Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Professor Daria Sikorska, and I have dedicated my career to bridging academic research with practical solutions that benefit communities and the environment. I’m currently a faculty member at Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Warsaw, Poland, where I specialize in urban ecology, water management, and nature-based solutions. Throughout my journey, I’ve been passionate about interdisciplinary studies and finding new connections—whether among ideas, disciplines, or people. Working alongside colleagues from various European universities has only strengthened my conviction in the power of cross-border academic alliances like UNIgreen.
As an educator and researcher, my path has always been driven by a desire to make science accessible and impactful. Beyond research, I am deeply engaged in initiatives promoting equal opportunities, environmental responsibility, and student empowerment. I believe in fostering a new generation of students who are not only skilled in their fields but also equipped to lead in sustainability and social change. At my university, I work closely with several student organizations. This role allows me to guide students in considering the broader impact of their education, essential for creating a resilient future.
Which added value or benefits of UNIgreen would you like to highlight, and why?
UNIgreen represents a proactive response to the pressing challenges of our century. In the face of global issues like sustainability, climate change, and social equity, higher education must do more than impart knowledge; it must also empower students to take action. As part of the larger European University Alliances initiative, UNIgreen connects institutions, students, and researchers across Europe, creating an integrated educational and research network that benefits local and global communities alike.
I am especially drawn to UNIgreen’s focus on real-world issues through collaborative research. In environmental science, agriculture, and sustainable resource management, Europe is a wellspring of potential, and UNIgreen harnesses the diverse expertise of each partner institution to tackle complex, shared problems. Working alongside students and faculty from across the continent, we’re creating a platform for innovation where each university brings its own strengths and insights.
This Alliance goes beyond academic achievements—it’s about building a resilient, cohesive Europe capable of responding to global challenges. I am proud to contribute to a network that fosters unity among universities, encourages student mobility, and champions impactful research. UNIgreen provides students with an invaluable pan-European educational experience while focusing our research on the pressing environmental and social issues of our time.
Please tell us what UNIgreen means to you and use one word to describe it.
If I were to describe UNIgreen in one word, it would be transformation. As co-leader of Work Package 2 Teaching and Learning at my university, my focus is on integrating research and teaching in ways that enrich both domains. UNIgreen is not just an academic network; it’s a transformative force that creates unique opportunities for students and faculty to learn from each other and connect academic knowledge with real-world applications. By linking innovative research directly into the curriculum, we can ensure that students are not only learning theories but are actively engaging with current issues and create solutions that they might one day implement themselves.
In essence, UNIgreen is about transforming how we teach and learn together. Through this Alliance, we can offer students a truly collaborative learning experience, where they engage with peers and faculty from across Europe and gain diverse perspectives on sustainability and environmental responsibility. UNIgreen empowers students to become changemakers in their communities, equipped with the skills and insights necessary to make a meaningful impact. Being part of this Alliance fuels my passion for education and provides a platform for inspiring the next generation of sustainability leaders.
