As part of the „Welcome to IBB Center 2” project, the Welcome Center at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS has organized six intercultural workshops for international and Polish PhD students, researchers, and staff. These workshops have become an important element of our efforts to build an open, inclusive, and supportive academic environment.

The workshops addressed the diverse needs of our community. Some were organized as part of Welcome Meetings for new PhD students, combining orientation with intercultural training and opportunities for peer networking. Others were dedicated to academic and administrative staff, with a focus on cultural dimensions in the workplace, inclusive communication, and overcoming intercultural barriers. We also held sessions exclusively for international participants, offering practical guidance on navigating daily life in Warsaw and Poland – including how to get around the city, where to shop, how to find cultural events, plan local trips, and deal with everyday situations more confidently.

Participants explored how culture influences values, behaviors, and expectations, and how to navigate these differences constructively.  Sharing experiences and practical knowledge helped build confidence and a sense of belonging among new members of our community.

These activities were carried out as part of the „Welcome to IBB Center 2” project, co-financed by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the „Welcome to Poland 2022” programme.