On 10 April 2026, our Polish partner, UITM (University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów), hosted the first edition of the Spring Scientific Reactor in Kielnarowa—an interdisciplinary event designed to foster collaboration, idea exchange, and the development of joint research initiatives.

The Scientific Reactor was conceived as a dedicated space for academic staff to step away from everyday teaching and administrative responsibilities and focus entirely on research dialogue. By bringing together scholars representing multiple disciplines, the event aimed to encourage the emergence of new partnerships and project ideas with strong interdisciplinary potential.

The programme was structured around three dynamic formats:

PERISCOPE (morning session) featured a series of short presentations, each highlighting a specific research concept in an accessible format for a broad academic audience. This allowed participants to gain insight into ongoing work across different fields.

Scientific Speed Dating (midday session) introduced a highly interactive networking format, enabling participants to engage in a series of short, one-on-one conversations. This approach facilitated rapid exchange of research interests and identification of potential collaboration opportunities.

The Great Collider of Ideas (afternoon session) focused on group-based work around predefined research “seeds,” including both grant and publication concepts. Participants collaborated intensively to develop initial project frameworks, which were later presented and discussed.

The Spring Scientific Reactor represents an example of an internal initiative undertaken by UITM to support collaboration, foster innovation, and build a foundation for future joint research activities that may extend to the broader SUNRISE network.