Nature is the future. 10 Polish universities join forces in the #NATUREisFUTURE campaign
Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, new food sources, climate protection, water management, biodiversity and future technologies will shape the world in the coming decades. However, behind each of these there is something else that no technology can succeed without: an understanding of nature. Ten Polish universities providing education in agriculture and life sciences have launched a nationwide campaign, #NATUREisFUTURE, intended to show young people that the future cutting-edge skills are developed precisely at the intersection of the life sciences, technology and innovation.
The #NATUREisFUTURE campaign aims to raise awareness of the key skills of the future. It was designed to highlight the role of agricultural and life sciences universities as centres of education and research that address the challenges of the modern world, going far beyond traditional associations with agriculture or environmental protection.
Meanwhile, modern nature-based sciences are increasingly drawing on advances in data analysis, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, biotechnology, diagnostics and digital solutions. Their multidisciplinary focus enables to address challenges such as climate change, demand on natural resources, food security and the development of new economic sectors.
"New technologies have been present in the Polish countryside and in sectors related to environmental protection for some time now. They enable more efficient work and contribute to a better understanding and respect for the environment in which we all operate. The #NATUREisFUTURE campaign is an attempt to bring this knowledge to future students and all those planning to expand their professional competences."
At the ministry, we believe in this project and that is why we decided to be part of it, emphasizes Maria Mrówczyńska, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education.
The job market is also changing. There's an increasing need for specialists who can combine competencies from various fields, understand data and technologies, and simultaneously analyze processes occurring in the environment, the food economy, and biological systems.
"To have competent employees, we must prioritize higher education, properly prepared study programs, and their promotion. We have much to be proud of as Poland. Agricultural and natural sciences programs are interdisciplinary studies, studies about a changing world," said Adam Nowak, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
That is why modern agricultural and natural science universities offer courses and specializations related to, among others, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, biotechnology, food technologies, environmental protection, climate change, resource management, and digitalization.
We need more than just computer scientists, biologists, engineers, and environmental specialists. We increasingly need people who can combine these competencies and look at problems from different perspectives. "Developing competencies in these areas is important not only for the individual career prospects of young people, but also for the development of the entire country, its food, energy, and environmental security, the competitiveness of the economy, and the ability to meet the challenges of climate change and technological transformation. Investing in education and human resources development in the field of agricultural and life sciences is therefore an investment in Poland's future," summarizes Prof. Krzysztof Szoszkiewicz, Chairman of the Conference of Rectors of Agricultural and Life Sciences Universities and Rector of the Poznań University of Life Sciences.
Ten universities speak with one voice.
#NATUREisFUTURE is a nationwide initiative involving ten Polish universities. Together, they aim to demonstrate that education in agricultural and natural sciences addresses the real needs of the modern world and economy. The formal framework for this collaboration was confirmed by the signing of a letter of intent. The project leader and coordinator is the Poznań University of Life Sciences. The project is funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
#NATUREisFUTURE will be present across digital and traditional media, social media, and public spaces. Activities aimed directly at secondary schools, teachers, and career counselors are also planned. These will include a promotional spot, short videos, educational materials, infographics, and content showcasing scientists, students, and university projects.
The #NATUREisFUTURE campaign will begin in the fall of 2026 and run until September 2027. Its ambition is not only to popularize agricultural and natural sciences studies, but above all to permanently change the perception of the entire field of nature-related sciences as modern, interdisciplinary, and crucial for the development of society and the economy.
Iwona Cieślik | PULS Press Officer