The University of Rzeszów has achieved a significant success, securing funding as a partner of the Voivodeship Labour Office in Rzeszów under the National Recovery Plan. The awarded funds will support the implementation of seven research tasks with a total value of PLN 2,462,680. The projects will be carried out in the years 2025–2026, with the University of Rzeszów serving as a key academic partner.

The research topics are diverse and respond to current challenges, covering areas such as the quality of education (across different levels of schooling), the green and digital economy, the health of children and adolescents, the applications of artificial intelligence, and the analysis of secondary school graduates’ career trajectories.

The project coordinator on behalf of the University is Associate Professor Edyta Łuszczki. Budget and settlement matters are overseen by Dr Sławomir Bździuch. The research tasks are being conducted in collaboration with Professor Sabina Grabowska, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Teaching.

Below is a list of the funded research tasks, including the amount awarded and the names of the project leaders:

• “Study of the quality of education in public and non-public kindergartens in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship” (PLN 299,800) – Project leader: Associate Professor Edyta Łuszczki, Faculty of Health Sciences and Psychology
• “Implementation of selected educational areas within the school system in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship” (PLN 409,800) – Project leader: Dr Izabela Marczykowska, Faculty of Education and Philosophy
• “Study of post-secondary schools in the context of their capacity to provide staff for the green and digital economy” (PLN 313,720) – Project leader: Associate Professor Anna Barwińska-Małajowicz, Faculty of Economics and Finance
• “Analysis of the impact of lifestyle, health and behavioural habits of pupils on their educational outcomes” (PLN 349,800) – Project leader: Associate Professor Katarzyna Dereń, Faculty of Health Sciences and Psychology
• “Artificial intelligence in the education process and the labour market – legal issues” (PLN 356,200) – Project leader: Associate Professor Aneta Kowalczyk, Faculty of Law and Administration
• “Study of the quality of education in public and non-public primary schools in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship” (PLN 371,600) – Project leader: Associate Professor Rafał Podgórski, Faculty of Medicine
• “What comes after secondary school? Determinants of educational decisions and the career paths of secondary school graduates” (PLN 361,760) – Project leader: Dr Hubert Kotarski, Faculty of Social Sciences

The implementation of these research tasks will contribute to expanding knowledge about key socio-educational issues in the region. The research findings will inform the development of recommendations for educational institutions, regional authorities and other stakeholders, supporting the development of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship and enhancing the quality of education at all levels. As a research partner of the Voivodeship Labour Office, the University of Rzeszów is strengthening its position in carrying out strategic initiatives for regional development and educational innovation.