Społeczna Odpowiedzialność Uczelni - Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 EN

Magna Charta Universitatum (Great Charter of Universities) – past and present

The term university is derived from the Latin word universitas, which means a self-governing community of students and lecturers. Although institutions that specialise in higher education and 
research existed much earlier, such as the medical school in Salerno, it is the University of Bologna that is traditionally considered the oldest since it was the first institution that used the name "university", which was in 1088. 

Mindful of its glorious heritage, Bologna has not stopped its efforts to maintain, promote but also develop the idea of the university. Freedom of research, which is one of the fundamental academic principles, derives from the Privilegium Scholasticum, which was issued in the 12th century by Frederick I Barbarossa and guaranteed the freedom of travel for the purposes of study. An important aspect of universities was also their autonomy from state authorities, which was at least partial, and the possibility of self-determination. On the 900th anniversary of the founding of the University of Bologna, it was decided to renew those core university values by signing the Magna Charta Universitatum, involving 388 universities in the process. Today, more than 800 universities from around the world are signatories.

Recent years have brought a great deal of social and political unrest, armed conflicts and increasing social disparities, with our daily lives being marked by the pandemic, economic crisis and the increasingly dangerous consequences of climate change. The proliferation of fake news, anti-vaccination campaigns and information chaos or infodemia are not without significance for the functioning of both universities and entire human societies. This makes the need for rationality, sustainability and ethical values all the more acute. This is why the Magna Charta Universitatum was formulated anew on 12 March 2020, complementing it with the mission of universities in the modern world. 

Autonomy and freedom of research remain the key values, but they are complemented by the principle of social responsibility, tolerance and social diversity. Universities are not just vocational schools that teach students for specialist well-paid professions. They play an active role in society by setting trends and defining standards of behaviour. 

Guarding the freedom of research is always topical, but the burning questions are who and what such research serves. Is research conducted in a manner consistent with ethical values? What long-term effect will it have in our local communities, society, neighbouring countries or anywhere in the world? Are relationships between staff and students based on friendly cooperation and sharing of knowledge and experience?  

Wroclaw Medical University also joined the initiative by signing the Magna Charta Universitatum in September 2022. The values contained in the document are not new or unknown to our academic community. Many of our actions have been perfectly in line with these values for a long time: we have been working against all forms of discrimination; there are training courses on awareness of the needs of people with disabilities; we are increasingly becoming a "green university"; we have actively been involved in relief efforts for those affected by the war in Ukraine; we carry out popularisation activities – and many, many more.

Does this mean, however, that we have nothing left to do or offer? Naturally not. The implementation of values is a process rather than a state. 

If you would like to get involved, please feel free to contact us!  

For more information visit https://www.magna-charta.org/    

Dr. Agata Strządała