Official signing of a cooperation agreement between Gdańsk University of Technology, Elac Sonar and Enamor | Gdańsk University of Technology

The agreement focuses on joint research and development activities in the field of advanced sonar systems, crucial for maritime security and defence.

The agreement was signed by:

• Bernd Szukay – Managing Director, Elac Sonar

• Maciej Rek – President of the Management Board, Enamor

• Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of GdanskTech

Participants from Gdańsk University of Technology included:

• Prof. Józef Sienkiewicz – Vice-Rector for Cooperation

• Prof. Iwona Kochańska – Head of the Department of Signals and Systems

• Dr Eng. Piotr Kaczmarek – Deputy Head of the Department of Signals and Systems

• Dr Bartosz Wiśniewski

Elac Sonar was also represented by:

• Ralf Siegfried – Director BD & Sales

• Juergen Kroll – Sales Manager

The official part of the meeting was opened by Vice-Rector for Cooperation, Prof. Józef Sienkiewicz, who welcomed the guests, introduced the university representatives, and highlighted the importance of the agreement for the development of Gdańsk University of Technology. He also emphasized that the shared location on the Baltic Sea creates natural conditions for cooperation in the field of sonar and maritime technologies.

In the informal part of the meeting, Rector Prof. Krzysztof Wilde spoke about GdanskTech's involvement in security and defence projects, including those dedicated to the navy, underlining the key role of sonar systems in such initiatives. He also referred to the university’s success in the Excellence Initiative – Research University programme, in which GdanskTech achieved second place.

Representatives of Elac Sonar stressed the growing importance of European cooperation in security and defence projects and the crucial role of research universities in developing highly complex sonar systems. They also referred to existing cooperation that has already resulted in solutions implemented for the Polish Navy and invited GdanskTech's representatives to visit the company’s new facilities.

Prof. Iwona Kochańska outlined the background of establishing the cooperation and emphasized the importance of strong links between academia, industry, and business. The discussion also addressed the future of the defence sector in Europe and the high expectations associated with its development in both Poland and Germany.

The meeting concluded with a declaration of long-term cooperation as well as the intention to build lasting, friendly relations between the partner institutions.