the role of the University in a world where artificial intelligence and new technologies have an increasingly strong influence on the way in which we gather, process and utilise information. Professor Koszela underlined the importance of critical thinking and the ability to verify information, drawing attention to the fact that the future cannot be described only through the lenses of specific professions and technologies.

“We do not know the professions in which students will work. We do not know the technologies they will utilise. We do not know the problems they will solve.”- spoke the Professor and emphasized the important role of the university, not only in imparting knowledge but also in shaping a culture that values questions, evidence, and the ability to verify information.

#NATUREisFUTURE – natural science and new technologies

The academic year inauguration marks also the beginning of the #NATUREisFUTURE campaign. The campaign’s goal is to showcase the modern face of natural sciences and its connection with modern technologies.

Ten Polish universities are engaged in the project. Together, they aim to demonstrate that education and research in the natural and agricultural sciences address the contemporary needs of society and the economy. The project is led and coordinated by Poznań University of Life Sciences. It is funded by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

The campaign will be featured in the media, on social media, and in public spaces. Activities are also planned for secondary schools, teachers, and career guidance counsellors.

The campaign will launch in autumn 2026 and run until September 2027. Its aim is to present the natural sciences as a modern, interdisciplinary field that is essential to the development of society and the economy.

The musical programme of the ceremony was provided by the Academic Choir Coro Da Camera, conducted by Dr Barbara Dąbrowska-Silska, and the Venator Hunting Trumpeters’ Ensemble.

Iwona Cieślik | PULS Press Officer