Rector of Catholic University of Lublin after his election for another term: universities face new challenges

Polish universities are currently facing many new challenges. These include the geopolitical situation in Europe and the world, including the economic one, the development of new technologies, and, above all, artificial intelligence, stressed the Rector of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Fr. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski, who was elected on Thursday for a second term of 2024-2028..

Rector Kalinowski expressed his gratitude to the Senate of the Catholic University of Lublin for the election and the trust they have placed in him. "Approaching the next term with humility, I am aware of the challenges our university faces. Many of the projects we have initiated need to be calmly continued, and we have new ventures on the horizon. I earnestly desire the active involvement of as many members of our academic community as possible in various activities. I am also eager to hear innovative proposals. I invite everyone to continue and explore new avenues of cooperation," he stated.

Fr. Prof. Kalinowski underscored his vision for the university and science, where knowledge is not just acquired but also accompanied by the holistic development of students. "In this era of instant access to theoretical information, we must not forget the importance of wisdom. We need to draw from the classical models of science and education while embracing new technologies, including artificial intelligence. As a university, we are committed to staying open to the evolving world," he affirmed.

He also pointed out the need for dialogue with different backgrounds and the need to exchange views, respecting the value systems of all discourse participants. "Our university does not exclude anyone, yet we have our own identity. This does not mean we want to impose it; it is a matter of free choice," he said.

"Among the priorities for the coming years, I might list gaining the status of a research university, cyclically adapting the offer of studies to the requirements of society and the labor market, further dynamic development of the presence of our experts and scientists in the public space, even greater use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, an adaptation of working conditions to current needs, further large infrastructural investments, including those related to the Faculty of Medicine and sports facilities, completion of the renovations begun, further intensification of relations and foreign contacts, cooperation with local government, social, economic and cultural initiatives," the Catholic University of Lublin Rector emphasized.

Fr. Prof. Miroslaw Kalinowski, Ph.D., is a theologian specializing in pastoral theology, homiletics, palliative care, and contemporary forms of faith transmission. He has been professionally affiliated with the Catholic University of Lublin since 1993. He received the title of professor of theological sciences in 2008. Among other positions, he served as Vice-Rector for Science and Foreign Cooperation (2004-2008) and Dean of the Faculty of Theology (2008-2016). He has been the Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin since 2020. He is the initiator of conducting studies at the Detention Center, the university's involvement in the Christian-Jewish dialogue, and the establishment of the Catholic University of Lublin Study Center for Poles Abroad. He also serves as president of the Lublin Society of Friends of the Sick - Hospice of the Good Samaritan in Lublin.