Building Bridges 2024
35th Annual Conference of Academia Europaea and Conference of the Young Academy of Europe
Conference Date: 26-28 November 2024
Conference venue: University of Science and Technology, H-14 building, Wrocław, Poland
We are delighted and honoured to welcome Building Bridges 24 Conference at Wroclaw Tech. Being entrusted with the privilege of hosting such a prestigious event fills us with immense pride. The vibrant atmosphere of our university and the surrounding city, serving both as a prolific research center and a conduit for innovative enterprises, renders it an exemplary venue for convening a conference of this significance.
Prof. Arkadiusz Wójs
Rector of Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
Director of Academia Europaea Wroclaw Knowledge Hub
Academia Europaea Board Meeting (closed session)
Registration
Internal Meetings – Block 1
- Class A1 – Humanities
- Class A2 – Social and Related Sciences
- Class B – Exact Sciences
- Class C – Life Sciences
- Young Academy of Europe
Lecture for High School Students
Lunch
Internal Meetings – Block 2
- Class A1 – Humanities
- Class A2 – Social and Related Sciences
- Class B – Exact Sciences
- Class C – Life Sciences
- Young Academy of Europe
Academia Europaea Hubs’ Meeting (closed session)
Academia Europaea Annual Business Meeting
Social Program
We invite you to join one of the two-hour tours, offering the opportunity to explore some of the most captivating highlights of Wrocław:
- Wrocław’s Four Domes: A Modern Art Experience
- Step into History: Discover the Panorama Racławicka
- Wrocław: A Charming Polish Gem
- Afrykarium: A Technological Safari
Check for more details in the registration form.
Welcome Reception
Registration
Class B session – Exact Sciences
Chair: Prof. Paolo Papale
- Prof. Heino Falcke, MAE – “Towards the ends of space and time – the first image of a black hole”
- Prof. Verena Winiwarter, MAE – “Energy transitions of the past: is there something to learn from history?”
- Prof. Ambrogio Fasoli, MAE -“Fusion energy and the European path to power plants”
- Prof. Jean-Jacques Quisquater – “And the winner is: cybersecurity and/or AI: the future for research”
Coffee break
- Prof. Monica Bello – “Art & Science” lecture: “Science and art in dialogue, creativity across disciplines”
- Prof. Emmanuelle Charpentier – Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020, MAE – “CRISPR-Cas9: microbiology as a motor for innovations in medicine and agronomy”
André Mischke Young Academy of Europe Prize
- Dr Jacek Kolanowski – “Opportunities and Challenges for Early-and-Mid-Career Researchers in Trans-Sectoral and Community Engagement: A Chemical Biologist’s Methodological Perspective”
Lunch
Opening and Welcome to New Members of Academia Europaea
Coffee break
Class C session – Life Sciences
Chair: Prof. Éva Kondorosi
- Prof. Eske Willerslev – “The Genomic History of Western Eurasia, Human History, Ecosystem Change, Disease Susceptibility and Infectious Disease”
- Prof. Yvonne Buckley, MAE – “Biodiversity in a warming world: how climate, climate action and land use shape biodiversity patterns”
- Prof. Botond Roska, MAE -“Restoring vision”
- Prof. Rino Rappuoli, MAE –“How microbes can help address climate change”
President’s Dinner
Exclusive dinner party for Members of Academia Europaea, held at the prestigious The Bridge Hotel nestled in the heart of historic Wroclaw. Places are strictly limited, required prior registration through the application form below.
Registration
Panel Discussion on Urban Innovations
The panel will explore the scientific foundations supporting the transformation of cities into smart, beautiful, inclusive, climate-neutral, and resilient environments. Experts will discuss advancements in urban infrastructure, green technologies, and smart governance, focusing on case studies and projects aligned with three interlinked top priority initiatives at the EU level: EU Mission Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, EU Mission Adaptation to Climate Change and the New European Bauhaus Facility. Participants will also examine the integration of technology and urban planning to create resilient, future-ready cities. The discussion will also touch on emerging technologies such as digital twins, AI-driven urban management systems, and renewable energy microgrids. This meeting represents a significant step toward establishing the Academia Europaea Excellence Hub Smart & Resilient City Hub acting as a role model for the green transformation in synergies with 5 EU Missions and the New European Bauhaus Pioneer Hub. The panel will emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating perspectives from urban planning, environmental science, technology, and social policy to ensure holistic solutions.
