From exchange student to head of department, Konrad Abramowicz has chosen Umeå University

Since childhood, Konrad Abramowicz has been fascinated with mathematics. He quickly calculates how long it has been since he first set foot in Umeå.

“It was 19 years, 4 months, 17 days, minus 9 hours ago,” he says with a smile.

Growing up in a small town in Poland, no one in the family had an academic background. Even so, he was encouraged to study mathematics after high school, and he attended the University of Wrocław in southern Poland.

“Mathematics has always been fun. As a child, I found it really exciting to sit and count. My parents have told me that they could find me at my desk doing math problems at four in the morning.”

While studying at the University of Wrocław, he had the opportunity to study abroad through the Erasmus programme.

“The choice was between Cadiz in Spain and Umeå in Sweden. I could not decide, so I flipped a coin. And so it was.”

In contrast to the cold that hit him that frigid winter evening when he arrived in Umeå, his reception by the University was warm and welcoming.

Umeå University is excellent at welcoming international students.

While he gradually learned the language, the hardest part was getting used to the bright summer nights. He and some other international students started an ‘insomnia club’.

“Umeå University is excellent at welcoming international students. The Buddy programme, which I took part in through the International Office, quickly made me feel cared for and at home here.”

He continued to study mathematics while also studying computer science and statistics at Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics at Umeå University.

Eventually, he received an offer to do a doctorate, and his primary subject became mathematical statistics. Since then, he has held various roles at the University, as a postdoctoral fellow, an associate professor and now head of department.

What do you find most interesting about mathematics?

“Mathematics is a way of understanding the world and creating order out of chaos. The longer you study the subject, the more you realize that mathematics is close to philosophy in a way. There are endless opportunities to continue developing and finding new things to explore in mathematics. Even statistics is a way of understanding the world.”

Konrad Abramowicz is an associate professor of mathematical statistics and his research has ranged from functional data analysis to statistical methods in biomechanics, climate research and forest growth analysis.

He is intrigued by how mathematics can be applied to solve problems, such as with climate change. Interdisciplinary collaborations have been important for him, including his involvement in the IceLab interdisciplinary research hub.

Rewarding to teach

In addition to conducting research, Konrad has taught at both undergraduate and Master’s levels and supervised several degree projects.

“Being able to follow students as they develop is one of the most rewarding things I know. Seeing someone go from not understanding the basics to solving really difficult problems – that’s magic.”

He is aware of the great impact that a teacher can have, noting an event he once witnessed during teacher training.

“The course instructor asked us to stand on our chairs, so we did. We then had to reflect on whether our students would do the same if encouraged by us. Students really listen to what we say. This was an important experience as I realised how much influence and power a teacher can have.”

Konrad emphasises the importance of teachers encouraging students to dare and be curious. He believes that curiosity is an important driving force, not least in research. To anyone thinking about starting research, he advises to be curious and prepared to fail 99 out of 100 times.

“Research is not for everyone, but if you are the least bit interested, you should give it a try. The worst that can happen is that you learn something new.”

Konrad has been recognized through teaching awards for his dedication as a teacher and is highly regarded by students whom he has supported both academically and personally.

“Once I understood the Swedish academic culture, which is much less hierarchical than in Poland, I found that the way of communicating with students here works so much better.”

Strong supporter of internationalisation

In addition to mathematics and research, internationalisation has been an important driving force for Konrad since he came to Umeå University.

He did part of his postdoctoral work in Australia, and he has had research collaborations with Italy and India, among other countries. He has served as a faculty-level international contact and international coordinator, and he actively works to create opportunities to participate in exchanges, for both students and employees.

“Gaining new perspectives and seeing other ways of working and thinking are invaluable. This applies not only to students but also to administrative and teaching staff. Academic cultures can be very different, and we have a lot to learn from other countries.”

Konrad mentions several memorable moments during his time at Umeå University, from his dissertation on a rainy autumn day that he will never forget, to the support he and the International Office provided to international students during the pandemic.

“Basically, I lived in the International Office where together we tried to help students who were abroad. It was an intense and completely new situation for us all. We had to find ways to evacuate them.”

I have grown as a person here, both academically and personally. The University has shaped me into the person I am today.

He also notes memorable visits by inspiring researchers who made an impression. For Konrad Abramowicz, Umeå University is not just a workplace – it has become an important part of his development.

“I have grown as a person here, both academically and personally. The University has shaped me into the person I am today.”

He speaks warmly of the culture at Umeå University, where he believes there is collegiality and an openness to collaboration.

Whether this can be called the “Umeå University spirit” remains to be seen. The concept, which is sometimes used at the university, he considers a bit too abstract. However, he likes to talk about the good atmosphere and colleagues who are kind to each other.

A lot has changed since Konrad came to Umeå University in 2006. At the time he was one of only a few foreign staff members in his workplace; now there are many more staff with a foreign background.

He recognises the importance of the University continuing to evolve in line with the world around it.

“The pace of change in the world has never been as fast as it is now. We need to continue being a lively 60-year-old that quickly adapts to new conditions.”