On November 6, AGH University of Krakow celebrated the inauguration of its Alumni Association in Japan, marking a significant step in strengthening academic and cultural ties between Poland and Japan. This milestone event, held under the honorary patronage of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo. The inauguration took place at the Polish Embassy in Tokyo.
The inaugural gathering brought together AGH University alumni, friends, and academic partners from both countries, creating an inspiring platform for networking, collaboration, and community building. Distinguished representatives from prestigious Japanese institutions, including Shibaura Institute of Technology, the University of Tokyo, Hokkaido University, Nagoya Institute of Technology, and Tohoku University, attended the event. Their participation underscored the strong relationships AGH University has nurtured with leading Japanese universities, fostering new avenues for academic cooperation and research partnerships.
His Magnificence Prof. Jerzy Lis, Rector of AGH University, emphasized the value of this new association as a bridge connecting AGH alumni and partners in Japan with their Polish alma mater, strengthening personal and professional networks while deepening international cooperation. “The launch of the AGH University Alumni Association in Tokyo represents an enduring commitment to collaboration and knowledge exchange that transcends borders,” stated Prof. Lis. “Together, we are building on a legacy of partnership and looking to a future of shared achievements.”
Mr. Tomasz Gwozdowski, Deputy Head of Mission at the Polish Embassy in Tokyo, welcomed attendees and expressed his enthusiasm for the association’s potential to further enrich Polish-Japanese relations in education and research. “This gathering exemplifies the spirit of partnership between Poland and Japan, bringing together a community dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering enduring friendships,” said Mr. Gwozdowski.
The AGH University Alumni Association in Japan serves as a dedicated platform for alumni, friends, and partners, fostering continued engagement with AGH University and supporting collaboration across various academic and professional fields. The association aims to:
* Strengthen the network of AGH University alumni residing in Japan.
* Encourage academic and research cooperation between Polish and Japanese institutions.
* Provide opportunities for professional and personal growth for AGH University alumni in Japan.
Particularly noteworthy is the important role and significant contribution of the National Agency for Academic Exchange in the organisation of the event, which was financed with funds received from the project ‘Development of AGH’s potential for comprehensive service to foreign guests and effective international promotion’implemented under the programme ‘Welcome to Poland.’
Thanks to NAWA’s support, our university will organise a series of events including ‘AGH Week in Japan’, meetings with secondary school students in Tokyo, a visit to Osaka during EXPO 2025, as well as a series of training courses to support the adaptation of foreign students and young scientists at AGH in terms of, among other things, cultural differences or covering the topics of planning their career path or setting up their own start-up in Poland.
