From May 7 to July 28, 2025, supported by the China Exchange Program for Young International (CEP) of the China International Talent Exchange Foundation (CITEF), Dr. Katarzyna Szwabińska from Poznan University of Technology visited the research group of Prof. Aleksandra Baron-Wieche at GTIIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering for academic discussions and studies. Her work focused on investigating the influence of magnetic fields on the corrosion behavior of metallic materials.

Dr. Katarzyna Szwabińska is second from the right in the second row.

During her three-month stay, Dr. Szwabińska made significant contributions to the research project through meticulous experimental work, including the preparation of diverse test specimens, conducting electrochemical measurements under strictly controlled conditions, and operating precision instruments such as potentiostats. She possesses strong experimental skills and rigorous data processing habits, capable of independently completing the entire workflow from sample preparation to data collection, analysis, and interpretation, providing reliable support for the advancement of the research project.

Beyond the laboratory, she actively participated in departmental seminars and university-wide academic events, engaging in in-depth discussions on experimental design and scientific challenges. These interactions provided her with valuable insights into China’s advancements in high-tech industries and higher education.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Szwabińska immersed herself in Shantou’s local culture, visiting historical heritage sites, tasting Chaoshan cuisine, and experiencing traditional crafts firsthand. She observed the harmonious blend of tradition and openness that characterizes Chaoshan’s cultural identity.

Dr. Szwabińska expressed high recognition for this program and strongly recommended active participation from other young researchers and students committed to expanding their academic and cultural horizons. She said, "Participating in this scientific exchange program to China has not only significantly broadened my intellectual perspective but also catalyzed an important transformation in my personal growth. This experience far surpassed ordinary academic learning—it pushed me out of my familiar comfort zone and immersed me in a vibrant, distinctly different research culture. It has made me more convinced than ever that science is a universal language transcending national boundaries, capable of uniting humanity in the shared pursuit of knowledge and progress. Upon returning to my home country, I feel more confident in my academic abilities, and have rediscovered renewed passion for dedicating myself to scientific research. I now view science with greater conviction as a truly global endeavor. This exchange has enhanced both my academic competence and reshaped my worldview, inspiring me to continually seek new opportunities that integrate scientific research with cross-cultural understanding."

The CEP, launched by Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of PRC and funded by CITEF, aims to foster mutual understanding, friendship, and collaborative growth among young global scholars.

Text/Photos: GTIIT Academic Administration Office