Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń became a signatory to the Declaration of University Social Responsibility in 2019. The Declaration sets out the principles of responsible university governance, including the promotion of ethical and academic values, dialogue and equality, the conduct of research and education in accordance with the principles of social responsibility, and reducing the environmental impact of the academic community and its stakeholders.Declaration
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń became a signatory to the Declaration of University Social Responsibility in 2019.
The Declaration comprises 12 provisions relating to the key areas of university activity, including fostering values, shaping social attitudes, promoting equality, dialogue and cooperation with stakeholders, conducting research and teaching in accordance with the principles of social responsibility, and reducing the environmental impact of the academic community and its stakeholders.
Definition and Objectives of University Social Responsibility
University social responsibility is understood as a strategic and systemic approach to university governance, as well as to building cooperation and dialogue with stakeholders, contributing to:
- sustainable development,
- shaping the values and attitudes of civil society,
- supporting academic values and fostering new ideas,
- maintaining and developing research and teaching competences that enhance institutional effectiveness and innovation.*
* Kulczycka J., Pędziwiatr E., 2019. Definicje SOU [w:] Społeczna odpowiedzialność znaczenie dla uczelni i sposoby wdrażania. MNiSW, MIiR.
Good Practices at NCU
Selected social responsibility initiatives implemented at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń were included in the Catalogues of Good Practices published in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
2020 – Catalogue of Good Practices (PL)2021 – Catalogue of Good Practices (PL)2022 – Catalogue of Good Practices (PL)2023 – Catalogue of Good Practices (PL)
Coordination and Contact Persons
Since January 2025, the following coordinators have been appointed:
In today’s world, actions aimed at the common good and supporting others – such as social integration, building interpersonal bonds and mutual assistance – are becoming increasingly important. Our University community has repeatedly demonstrated its sensitivity to the needs of others, responding effectively in crisis situations such as natural disasters, epidemics or armed conflicts, as well as in day-to-day charitable activities. Joint initiatives strengthen relationships within the academic community, foster a sense of community and encourage active engagement in the life of the local community, thereby having a positive impact on the wider society. An equally important aspect of these initiatives is the promotion of civic awareness and responsibility.
dr Joanna Cieślikowska, Coordinator for University Social Responsibility
Declaration Implementation Report (2021–2022)
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń published its first Report on the Implementation of the Declaration of University Social Responsibility for the years 2021–2022.
The document was prepared on the basis of a university self-assessment questionnaire developed by Professor Janina Filek (Cracow University of Economics) and Professor Bolesław Rok (Kozminski University), drawing on the work of the Working Group for University Social Responsibility established within the Team for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility.