The workshop brought together representatives of AGH University and partners from Japan to exchange experiences on building and maintaining long-term relationships with alumni and fostering international cooperation.

The event was opened by the organisers, followed by a presentation by Prof. Janusz Szmyd, AGH Coordinator for Cooperation with Japan, who outlined the history of more than 40 years of collaboration between AGH University and Japanese universities and institutions. The next presentation featured the outcomes of the Welcome to Poland project, delivered by Aleksandra Perkins-Oleszkowicz and Marzena Rządzik from the AGH International Relations Office.

Dr Yosuke Komatsu and Dr Anna Ściażko from the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, shared best practices in alumni engagement and highlighted the role of international cooperation in shaping career development.

The programme also featured presentations by Japanese AGH alumni – Seiko Piotr Yamaguchi from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Yuka Shimizu from the Shibaura Institute of Technology – who spoke about their experiences as AGH students, their professional careers, and the opportunities for alumni to remain actively involved in university life.

The workshop concluded with a presentation by Katarzyna Drobot from the AGH Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, who shared her experiences from Expo 2025 Osaka, where she represented AGH University during the Polish Science and Education Days.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for exchanging best practices, discussing the role of alumni in the internationalisation of higher education, establishing new contacts, and strengthening cooperation with partners from Japan. It also formed an important part of AGH University's ongoing efforts to build a vibrant international alumni community and foster lasting relationships with its graduates.

The 2023 edition of the Welcome to Poland programme is financed from the Polish state budget.