The new initiative opens the way for the Institute of Turbomachinery to join the ECIU Pathfinder program, supporting the development of an innovative research project with high social value.
On 1 March 2026, the implementation of the two-year ECIU SEED Programme - an initiative of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), which aims to initiate and strengthen research cooperation between member institutions. The participation of the Lodz University of Technology in the program creates a wide range of benefits for both employees and students, and at the same time strengthens the university's position in the European research area.
Thanks to the initiative, the Institute of Turbomachinery has been given the opportunity to participate in the internal ECIU Pathfinder program, which supports the development of very early, interdisciplinary research projects. Participation in the program allows to create a unique environment for the development of an innovative pediatric artificial heart, which in the future can realistically improve the treatment of children with severe heart failure, and at the same time strengthen the international position of the Lodz University of Technology as a center conducting research of high social importance.
The project will be carried out in corporation with key medical partners in Poland, such as the Prof. Zbigniew Religa Foundation for the Development of Cardiac Surgery in Zabrze and the Cardiac Surgery Clinic of the Institute of the Polish Mother's Health Center in Lodz under the direction of Prof. Maichał Moll, an outstanding specialist in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery. Research teams from ECIU partner universities from Spain, Lithuania and Portugal will also be involved in the work, which will allow for a combination of diverse perspectives, experiences and specialist competences. On the part of the Institute of Turbomachinery, Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwik Ph.D., D.Sc., Rector of TUL, Damian Obidowski D.Sc. Eng., Anna Karczemska Ph.D. Eng., Daniel Jodko Ph.D. Eng., Piotr Reorowicz Ph.D. Eng., Zbigniew Tyfa Ph.D. Eng., and Dariusz Witkowski Ph.D. Eng., who will be responsible for the implementation of key research tasks, will be involved in the project.