The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM) was founded on 1 September 1999. The establishment resulted from merging three institutions of higher education in Olsztyn, i.e. the Academy of Agriculture and Technology, the Higher School of Pedagogy, and Warmian Theological Institute. At first, in 1999, there were 12 faculties, 32 branches of study, and 24.500 students at UWM. The University also had a right to grant doctoral degrees in 13 scientific disciplines, and postdoctoral degrees in 6 branches. According to the University’s Act of Establishment, the position of the first Rector of UWM was taken by Prof. Ryszard Górecki, PhD. The University has been settled in Kortowo – an academic campus that used to belong to the Academy of A&T.UWM has undergone an intense transformation since its beginnings. Achieving such a progress would not be possible without funds of the European Union. Educational and scientific bases of the University have been significantly reinforced, for example by purchasing high-tech laboratory equipment.