UNIWERSYTET ROLNICZY IM. HUGONA KOLLATAJA W KRAKOWIE

Their core work

The University of Agriculture in Krakow is Poland's leading agricultural university, combining food science, environmental research, and rural development expertise. In H2020, they focused heavily on science communication and public engagement — organizing Researchers' Nights, bioeconomy outreach, and science education events across the Małopolska region. They also bring genuine research depth in food science and technology (coordinating an EU-wide Joint Doctorate program) and have contributed to energy transition strategies for coal-dependent Polish regions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2014–2017), the university focused on science promotion, laboratory demonstrations, and building public recognition of research — essentially one-way communication from researchers to the public. From 2018 onward, the focus shifted toward deeper societal engagement: ecology, climate awareness, energy transition, and the European dimension of scientific careers. The move from "science promotion" to "science-society dialogue on climate and sustainability" reflects a maturing engagement strategy aligned with EU priorities around Responsible Research and Innovation.

Moving from general science communication toward climate-focused public engagement and regional sustainability, making them a strong partner for projects needing societal outreach in Central-Eastern Europe.

How they like to work

Overwhelmingly a participant (8 of 9 projects), joining existing consortia rather than leading them. Their one coordination role — the EJDFoodSci Joint Doctorate — shows they can lead when it plays to their core food science strengths. With 107 unique partners across 40 countries, they are well-connected but not a hub; they join diverse consortia rather than building a fixed network, making them an adaptable and easy-to-integrate partner.

Broadly connected across 40 countries with 107 unique consortium partners, reflecting their participation in large CSA projects and researchers' night networks. Their geographic spread is pan-European with no strong regional clustering beyond their Polish base.

What sets them apart

As an agricultural university deeply embedded in Małopolska — a coal-intensive region undergoing energy transition — they sit at the intersection of food systems, rural sustainability, and just transition. This combination is rare: they can bring both technical food/agriculture research and on-the-ground societal engagement in a region that is a priority for EU cohesion policy. For consortium builders, they offer a credible Polish partner who can handle dissemination, public engagement, and responsible research activities alongside substantive food science contributions.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EJDFoodSci
  Their only coordinated project and largest grant (EUR 224K) — a European Joint Doctorate in food science, signaling genuine research leadership in this field.
• TRACER
  Their second-largest grant (EUR 145K), focused on energy transition strategies for coal-intensive regions — a departure from their usual science communication work, showing expanding thematic reach.
• SALSA
  Substantial participation (EUR 211K) in a major food security research project, demonstrating capacity for large-scale RIA-type research beyond outreach activities.