Cooperation between LW Bogdanka and UMCS – Grant Fund for Researchers

Cooperation involves the realisation of common objectives in the fields of environmental protection and scientific research, in line with the strategic priorities of both institutions. It primarily covers the Environment and Science Grant Competition aimed at researchers from the Lublin Voivodship, as well as the preparation of a scientific monograph and the organisation of a seminar dedicated to key climate and environmental challenges.

In the Environment and Science Grant Competition, local researchers will be able to conduct research projects across the entire Lublin Voivodeship. From a total of PLN 250,000, funding will be awarded only to the best projects that directly address current challenges related to the natural environment. As the initiator of the fund, Bogdanka will ensure that the selected projects include those that document the Company’s potential impact on the natural environment or identify ways to mitigate any negative effects. 

Sustainable development and a responsible approach to the environment are an integral part of LW Bogdanka’s strategy. Thanks to our cooperation with UMCS and CeReClimEn, we are launching the second edition of the fund, which will allow us to use the potential of scientists from the Lublin region to better understand the relationship between industry and the environment in the face of the changes currently being observed in the natural environment

– says Zbigniew Stopa, President of the Management Board of LW Bogdanka S.A.

We hope that the funded projects will not only address specific environmental challenges, but also provide practical solutions to support the region’s transformation and strengthen the dialogue between business, science and local communities

– adds Stopa.

Meanwhile, the Rector of UMCS, Prof. Radosław Dobrowolski, emphasises: – Maria Curie-Skłodowska University consistently develops its cooperation with the socio-economic environment, viewing it as a key element of its mission and social responsibility. Both the nature of the research conducted at the University and its location in a region with unique natural conditions mean that we naturally engage in projects that have a real impact on the local environment and the quality of life of residents. I am delighted that, thanks to initiatives such as the one undertaken in partnership with LW Bogdanka S.A., the knowledge and expertise of Lublin’s researchers can be put into practice.

Fund will finance research projects and research-and-implementation projects on nature conservation, the environment and socio-economic issues in the Lublin Voivodship. The organisers hope that some of the research projects submitted will focus on analysing the direct and indirect impact of LW Bogdanka’s mining operations on the natural environment, although this is not a requirement. The topics of interest will include issues related to the water regime of the Lublin region, biodiversity, local climatic aspects, soil and water quality, the impact of anthropogenic pressure on ecosystems, as well as the economic and social consequences of changes and adaptation measures. The competition will be open to the scientific community of the Lublin Voivodship.

A pilot grant scheme, carried out in 2024 in cooperation with the Polesie National Park, demonstrated that the scientific community is interested in research and the active conservation of areas affected by the mine, which we had at that time limited to the areas closest to the Park. The evaluation showed that extending the scope of the project to the Lublin Voivodship would be an effective measure not only for environmental protection but also for supporting scientific activity. In our view, cooperation with the scientific community represents the highest level of corporate social responsibility: we engage experts and specialists in various fields, fund research, listen to recommendations, and most importantly – build a foundation for potential initiatives regarding the natural environment of the Lublin region. This is how we understand responsible neighbourliness and the role of the region’s largest employer

– says Bartosz Rożnawski, Vice-President of the Management Board for Production at LW Bogdanka. 

The cooperation also includes educational and outreach activities focusing on the natural heritage of the Lublin region and the dissemination of research findings among local communities. The parties have committed to close cooperation, including the preparation of a monograph presenting the project results and the organisation of a scientific seminar to promote the research findings, foster team integration and facilitate the exchange of experiences between researchers, business partners and the local community. These activities are intended to strengthen the scientific and practical dimensions of the competition and to disseminate its results throughout the region.

The call for proposals will start in May. The rules and other important documents, such as the project application form, will be available on the website https://cereclimen.umcs.pl