- Prof. Katarzyna Chojnacka, MAE
- Prof. Barbara Widera
- Dr. Kathrin Golda-Pongratz, MAE
- Prof. Phoebe Koundori, MAE
- Prof. Simon Goldhill, MAE
- Dr. Magdalena Głogowska, PhD
Coffee break
Class A1 session – Humanities
Chair: Prof. Poul Holm
- Prof. Rubina Raja, MAE – “Making and breaking cities: the historiography of urban archaeology in the MENA region”
- Prof. Samuel Lieu, MAE – “Between Rome and China – Christianity and Manichaeism on the Silk Road”
- Prof. Shalom Lappin, MAE – “The deep learning revolution in AI”
- Prof. Helen Kennedy, MAE – “What does a good digital society look like?”
Lunch
Class A2 session – Social and Related Sciences
Chair: Prof. Björn Wittrock
- Prof. Piotr Sztompka, MAE – “Moral turn in contemporary theory of society”
- Prof. Edyta Roszko – “The importance of global indigenous history in the era of climate change”
- Prof. Michele Lamont – “Seeing Others: How Recognition Works and How it Can Heal a Divided World”
- Prof. Jürgen Kocka, MAE – “The interplay of capitalism, family and inequality in social history”
Coffee break
Class Chairs Panel Discussion – “What can sciences and scholarship learn from each other?”
The concluding session aims to bridge the gap between the sciences and humanities. Rapid advancements in technology and our evolving understanding of society necessitate a holistic approach. By exploring synergies between these disciplines, we seek to address complex global challenges, foster sustainable development, and ensure equitable distribution of scientific benefits. This session will encourage dialogue on how to effectively integrate knowledge from various fields to create a more resilient and adaptable future.
- Prof. Poul Holm – Humanities
- Prof. Éva Kondorosi – Life Sciences
- Prof. Paolo Papale – Exact Sciences
- Prof. Björn Wittrock – Social and Related Sciences
The end of the Building Bridges 2024 Conference
Social programme
Full-Day Tour to Książ Castle: Poland’s Hidden Treasure. Check for more details in the registration form.
November 26 - 9.00-16.00
Part I - Introduction of the Class and Welcome of New Members
Welcome and Short Presentations by New Class A1 Members
Lunch
Linguistics Section:
Unraveling Language Development and Communication, Self-Talk and GPT
- Pierluigi Cuzzolin – “Some thoughts on the relation between historical linguistics and typology”
- Michael Schulte – “Periodization in early North Germanic and Germanic”
- Livio Gaeta – “Walser German minorities in the Italian Alps and their place within the SAE area”
- Aylin Küntay – “The development of language and communication in the early years”
- Manfred Krifka – “The syntactic and semantic representation of the self in self-talk”
- Janet Pierrehumbert – “Linguistics in the era of GPTs”
Alternates:
- Shanley Allen – ” Increasing diversity in language acquisition research: The Acquisition Sketch Project”
- Bernhard Hurch – “Hugo Schuchardt’s Data Sourcing Program. The beginning of empirical studies in the 19th century”
- Daniel Petit – “Split possession in Albanian”
"In times of War"
The Section of History and Archaeology aims to pursue a multidisciplinary orientation on the production of science in the field of Humanities, combining it with current societal concerns. Therefore, it has chosen the theme “In Times of War…” for its meeting within the scope of the 35th Academia Europaea Conference.
