“Little did I know that my biggest issues would concern where to focus my efforts – there were so many interesting things to do! I was really surprised how quickly things developed, in a positive direction,” says Ryszard.

He has a background in studying law in Poland and religion in Denmark. His Ph.D. studies concern multi-faith spaces, that is, rooms or other areas that serve as quiet spaces available to religious and non-religious people alike, for prayer, meditation or reflection. They can often be found at, for example, airports, hospitals and universities. One of Ryszard’s projects is about finding new ways to improve these spaces, for example by making them moveable or by installing booths that engage your senses via lighting, visuals and even smells.

“An innovation doesn’t have to be sellable. Public utility can also be approached from the innovation perspective. It is about improving people’s lives", says Ryszard.

A world of Neighbours

In his second innovation project, he acts as the research arm of a European interreligious network called A World of Neighbours. Their aim is to strengthen interreligious relations between faith-based actors working with and for migrants and refugees in Europe. They offer tools and learning opportunities to a network of practitioners, in the process extending the larger network to different countries. Moreover, the network also exists to help give refugees a voice in the decisions that concern them.

Both of Ryszard’s projects are still in an early phase, innovation-wise. But he’s been positively surprised by the opportunities and support available in Sweden in general and from the University’s innovation center in particular.

“It is more a question of your interest and time, rather than the options available,” Ryszard concludes.