Long live science! Resounded on the Royal Route
Scientists, students, local government officials, and residents once again walked together along the Royal Route in Gdańsk to symbolically welcome the new academic year and showcase the potential of the Pomeranian scientific community. This year's parade included representatives from as many as 20 universities. An additional reason for celebration was the signing of the metropolitan law in August.
Scientists, students, local government officials, and residents once again walked together along the Royal Route in Gdańsk to symbolically welcome the new academic year and showcase the potential of the Pomeranian scientific community. This year's parade included representatives from as many as 20 universities. An additional reason for celebration was the signing of the metropolitan law in August.
The parade under the slogan "Long Live Science!" has become a permanent fixture in the academic calendar of Pomerania. Every year, it brings together representatives of universities, local authorities, institutions, and residents who jointly celebrate the beginning of a new academic year.
– Universities are important and invaluable because, like engines, they drive entire urban organisms: economically, socially, and culturally. Thank you, academics! I am keeping my fingers crossed for the establishment of the Fahrenheit Universities Federation. This is a vision consistent with the efforts to establish the Gdańsk Metropolitan Area. We are getting closer to the goal – emphasized Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, the Mayor of Gdańsk.
The event was also attended by Anna Olkowska-Jacyno, Deputy Governor of Pomerania, Marcin Skwierawski, Deputy Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, MEP Magdalena Adamowicz, as well as rectors, staff, PhD students, and students of Pomeranian universities.
This year, for the first time, the banner opening the parade featured a slogan referring to the metropolitan association act signed by the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki. Its adoption was preceded by several months of efforts, in which the Pomeranian academic community also actively participated, expressing joint support for the creation of the metropolis.
– In the past year, we had a very concrete example of what such joint action can lead to. The joint position supporting the establishment of the metropolis preceded the signing of the metropolitan law. Because a metropolis is not just administrative boundaries and regulations. It is created by people. Local government officials, scientists, residents, entrepreneurs. All those who live, work, and want to develop this region – said Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Chair of the Assembly of the Fahrenheit University Association, Rector of Gdańsk Tech.
- When we combine the potential of our universities, Pomerania gains strength that becomes visible and appreciated throughout Europe. It is the scientists, lecturers, and students who are the beating heart and foundation of the emerging metropolis - emphasized Anna Olkowska-Jacyno, Second Deputy Voivode of Pomerania.
The joint opening of the academic year in Gdańsk was held for the fifth time. The event once again demonstrated how closely the Pomeranian universities collaborate and the important role the academic community plays in the development of the region. Before the procession began, the academic choirs performed "Gaudeamus igitur" together, and along the route, participants were accompanied by the Gdańsk Academic Orchestra and colorful figures inspired this time by the sea, shipping, and corsairs.
This year’s parade was also an opportunity to highlight changes in the Fahrenheit Universities Network. In addition to the existing members—the Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk Tech, and the University of Gdańsk—two additional Gdańsk institutions joined: the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music and the Academy of Fine Arts. This is another important step toward creating a federation of universities.
– I am very pleased about this because it brings science, art, and culture even closer together. I would like us to think of Pomerania in precisely this way: as a place where universities, local government, culture, and the economy do not operate alongside each other, but truly communicate and are capable of building something together – emphasized Prof. Krzysztof Wilde.
During the event, PhD students from Gdańsk's art universities, admitted to the association, performed.
– In common opinion, a musician's work is limited to concerts, rehearsals, recordings, interviews, and sometimes loud applause. Meanwhile, we scientists read, write, experiment, and work on projects – explained Małgorzata Priebe from the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk. – Our most important task as artists is to invite you inside our world.
– Standing between two worlds, the world of children and the world of adults, I want two things today. To be support for those who need it, but also to maintain curiosity, openness, and kindness—qualities I see in children and that have also given rise to wonderful initiatives. One of them is the establishment of the Fahrenheit University Alliance, which today welcomes my Academy of Fine Arts as well as the Academy of Music – said Dominik Derewecki, PhD candidate at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk.
In addition to the five universities that make up the Fahrenheit Union of Universities, the event was also attended by representatives of the following institutions:
- Ateneum University in Gdańsk,
- Vistula University, Gdańsk Branch,
- Polish Naval Academy of the Heroes of Westerplatte,
- Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk,
- Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk,
- Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport,
- Gdańsk Medical Academy of Applied Sciences,
- Gdańsk Theological Seminary,
- Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, Gdańsk Branch,
- Powiślański University of Applied Sciences,
- Sopot University of Applied Sciences,
- WSB Merito University in Gdańsk,
- Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski University of Business and Administration in Gdynia,
- University of Security, Gdańsk Branch,
- University of Economic Engineering in Słupsk,
- University of Social and Economic Sciences in Gdańsk,
- Gdańsk College of Tourism and Hotel Management.
