More than posters – non-obvious portraits of women of science
Nearly 60 inspiring women, 6 universities and 1 joint campaign: "Wystudiowane w Łodzi" which brings together alumni, educators, and researchers from the University of Lodz, the Grazyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Lodz, the Lodz University of Technology, the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts, the Lodz Film School, and the Medical University of Lodz. "Wystudiowane w Łodzi" tells the story of how studying at these universities is the beginning of a fascinating journey and an invitation to discover your own path – regardless of your starting point.
This is what the originator of the campaign, Dr Katarzyna Liberska-Kinderman, Head of the Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz, says about the campaign:
Lodz has been primarily associated with its textile workers for years – and this is an important part of its history. However, we wanted to show that contemporary Lodz is also a city of female scientists, researchers and artists whose work has a real impact on our reality. That's why the "Wystudiowane w Łodzi" campaign so strongly underlines the role of universities of Lodz – they are places where passions, interdisciplinary ideas and bold projects are born. Nearly 60 women featured in this campaign demonstrate that studying in Lodz can be the beginning of a journey that leads to world-changing actions – from laboratories, through lecture halls, to public spaces.
"Wystudiowane w Łodzi" is a result of close cooperation between six universities from Lodz. Dr Bartosz Kałużny (University of Lodz), the campaign coordinator, underlines:
The campaign proves that the Lodz Academic Partnership is more than just a paper declaration. Together, we are taking bold actions that translate into real-world initiatives with significant social impact. Despite our different work styles – activities are conducted differently at classical universities and at art schools – we have managed to achieve shared success. I have developed the project's visual design with graphic designer Dr Karolina Grudzińska from the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź. The resulting attractive outdoor advertising campaign communicates coherently diverse profiles of these women – researchers in the exact and natural sciences, humanities scholars and artists.
"Inspiring Women Who Have Chosen Lodz Universities" is the slogan of the entire campaign. Instead of typical biographies filled with job functions, lists of projects and publications, the posters showcase the "human face" of female scientists and graduates – their passions, emotions, daily lives and personal reflections.
Agata Dawidowicz (University of Lodz), responsible for the text creation of the campaign and the development of statements – “business cards” – of the project participants, explains:
The women featured in the campaign speak with their own voices – freely and without academic detachment. They discuss what fascinates them, what gives them strength, and how they balance their professional and personal lives. This narrative style aims to demonstrate that science isn't reserved for the select few, but is accessible to anyone who wants to develop their talents and curiosity. Thanks to this form of communication, audience can identify with them – perceiving them not only as experts but also as individuals with passion, dreams and the courage to act.
A passion that began during studies
The project highlights how Lodz universities can be a springboard to developing paths that often prove to be unpredictable, individual and unconstrained. The women presented here demonstrate that choosing to study in Lodz opens up a space for multidimensional development. They demonstrate that such a decision can lead to participation in international projects, interdisciplinary activities and work that truly impacts daily life – even if we aren't always aware of it.
Among the women presented as part of the campaign there’s a paramedic and a lecturer who teaches future medics how to make decisions under pressure. There's also a biologist who studies the impact of stress on lifestyle diseases. There's an artist who, performing on world stages, promotes Polish cultural heritage and educates future musicians. Their work exemplifies how science translates into real social change. Another scientist studies the impact of lifestyle on cellular metabolism, which allows for a better understanding of the mechanisms of lifestyle diseases, including cancer. Another – a historian – demonstrates that knowledge of the past allows for a deeper interpretation of contemporary social issues, such as identity and stereotypes.
The campaign also features female scientists who work at the intersection of biology, technology and medicine. They are developing innovative solutions in biomedical and tissue engineering – their work is bringing us closer to a world where we won't have to wait for an organ donor. There are also specialists in health promotion who, by co-creating international standards for health education, are making a real impact on the lives of people on every continent. There is also no shortage of female artists. Among them there is a textile designer whose work is displayed in museums worldwide, a choreographer who created Poland's first curriculum in choreography and dance technique, and an actress who chooses quality and artistic depth over commercialism.
Universities from Lodz – a space of unlimited possibilities
The “Wystudiowane w Łodzi” campaign is a joint initiative of Lodz universities within the Lodz Academic Partnership: the University of Lodz, Lodz University of Technology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz Film School, the Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts, and the Grazyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Lodz. Each of the six partner universities has nominated up to ten women – alumni, researchers, artists and educators. The website provides extensive information about them, their work, and the study programmes they have completed. Information about the educational offerings is also available. This allows the project to reach young audiences directly, showing them that science and art can be fascinating paths to development, and that Lodz is a place worth studying.
University of Lodz: science that connects people and ideas
The project is a significant undertaking for the University of Lodz, as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations – an anniversary that encourages reflection on what matters most: community, dialogue and cooperation. It's also an opportunity to remind students that while a university is more than just teaching and research, they are the driving force behind community development – both local and global. In times of disinformation, the "Wystudiowane w Łodzi" campaign also serves as a reminder that reliable knowledge and the ability to understand the complexities of the world are crucial – not only for those involved in scientific research, but for each and every one of us.
Meet inspiring women who have chosen Lodz universities
The project is made possible thanks to funding obtained by the University of Lodz Foundation through the OPUS Center competition. The public task "Academic Lodz 2025 – Scientific, Creative and Multicultural 2025" is financed from the City of Lodz budget.
Source and edit: Agata Dawidowicz, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
Photo: Bartosz Kałużny, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
