Bialystok University of Technology in the Across University: Visit of Representatives of the University of Banja Luka

Shared potential

The main focus of the several-day visit (19–23 January 2026) was a discussion of progress within work package 1.3 “Cross-border career pathways for students and staff”. In the European University Across project, this work package is led by Assoc. Prof. Saša Petković, DSc, PhD. As the main driving force behind these activities, the Professor emphasised the strategic importance of cooperation with the Bialystok-based university.

– Bialystok University of Technology and the University of Banja Luka are institutions of a similar size in terms of the number of students and academic staff. We are also connected by shared research interests and teaching methodology – emphasises Assoc. Prof. Saša Petković, DSc, PhD. – Our partnership and cross-border cooperation within the Across project represent an invaluable potential, an inexhaustible source of joint projects, improvements in the quality of education, and a unique development offer addressed to students and researchers. It is worth making use of this potential, and I am pleased that our partners from Bialystok support these activities with conviction and strong commitment.

Professor Petković also drew attention to the human dimension of the cooperation, pointing to the exceptional hospitality of the staff of Bialystok University of Technology and the inhabitants of the Podlasie region, which together create a solid foundation for the development of individual and organisational relations.

Summary of activities within task 1.3

On the part of Bialystok University of Technology, cooperation within work area 1.3 “Cross-border career pathways for students and staff” is coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Mirosław Świercz, DSc, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for Development of Bialystok University of Technology.

– This is a task that we have been implementing jointly for over a year – says Assoc. Prof. Mirosław Świercz, DSc, PhD, Eng., who also serves in the Across project as WP1 Block Coordinator. – Our meeting with Professor Petković was aimed at summarising this period in the context of initiatives undertaken at all ten universities associated within Across. I believe that we are united not only by a common goal, but also by “Slavic temperaments” and efficient management of the entire process. Professor Petković is an extremely active person, which gives momentum to our activities.

During the working meetings, the results of survey research conducted among students and staff of the universities associated within Across were analysed (including over 200 staff members and students from Bialystok University of Technology). This made it possible to identify a list of competencies that will be key on the labour market over the next decade. The results of the study will be used to better align study programmes with the realities of the European labour market.

One of the practical outcomes of this work will be the enrichment of the autumn Job Fairs at Bialystok University of Technology with a special European module, which will open up new career perspectives for students.

Jelena Poljašević, PhD, an expert in accounting and finance from the University of Banja Luka, established valuable contacts at Bialystok University of Technology.

– Our visit to Bialystok University of Technology proves that the Across alliance builds valuable international relations – summarises Jelena Poljašević, PhD. – I have established contacts here which I hope will soon result in joint projects and scientific publications. I was also able to see how classes with students are conducted here.

The presence of representatives of the University of Banja Luka in Bialystok is further proof that Bialystok University of Technology is an active and valued member of the European academic community, effectively shaping modern standards of education and international cooperation.

 
author: Monika Rokicka