Opening addressed by Amélia Polónia, Chairperson of the History & Archaeology Section
Manuel Fernández-Götz, University of Edinburgh – “The darkest sides of war: Genocide and ethnic cleansing from a deep history perspective”
Bogdan Murgescu, University of Bucharest – “Challenges for the production of historical narratives regarding the experiences of World War I and World War II”
Marcin Wodziński, University of Wroclaw – “World Wars and Hasidism: How War Changes Religion”
Sorin Antohi, Orbis Tertius Association, Bucharest – “War, Heritage, and National Identity: The Changing Mental Maps of Ukraine”
Note: Each 30 minutes include 10 minutes of debate at the end of each presentation, the length of shall be around 20 minutes
Open debate – Armed conflicts and genocide: how neutral can scholarly research be?
November 26 - 9.00-16.00
Part I - Introduction of the Class and Welcome of New Members
Introduction of Class A 2 and its Sections
Welcome of New Members and short self-presentations by these members
Break
Welcome and self-presentations (continued).
Lunch Break
Prof. Piotr Sztompka, Jagiellonian University, Krakow – “From Laws to Mechanisms: A New Approach to Explanation in the Social Sciences”
Prof. Michele Lamont, Harvard University – Recognition through Work and Environmental Justice (Title TBC)
Break
Prof. Jürgen Kocka, Humboldt University, Berlin – “The Changing Relationship between History and the Social Sciences in Intertemporal Comparative Research”
Possible additional talk
Introduction and Short Presentations by New Class B Members
Prof. Erol Gelenbe – MAE, Chair AE AI Task Force, IITIS-PAN – Brief Introduction
Prof. Leszek Rutkowski – MAE, Polish Academy of Sciences, AGH University, Kraków, Poland – “Green Deep Learning: Minimizing Energy Use with Data Stream Techniques”
Prof. Christian Napoli – Sapienza University of Rome, Italy –
“Artificial intelligence and large language models: from evaluation to trustworthiness”
Prof. Jerzy Stefanowski – Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań UNiversity of technology, Poland – “Explaining machine learning models with prototypes and counterfactuals”
Prof. Erol Gelenbe – MAE, Chair AE AI Task Force, IITIS-PAN -“The Use and Misuse of AI for Cybersecurity”
Panel Discussion – “An European Approach to AI”
- Erol Gelenbe
- Christian Napolitano
- Jean-Jacques Quisquater
- Leszek Rutkowski
- Jerzy Stefanowski
Introduction of Class C and its sections
Welcome and short introduction of the participting new members
A few selected talks of new members from the different sections:
- 11:00-11:25 – Louise de Vet – “Mother Nature as economic mentor”
- 11:25-11:50 – Francis Mojica – “Over three decades devoted to CRISPR”
- 11:50-12:15 – Liliane Schoofs – “The role of neuropeptides in learning and memory”
- 12:15-12:40 – Natalia Prevarskaya – “Oncochannelopathies of prostate cancer”
Lunch break
Highlights of Class C research:
- 14:00-14:30 – Rino Rappuoli – “The power of microbes and a sustainable planet”
- 14:30-15:00 – Balázs Gulyás – “Maintenance of high cognitive performance during ageing”
- 15:00-15:30 – Péter Hegyi – “Enhancing the impact of scientific research on policy-making”
- 15:30-15:50 – Task Force/Working group propositions
- 15:50-15:55 – Concluding remarks
Registration, networking
Presentation of YAE’s latest activities and collaborations, the Arts & Science initiative – Katalin Solymosi (Chair, Young Academy of Europe)
Scientific Talks by YAE Members:
- 10:00 – 10:20 – Prof. Borja Franco Llopis (SH) – “Museums and alterity. The construction of the other in the museum discourses of the 21st century”
- 10:20 – 10:40 – Dr. Philippa Warren (LS) – “Drawing breath after spinal cord injury”
- 10:40 – 11:00 – Alejandro Criado (PE) – “Chemical innovations in graphene for enhanced FET biosensor diagnostics”
Moderator: Anna Kuppuswamy (Selection Committee Vice-Chair, Young Academy of Europe)
Future Directions for the Young Academy of Europe
Moderator – Marc Yeste – (Secretary, Young Academy of Europe)
Lunch break
State-of-the-Art Overview of Early to Mid-Career Researchers’ Organizations in Europe
