FunGlass Participation in CliCAM Benchmarking Site Visit at Wrocław University of Science and Technology
On 9–10 September 2025, representatives of the FunGlass Centre took part in a benchmarking site visit organized within the CliCAM project at Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WrocławTech).
The FunGlass team was represented by Peter Hošták, Dagmar Galuskova, Amirhossein Pakseresht, Jozef Kraxner, Zulema Vargas, Mokhtar Mahmoud Andrea Chrastinova and Marcela Brodova. Their participation provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences with partners from Polish WrocławTech.
The first day focused on institutional strategies and best practices supporting excellence in widening countries. Participants explored a wide range of topics, including:
- Widening as a core for common problems in the academic sector – Polish solutions: Participants learned how Polish universities address structural challenges such as research funding gaps, and the need for sustainable talent development. WrocławTech shared concrete approaches that can inspire similar actions in other widening countries.
From Academia to Application: Best Practices in Industrial Doctorates at WrocławTech: Discussions highlighted doctoral programs developed with strong industry involvement, serving as a potential model for FunGlass’s own doctoral training initiatives.
- Empowering Excellence: Staff Support Practices at WrocławTech: this session outlined effective approaches to supporting academic staff in their professional growth. It highlighted tools and initiatives that strengthen research performance, enhance participation in EU programmes, and improve international competitiveness.
- Unite! For R&I Excellence in Widening Countries – Best Practices from the Unite.Widening Project: The presentation showcased pan-European collaboration strategies, inspiring further opportunities for FunGlass to engage in alliances and networks.
- Case Studies of WrocławTech’s Cooperation with Industry: Real-life examples of university–industry cooperation provided a stimulating exchange of experiences and potential approaches that FunGlass can adapt for strengthening its industrial links.
- Intellectual Property Management at WrocławTech: A comprehensive framework for protecting and managing IP was presented, giving FunGlass participants useful benchmarks for their own institutional development.
- Commercialization Processes at WrocławTech: Participants discussed how to transform academic results into market-ready innovations. FunGlass representatives took note of practical steps for building efficient technology transfer pathways.
The second day of the visit was particularly significant for FunGlass, as it featured a bilateral meeting between WrocławTech and the FunGlass Centre. This provided an excellent forum to explore collaboration opportunities in research, training, and technology transfer. The program concluded with laboratory visits, giving FunGlass representatives direct insight into WrocławTech’s facilities and research infrastructure.
For FunGlass, the benchmarking visit was a valuable chance to share experiences, learn from institutional best practices, and deepen collaboration with both Polish and Czech partners. The exchange further strengthens FunGlass’s mission to foster innovation and excellence in widening countries through international cooperation.
