Study Visits at the University of Łódź (Poland)

A series of study visits within the UNICOPS project took place over three days in Łódź, Poland. The activities were hosted by the University of Łódź and included several key facilities, such as the Rector’s Office, the Faculty of International and Political Studies, the Faculty of Chemistry, the Faculty of Economics and Sociology, and the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection.

The main purpose of the study visits was to assess the level of preparedness and resilience of higher education institutions in relation to potential CBRNE threats. The evaluation covered compliance with national and international standards and included a review of existing crisis management frameworks. Particular attention was given to identifying both the strengths and weaknesses of the university’s security systems, focusing on aspects such as the structure and location of buildings, the competence of security personnel, the quality of surveillance systems, and the awareness and behavior of students and staff in emergency situations.

The visits also aimed to verify the institution’s security procedures and staff training related to the detection, prevention, and response to CBRNE incidents. Furthermore, they sought to identify potential vulnerabilities and share examples of good practice to support the development of risk mitigation strategies and to enhance the overall safety culture and infrastructure associated with CBRNE preparedness.

The process of the study visits included several stages. Preparatory work involved the review of relevant documents, including emergency and safety protocols, laboratory safety procedures, and radiation source registries. Coordination meetings were held with safety officers, laboratory and facility managers, and university leadership. Risk mapping was also conducted to identify areas of potential CBRNE concern, such as laboratories, storage zones, kitchens, ventilation systems, and other high-traffic spaces.

During the on-site stage, meetings were held with staff responsible for facility management and security. The team examined vulnerable areas within the premises, conducted assessments of possible threats, and reviewed security measures designed to mitigate those risks. The next phase focused on evaluating emergency preparedness and training, including the review of response plans, evacuation procedures, communication systems, and coordination with local authorities. Attention was also given to the training of staff and students, as well as medical readiness and decontamination capabilities.

The study visits concluded with a comprehensive report summarizing the key findings. The report included a gap analysis highlighting critical vulnerabilities, areas of non-compliance, and deficiencies, along with risk-based recommendations proposing practical and feasible corrective measures. These findings are intended to strengthen institutional safety, enhance overall resilience, and support the continuous improvement of CBRNE risk management practices.