Prof. Marta Mendel joins the ICA Board

On 15-16 October 2026, Professor Marta Mendel and Professor Michał Zasada, Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), attended the 16th ICA Rectors and Deans Forum, organised by the Association for European Life Science Universities (ICA). The event took place at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. For Professor Michał Zasada, this was his final forum as a member of the ICA Board, on which he had served for two terms.

ICA is a European association bringing together universities specialising in agricultural, natural, environmental, food and veterinary sciences. It supports international cooperation, research and innovation, and promotes sustainable agriculture and food security. The association also represents the interests of life science universities in European debates on science, education and public policy.

SGGW Leadership on the Board of a European Association of Life Science Universities

As a member of the ICA Board, prof. Marta Mendel will represent Central Europe, including Poland and SGGW, within a European network of universities specialising in agricultural, natural and life sciences. Her new role provides an opportunity to foster cooperation between universities and, above all, to strengthen the voice of life science universities in European discussions on the future of agriculture, food security and sustainable development.

Professor Marta Mendel’s main priority is to build closer links between European university alliances and networks, enabling them to make better use of their potential and work together to address the challenges facing Europe. She also aims to strengthen ICA’s influence on the development of evidence-based European policies and to ensure that life science universities are recognised as trusted partners in this process.

Another key objective for SGGW’s Vice-Rector for Internationalisation is to promote the importance of agriculture, food sovereignty and sustainable food systems, while drawing greater attention to the needs of rural communities. Professor Mendel emphasises the role of education, international cooperation and innovation in preparing a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of agriculture and rural areas.

She also highlights the strength of European life science universities, which lies in their ability to collaborate and bring together knowledge, people and institutions. Through joint initiatives, these universities can exert a greater influence on decisions shaping Europe’s future and translate research findings into practical solutions that address society’s needs.

The Future of Food Systems and the Role of Universities

This year’s ICA Rectors and Deans Forum focused on the strategic role of life science universities in strengthening the resilience of food systems and ensuring global food security. The event was hosted by the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca. It brought together university leaders from across Europe to discuss how higher education, scientific research and innovation can help address challenges related to food production and the future of agriculture.

Climate change, biodiversity loss, geopolitical tensions and disruptions to supply chains demonstrate the vulnerability of food systems to crises. In this context, life science universities have a particularly important role to play. They not only conduct research and educate specialists but also help develop solutions that support sustainable agriculture and food security.

Discussions at the forum explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation between universities, public institutions, international organisations and industry. Participants also addressed interdisciplinary education, the implementation of innovations and the use of research findings in policymaking.

The second day of the forum focused on academic leadership in a world characterised by uncertainty and division. Topics included academic freedom, university autonomy, crisis management and public trust in science. Participants highlighted the responsibility of university leaders to create conditions for dialogue and strengthen the role of universities in society.

Professor Michał Zasada Attends His Final ICA Forum as a Board Member

Professor Michał Zasada, Rector of SGGW, also attended the 16th ICA Rectors and Deans Forum. This was his final forum as a member of the association’s Board, on which he had served for two terms.

His involvement in ICA’s work has been an important part of SGGW’s commitment to international cooperation among life science universities. Such engagement facilitates the exchange of experience, fosters institutional partnerships and supports joint efforts to find solutions to the challenges facing European agriculture and science.

The election of prof. Marta Mendel to the ICA Board ensures SGGW’s continued representation within the association’s governing structures. It also creates new opportunities to strengthen cooperation with European universities, develop international partnerships and increase SGGW’s contribution to discussions on the future direction of the life sciences.