- 13:00 – 13:20 – Slawomir Czarnecki (Chair, Academia Iuvenum) -“Presenting the exemplary development program” – Academia Iuvenum (AIM) at the University of Wroclaw
- 13:20 – 13:40 – Maciej Sałaga (Chair, Polish Young Academy) – “Polish approach of investing in early career researchers”
- 13:40 – 14:00 – Katalin Solymosi (Chair, Young Academy of Europe) – “The mission and activities of the Young Academy of Europe”
Panel on Various Early- to Mid-Career Research Organizations in Europe and Q&A Session
- Steve Evans – Academia Europaea (AE)
- Slawomir Czarnecki – future vice-chair or chair of AIM (to be determined in October), Academia Iuvenum of WroclawTech (AIM)
- Maciej Sałaga, Łukasz Sadowski, Jacek Kolanowski – Polish Young Academy (AMU PAN)
- Katalin Solymosi, Anna Dzimitrowicz – Young Academy of Europe (YAE)
Below you will find a range of opportunities to explore the beauty of our city and its surroundings. Discover all the options and prices:
WROCLAW FOUR DOMES PAVILION: A MODERN ART EXPERIENCE
Date: November 26, Tuesday, time: 4.00 pm- 6.00 pm
Price: 25 euro
Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary Polish art at Wrocław’s iconic Four Domes Pavilion. This modernist masterpiece, designed by renowned architect Hans Poelzig, houses a captivating collection of works that span the 20th and 21st centuries. Explore the pavilion’s unique architecture while admiring thought-provoking pieces and experiencing the vibrant pulse of Poland’s artistic scene. Read more about Four Domes Pavilion.
Step into History: Discover the Panorama Racławicka
Date: November 26, Tuesday, time: 4.00 pm- 6.00 pm
Price: 25 euro
The Panorama Racławicka is a stunning 19th-century panoramic painting that vividly depicts the 1794 Battle of Racławice, a key moment in Polish history. Visiting this unique attraction offers an immersive experience as you step into a circular viewing space where the enormous painting, measuring 15 meters high and 114 meters long, wraps around you in a 360-degree display. Enhanced by special lighting and a three-dimensional foreground, the artwork will transport visitors back in time, making them feel part of the dramatic scene. It’s a captivating glimpse into Poland’s cultural heritage and a must-see for history enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Wrocław: A Charming Polish Gem
Date: November 26, Tuesday, time: 4.00 pm- 6.00 pm
Price: 20 euro
This itinerary provides a glimpse into Wrocław’s rich history. A trip to the historical part of Wrocław offers a fascinating journey through layers of history, architecture and vibrant culture. Beginning at Ostrów Tumski, the city’s medieval core, where you can explore the Wrocław Cathedral and marvel at centuries of ecclesiastical architecture and artifacts. Crossing into the Market Square (Rynek), you will appreciate the meticulous restoration of Gothic and Renaissance structures, such as the Old Town Hall, which reflect both historical craftsmanship and modern preservation techniques. The district’s many monuments offer insights into the scientific and intellectual heritage of the city, from astronomy to engineering, fostering both inspiration and exploration.
Afrykarium: A Technological Safari
Date: November 26, Tuesday, time: 4.00 pm- 6.00 pm
Price: 20 euro
Join us for an unforgettable tour of the Afrykarium, one of the most exciting attractions in Wrocław Zoo. It offers a unique blend of natural wonder and technological innovation. Resembling Noah’s Ark, this unique venue is home to nearly 5,000 animals, including hippos, crocodiles, penguins, and exotic fish. Advanced filtration systems maintain pristine water conditions, while life support systems ensure the well-being of the aquatic inhabitants. Experience six distinct ecosystems, from the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea to the underwater tunnels of the Mozambique Channel, where sharks and rays glide overhead. Don’t miss the playful penguins, the stars of the exhibit! This rare glimpse into Africa’s wildlife offers an enriching break during the conference. Check the registration form for prices.
