Date added: 2026-05-18
Success of the ENHANCE GREAT Staff Week at Gdańsk University of Technology
Over the course of three intensive days, we had the opportunity to connect with representatives of leading European universities: Warsaw University of Technology, TU Berlin, TU Delft, ETH Zurich, Politecnico di Milano, NTNU, RWTH Aachen University and Universitat Politècnica de València.
As part of the event, participants followed various development paths tailored to their professional experience and individual needs. In addition to the groups working within thematic Hubs, some guests took part in the Basic Track, dedicated mainly to administrative staff beginning their journey with internationalisation. The programme included job shadowing activities, consisting of workplace observation and meetings with Gdańsk Tech employees performing similar duties to those carried out by participants at their home institutions. The main objective of this track was to develop international communication competences, exchange best practices, and learn from units operating in comparable professional environments.
The official opening ceremony was led by the Rector of Gdańsk University of Technology, Krzysztof Wilde, who welcomed the guests in the auditorium of the Faculty of Management and Economics. In his speech, he emphasized the crucial role of integrating academic and administrative staff in building a modern European university.
The meeting in Gdańsk marked the final stage of the GREAT Programme. The ENHANCE Office at Gdańsk Tech, in cooperation with substantive university units, prepared a rich programme combining academic panels, practical workshops, and sports activities.
A Modern Approach to Professional Development
The central focus of the meeting was the GREAT Programme (Global Recognition of Employee Achievement and Training in Higher Education Institutions). It is a series of lectures and practical sessions designed to enhance professional qualifications, with participants receiving official certification upon completion.
Participants worked within five thematic Hubs:
- International Exchange Hub - focused on supporting researcher mobility.
- Methodological Hub - dedicated to designing modern teaching practices.
- Open Science Hub - addressing ethical AI usage in research and research data management (RDM).
- Employee Functional Diversity Hub - covering inclusivity topics, including support for neurodiverse employees (autism spectrum, ADHD) and people with chronic illnesses.
- Wellbeing Hub - focused on health, mental resilience, and creating a supportive work environment.
Participants in the Advanced Track concentrated on work within one selected Hub, while the Guided Track allowed participants to combine different thematic areas according to their personal interests and development goals.
Wellbeing - More Than Just a Slogan
Gdańsk University of Technology demonstrated that wellbeing is more than just a slogan. The programme was carefully designed to allow participants to truly experience a balance between work and relaxation.
On the second and third day, participants moved to the Academic Sports Centre, where they could choose from a wide range of activities: beach volleyball, football, Nordic walking, or simply relaxing on deckchairs. A mindful walk in the forest, promoting mental wellbeing through contact with nature, also attracted considerable interest.
An integral part of the programme was Dialogue Week - an initiative promoting open and respectful exchange of perspectives between representatives of different cultures and academic communities. Meetings and discussions focused on diversity, inclusion, and the future of higher education in Europe, creating a space for reflection, attentive listening, and building a stronger academic community.
Evening Integration During the Gala Dinner
An important highlight of the programme was the ceremonial Gala Dinner held in the Fahrenheit Courtyard of the Main Building. The university authorities were represented by the Vice-Rector for Research, Dariusz Mikielewicz. The evening, accompanied by live music, fostered closer interinstitutional relations that will undoubtedly lead to future joint research and educational projects.
Feedback from participants shows that the Staff Week at Gdańsk Tech stood out for its exceptional hospitality and excellent organisation. Employees from Berlin, Delft, and Zurich left Gdańsk not only with new competences, but also with highly positive impressions of our university as a modern, professional, and open institution.
Closing Ceremony and Certification
The event concluded on Friday, 8 May, with an official ceremony held in the Heweliusz Courtyard. Participants who completed the full GREAT Programme learning path received micro-credentials signed by the Vice-Rector for Education, Mariusz Kaczmarek.
We would like to thank all engaged units and participants, and we are already looking forward to future meetings within the ENHANCE Alliance.
Success of the ENHANCE GREAT Staff Week at Gdańsk University of Technology
Between 6-8 May 2026, Gdańsk University of Technology hosted nearly 100 staff members from universities belonging to the ENHANCE alliance. The three-day GREAT Programme Staff Week, serving as the culmination of a series of online meetings, became an opportunity for in-person exchange of experience among academic teachers and administrative staff alike. The event provided an excellent showcase for our university, reaffirming its strong position on the international stage. Over three intensive days, we connected with representatives of leading European universities: Warsaw University of Technology, TU Berlin, TU Delft, ETH Zurich, PoliMi, NTNU, RWTH Aachen, and UPV.
A Modern Approach to Professional Development
At the heart of the event was the GREAT Programme (Global Recognition of Employee Achievement and Training in Higher Education Institutions) - a series of lectures and practical sessions designed to enhance professional competencies, completed with an official certificate.
Participants worked within five thematic Knowledge Hubs:
- International Exchange Hub - focused on supporting researcher mobility.
- Methodological Hub - dedicated to designing modern teaching practices.
- Open Science Hub - addressing the ethical use of AI in research and research data management (RDM).
- Employee Functional Diversity Hub - covering topics of inclusivity, including support for neurodivergent employees (autism spectrum, ADHD) and those with chronic illnesses.
- Wellbeing Hub - centred on health, psychological resilience, and fostering a supportive work environment.
Wellbeing - not just theory, but Practice
Gdańsk University of Technology demonstrated that wellbeing is more than a buzzword. The event programme was designed so that participants could genuinely experience the balance between work and rest. On the second and third days, alliance staff moved to the Academic Sports Centre, where a wide range of activities awaited: beach volleyball, football, nordic walking, and relaxation in a sun lounger zone. The mindful walk in the forest also proved very popular, promoting mental health through contact with nature.
Evening Integration at the Gala Dinner
A highlight of the programme was the gala dinner held in the Fahrenheit Courtyard of the Main Building. University leadership was represented by the Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Dariusz Mikielewicz. An evening of live music provided the perfect setting for strengthening inter-institutional relationships, which are sure to bear fruit in future collaborative research and teaching projects. Feedback from participants indicated that the Staff Week at Gdańsk Tech stood out for its exceptional hospitality and exemplary organisation. Staff from Berlin, Delft, and Zurich left Gdańsk equipped not only with new competencies, but also with an overwhelmingly positive impression of our university as a modern, professional, and open institution.
Closing Session and Certificate Ceremony
The event concluded on Friday, 8 May, with a formal ceremony in the Heweliusz Courtyard. Every active participant received a micro-credential signed by the Vice-Rector for Education, Prof. Mariusz Kaczmarek. We would like to thank all the units involved and we look forward to future meetings within the ENHANCE alliance!
