The ‘Visiting Professors in Lublin’ programme

In 2026, six outstanding scientists and experts from renowned universities around the world will visit Lublin. The city has completed the 5th edition of ‘Visiting Professors in Lublin’ competition, supporting projects best positioned to strengthen the global dimension of science. Specialists on air quality and public health, new technologies, disaster medicine, small animal neurology, mental health, architecture and sustainable design will come to Lublin.

In the 5th edition, universities and research institutes submitted a total of 19 applications. The Selection Committee has chosen projects that will meaningfully enhance the global integration of the academic community while advancing scientific research. During the evaluation process, particular attention was paid to the potential for long-term cooperation and to activities supporting science among the residents of Lublin.

Six eminent scholars will be able to visit Lublin due to financial support from the City of Lublin:

• Prof. Dr. Lidia Morawska from Queensland University of Technology in Australia, Doctor Honoris Causa of Lublin University of Technology, an expert on air quality and the impact of pollution on health and the environment. For nearly 30 years she has collaborated with the World Health Organisation on developing air quality guidelines. She was recognized by Time magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential people in the Innovators category and is a laureate of the L’Oréal–UNESCO Award for Women in Science. Her visit to Lublin will be hosted by Lublin University of Technology;
• Prof. Sergio Luján-Mora from the University of Alicante in Spain, an expert in web, application, and Business Intelligence system usability and accessibility. His research focuses on e-learning, open educational resources, and the application of artificial intelligence in human–computer interaction. His visit will be organised by Lublin University of Technology;
• Prof. Amir Khorram-Manesh from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, a surgeon and trauma specialist focusing on disaster and emergency medicine. His work focuses on mass-casualty management as well as battlefield and emergency medicine. His visit to Lublin will be hosted by Medical University of Lublin;
• Prof. Paul Freeman from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, a world-class clinician and researcher in veterinary neurology. He specializes in diseases of the nervous system in small animals, particularly research on intervertebral disc disease in dogs. He is the author of a highly regarded clinical textbook on small animal neurology. His visit to Lublin will be hosted by University of Life Sciences in Lublin;
• Prof. Michael Pluess from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, a leading expert in environmental sensitivity and mental well-being. His work examines mental resilience, psychological support strategies, and the adaptation of refugees and survivors of armed conflicts. His visit to Lublin will be hosted by WSEI Academy;
• Prof. Carlos Nuno Lacerda Lopes from the University of Porto in Portugal, an architect and researcher on sustainable design and innovative methods of teaching architecture. He combines academic, design, and artistic activities, applying an interdisciplinary approach to architecture. His visit will be organized by the University of Enterprise and Administration in Lublin.

This year, the City of Lublin will dedicate nearly PLN 100,000 to support the ‘Visiting Professors in Lublin’ programme.

Lublin Portal reaches Asia: Manila joins the global network

The global Portal network keeps growing! On January 21, 2026, Manila (Philippines) joined the network of cities connected by the Portal. Based in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the installation is the first Portal in Asia and the sixth of its kind worldwide. The Manila Portal will provide a 24-hour live stream, connecting with Lublin as well as installations in Vilnius (Lithuania), Dublin (Ireland), Philadelphia (USA), and Ipswich (United Kingdom), and with Portal set to open soon in Piauí (Brazil).

The project was initiated by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys. Portals.org, his organisation headquartered in Vilnius and Berlin, has been developing the global network of cities since 2021. The operator of the only Portal in Poland is the “Rozdroża” Centre for Intercultural Creative Initiatives, in partnership with the City of Lublin.