معرفی
Mariusz Sokolowicz is a Professor at the University of Lodz and currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology. An urban planner-economist by training, he has established himself as a leading expert in urban and regional economics with over 80 publications to his name. His academic leadership extends to his role as Senator of the University of Lodz for the 2020-2024 and 2024-2028 terms, and as curator of the Department of Investment and Real Estate.
Professor Sokolowicz's research focuses on spatial management, urban and regional economics from an institutional perspective, with particular emphasis on urban laboratories as innovative approaches to city and regional development. His work explores how cities can improve efficiency through community participation and intermediate solutions that balance competing development priorities. He has developed significant expertise in valuing ambiguous architectural heritage, particularly socialist modernist architecture in post-socialist cities.
His scholarly output demonstrates a consistent evolution from institutional economics of territorial development to more specific investigations of urban heritage, citizen entrepreneurship, and regional resilience. A recurring theme throughout his work is the examination of practical, intermediate solutions in spatial management that avoid extreme approaches to urban development.
- Bronze Medal of the President of Poland for Long Service (2017)
- Second-degree Award from the Rector of University of Lodz for book 'Region in knowledge-based economy' (2012)
- Third-degree Award from the Rector of University of Lodz for publication cycle 'Łódź metropolis' (2011)
- Third-degree Award from the Rector of University of Lodz for book on international corporate territorialization (2009)
- Award from the Marshal of Łódź Voivodeship for best doctoral dissertation (2007)
As an academic leader, Professor Sokolowicz has secured significant research funding including the 'Cities Resilience Against Civilizational Challenges' project (2024-2026) funded with 149,000 PLN from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. He has successfully led multiple international research projects including Erasmus+ initiatives and collaborations with European research networks. His teaching includes doctoral seminars on urban and regional studies, institutional economics, and public sector economics in local government.
Beyond academia, Professor Sokolowicz has made substantial contributions to urban development practice, notably as co-author of the Piotrkowska Street Development Strategy (2009-2020) and responsible for its revitalization (2009-2013) as a local government official. His concept of 'urban laboratories' represents an innovative approach to city development that emphasizes resident participation and practical experimentation in urban spaces.
