From 16 March to 14 April 2026, Dr Anna Dubownik from the Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń completed a research stay at the Faculty of Social Sciences of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). The visit was carried out within the project “YUFE CONNECTS – European Platform for Academic Cooperation at NCU”, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (FERS 2021–2027).
During the stay, Dr Dubownik developed a joint article project with Dr Aleksandra Sojka focusing on the paradox of “grateful Euroscepticism” in Poland — the largest beneficiary of EU funds, where Eurosceptic parties simultaneously enjoy relatively high public support. The research visit also included participation in academic seminars and the PhD Student Workshop 2026, providing valuable methodological and teaching inspirations for doctoral education.
An important element of the visit was learning about the opportunities offered by the Jean Monnet Actions (Erasmus+). During a meeting with Dr Juan Antonio Mayoral Díaz-Asensio, Dr Dubownik gained practical insights into applying for Jean Monnet Module, Chair, and Centre of Excellence funding — instruments already successfully implemented at UC3M. These experiences open new pathways for the internationalisation of research and teaching at the Institute and Nicolaus Copernicus University.
The stay at the UC3M Getafe campus also provided inspiration for sustainable university development — from a passive academic building and a community garden to well-developed cycling infrastructure. These solutions may serve as reference points for future sustainability initiatives at NCU.