Książ Castle: Poland’s Hidden Treasure
Date: November 29, Thursday, time: 9.00 am- 6.00 pm
Price: 75 euro
On November 29th, we are delighted to offer you an all-day excursion to Książ Castle. This trip provides an opportunity to unwind after the conference while exploring one of Poland’s most stunning castles, located in the picturesque Wałbrzych BasinKsiąż Castle, a majestic fortress nestled amidst the Polish countryside, offers visitors a captivating journey through history. Explore its opulent interiors, once home to the wealthy von Hochberg family. Discover the castle’s hidden tunnels and underground chambers, remnants of World War II intrigue and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere as you wander through the gardens and admire the castle’s impressive architecture of the old times. Read more about the Castle.
Social activities can be booked through the registration form.
Guests who have already purchased conference tickets but missed the chance to book social activities are kindly requested to contact Katarzyna Stando, our ticket coordinator at katarzyna.stando@pwr.edu.pl.
WROCŁAW UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Wrocław Tech is situated in the heart of Wrocław, Poland, providing an ideal environment for hosting such an conference. Its strategic location within Wrocław’s vibrant tech ecosystem ensures easy access for attendees. For more information about the city please check the following link: About Wroclaw
PRESIDENT’S DINNER
The Bridge Hotel offers a delightful experience, blending modern comfort and historic charm during the Presidents Dinner. Situated in the heart of Wrocław’s picturesque Old Town, the hotel boasts a prime location on the banks of the Odra River. Guests will enjoy a delightful dinner surrounded by the beauty of Wrocław’s iconic churches, historical building creating a picturesque backdrop for a memorable meal.
Suggested accomodation
The Bridge M Gallery Wrocław *****
- Price for single room including breakfast – 15% discount from the price of the day
- Price for double room including breakfast – 15% discount from the price of the day
- Distance from the conference venue – 1,1 km: 9 min by public transport, 15 min by walk (Check on the map)
Booking email: hb1z1-re1@accor.com
Radisson Blu Wroclaw *****
- Price for single room including breakfast – 15% discount from the price of the day
- Price for double room including breakfast – 15% discount from the price of the day
- Distance from the conference venue – 1,3 km, 13 min by public transport, 19 min by walk (Check on the map)
Booking email: reservations.wroclaw@radissonblu.com
Double Tree by Hilton Wroclaw *****
- Price for single room including breakfast – 632 PLN (~147 euro)
- Price for double room including breakfast – 707 PLN (~165 euro)
- Distance from the conference venue – 1,5 km, 9 min by public transport, 20 min by walk (Check on the map)
Booking email: Wroclaw_Reservations@hilton.com
Mercure Wrocław Centrum ****
- Price for single room including breakfast – 15% discount from the price of the day
- Price for double room including breakfast – 15% discount from the price of the day
- Distance from the conference venue – 1,8 km: 15 min by public transport, 25 min by walk. (Check on the map)
Booking email: H3374-RE@accor.com , H3374-RE1@accor.com
Qubus Wrocław ****
- Price for single room including breakfast – 419 PLN (~98 euro)
- Price for double room including breakfast – 580 PLN (~135 euro)
Distance from the conference venue – 2 km, 18 min by public transport, 25 min by walk. (Check on the map)
Booking email: wroclaw@qubushotel.com
HP Park Plaza ****
- Price for single room including breakfast – 375 PLN (~88 euro) Standard, 435 PLN (~102 euro) with the river view
- Price for double room including breakfast – 484 PLN (~113 euro) Standard, 545 PLN (~127 euro)with the river view
Distance from the conference venue – 2,1 km: 22 min by public transport, 29 min by walk. (Check on the map)
Booking email: hpwroclaw@hotelepark.pl
Art Hotel Wrocław ****
- Price for single room including breakfast – 10% discount from the price of the day
- Price for double room including breakfast – 10% discount from the price of the day
Booking email: rezerwacja@arthotel.pl
Ibis Styles Wrocław Centrum ***
- Price for single room including breakfast – 395 PLN (92 EUR)
- Price for double room including breakfast – 460 PLN (107 EUR)
- Distance from the conference venue – 2,3 km: 15 min by public transport, 32 min by walk. (Check on the map)
Booking email: H9347-RE@accor.com