Gdynia Maritime University GMU

Interview with Professor Adam Weintrit, PhD, DSc(Eng), MM, 

Rector of Gdynia Maritime University 

Mr Weintrit, in UMG’s development strategy you outlined the development of the university as a renowned international academic centre of learning and scientific research dedicated to the maritime industry.

After years of slowly moving away from maritime affairs, I’d like our university to return to being more active on the international stage of maritime organisations with which we have strong ties. In fact, this shift towards maritime affairs is already underway. We are actively participating in the Polish Shipowners’ Association, the subcommittees of the International Maritime Organization IMO, as well as the structures of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU). In January 2021, as the Chairman of the Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) and a member of the association’s International Executive Board (IEB), I was involved in organising the first global webinar for maritime universities on the changes required in the STCW convention as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the development of standards for such controversial ideas in respect of practical tuition, as e-Learning or Distance Learning.

Through means of cooperation with employers both here in Poland and abroad, we are providing our students with support in finding attractive opportunities for work-based learning and traineeships. What makes us stand out, and is a source of pride, is our unique approach to education which strikes a balance between theory and practice. Work experience gained on training vessels is key in the development of the professional and social skills, and competencies of those of our students who are preparing for a career at sea, and this is prepared for in highly specialised, superbly equipped laboratories and through the use of simulators. This type of setup is unique on an international scale.

The university’s participation within the structures of the IMO and cooperation with national and international organisations and employers are not the only activities planned during your 2020-2024 term of office.

We would like to continue to be a leading academic centre in maritime specialisations, and the more recently introduced offshore, which requires us to closely observe the needs of the market and continually improve the quality of education whilst developing attractive academic fields and specialisations in order to meet such needs.

We have plans to offer courses in English in all faculties, which will give our education a further international dimension. These courses are a response to the challenges of Economy 4.0 which is based on the use of modern technologies.

The modern maritime economy also includes wind farms, offshore technology, and more – these are newer branches in which there is a lack of qualified personnel. It is at our university that such personnel can improve their competencies. The refocus on maritime affairs will be seen in the launch of undergraduate studies and specialist training courses that meet the needs of the maritime industry at every level of professional development.

The quality of education is just one factor that affects the reputation of the Maritime University in Gdynia as one of the world’s leading maritime centres of education. The development strategy focuses on improving the quality of scientific activity.

This is extremely important, and not only due to the higher education assessment system that is soon to be introduced, and to which all higher education institutions in Poland are subject under Act 2.0 [Ustawa 2.0].

I plan to create working conditions that will favour the educational and professional development of our University’s employees. I intend to introduce an advisory and administration support system for those applying for funding for research and commercial projects, and contract work, at every stage of acquisition, during day-to-day service, as well as the settlement of projects carried out at Gdynia Maritime University. We will also provide support to our staff undergoing academic training both in Poland and abroad, as well as in their involvement in research work as part of inter-university teams.

The University will also support the academic activities of students and doctoral students by involving them in scientific research, and by subsiding the activities of scientific circles.

I’m hoping that the suitable promotion of these activities will increase the recognition of the Maritime University in Gdynia and its research leaders in Poland and abroad.

The development strategy highlights the need to increase the Gdynia Maritime University’s role in the transfer of knowledge to the economy, the creation of innovative solutions, and the intensification of the commercialisation of research. How do you plan to achieve this?

Without scientific development, there can be no transfer of knowledge to the economy.

I plan to encourage more cooperation with universities in Poland and abroad, as well as with scientific research institutions and industry. We must also actively participate in various scientific consortia, scientific networks, and other commercial enterprises that research the needs of the Polish maritime economy, and changes in Poland’s energy policy.

And here I’d like to point out the enormous potential of the Maritime Institute whose research and development work is related to innovation within the maritime economy. We also have ships that we should use more extensively to carry out scientific research at sea. This is to the benefit of business and certain research teams, but also our university, our employees and our students.

The University’s main building and the Faculty of Navigation have undergone extensive renovations recently. In the development strategy, you have included several large investments which will noticeably affect the quality and comfort of study at GMU whilst improving the University’s prominence.

Improve the conditions of study and work at Gdynia Maritime University is a priority. We have recently begun construction of an academic, sports complex. The first stage of development shall see the construction of a full-scale, modern sports hall with complete sanitation facilities, a fitness zone, and a gym. This will be followed by the building of halls of residence. We are also planning to build an Offshore Centre complete with certified laboratories on recently acquired land in the vicinity of Wisłoujście fortress with full access to the armed wharf.

The Development Strategy demonstrates a sense of reverence for history and generations gone by.

I would like us to closely cooperate with equal intensity with scientific organisations, as well as maritime associations and professional graduates. It’s a source of pride for us that our graduates feel connected to the University and that they act on its behalf. It’s thanks to this that we can say we are a community that cultivates a rich maritime and academic tradition. Our character as a uniformed university as well as the carefully cultivated customs and maritime ceremony are undeniably also valuable to us.

Within the development of the Gdynia Maritime University, there is room for the realisation of the ambitions and needs of every one of the University’s teaching staff. What does this mean exactly?

I would like all of the University’s teaching staff to discover and make progress on their own path of development. I will do everything within my power to ensure that the Gdynia Maritime University becomes a friendly, inspiring place of study and work, that conditions of work and study are stable and safe, and all members of our academic community identify with the University and its goals. 

I’m aware of the high expectations connected with my term of office. The trust given to me by the academic community in my appointment as Rector of the Gdynia Maritime University is not only a source of great pride but also gives me a special sense of responsibility to the University, its lecturers, students and employees. I hope I will live up to your expectations.