In this public forum, we will discuss various aspects of the current situation for Poles living in the UK, examining the triumphs and challenges of the last ten years, before looking to the uncertain future. What have Poles brought to British culture? What prompted them to migrate? How many wish to return? What kind of discrimination do they face? How do the British view Poles? What effect has migration had in Poland? How do Poles understand the current refugee crisis in Europe?

The innovative course in Polish Studies offered by the Department of Slavonic Studies is among the most popular in the entire Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge. This year the Department’s open classes in the Polish language have also seen record enrolments. These Polish classes are free and open to all members of the University of Cambridge. They are made possible with the kind support of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in London.

Eminent Polish philosopher Professor Agata Bielik-Robson presented the works of the Polish-Jewish writer Bruno Schulz (1892-1942) in the context of Hasidism and the Kabbalah.

Adam Zagajewski, Poland's greatest living poet, joined Cambridge Polish Studies at Trinity College for an evening of his poetry. Zagajewski read a selection of poems, followed by discussion and audience questions.