Gdynia Maritime University GMU

In just three weeks from now, from 5 to 7 June, Gdynia Maritime University will welcome visitors to the 2nd Maritime Festival of Science. Aimed at participants of all ages, the Maritime Festival of Science will include an astonishing number of attractions. Registration is now open – so what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out!

Reasons to attend

For Thursday 5 and Friday 6 June 2025, several attractions are planned aimed mainly at kids from ages 7 to 19, which aim to demonstrate how science is not only necessary but fascinating!

Thursday, 5 June

The festival day of the festival will be held in the main Gdynia Maritime University, at ul. Morska 81-87. Those who are interested and have registered for the event will have the opportunity to take part in open laboratories; attend inspiring workshops, during which they will discover why there is so much hype about composite materials; how to fall in love with fruit and vegetables; and how to use VR wisely in education. The presentations to be given at the festival will also touch upon many interesting topics. Participants will get the chance to find out where the trap whistle came from; what exactly smart ports are, and why they’re supposedly so clever; and even form their own opinion on whether we should persuade today’s Don Quixotes to stop tilting at windmills.

Friday, 6 June

For the second day of the festival, Friday 6 June, participants will be welcomed to the Faculty of Navigation at aleja Jana Pawła II 3, opposite the aquarium near the centre of Gdynia. The location of the second day near the sea will allow for an exceptional presentation on how to deploy a life raft. The effective demonstration will provide answers to many pervading questions, such as how it is possible that a life raft can take on board 25 adult persons and how to survive on a life raft in emergencies. The GMU Guard of Honour will invite guests to a talk on naval ceremonial, which the Guard proudly upholds, preserving long-standing traditions. During the presentation, its members will share some fascinating insights from their service.

And if that's not enough then there’s more! 

Gdynia residents know well that the Faculty of Navigation houses within its walls a jewel that glitters with the light of a thousand stars – the A. Ledochowski planetarium, whose doors will remain open on 6 June to all those registered for one of four showings for all ages. 

Saturday, 7 June – Maritime Picnic

To top it all off, what could be better than an open picnic in the fresh air? In making use of the benefits of the coastal climate, we once again invite you to join us at the Faculty of Navigation. During the picnic, we will not only serve refreshments, but perhaps most importantly, there will be even more attractions. Our special guests will be waiting for you at interesting stalls and with engaging presentations. You’ll find out about the GMU Maritime Institute and its activities; set sail on a short trip with the GMU Water Sports and Sailing Centre; speak to student members of University’s scientific circles ISLT, Seaquest and Nautica; and find out about the work of officers from the Maritime Branch of the Border Guard and the Municipal Police Headquarters in Gdynia.

For the kids in attendance, there will be a chance to let their artistic side shine by colouring in maritime-themed pictures, playing games, and expressing their style with a water tattoo or a cheerful face painting.

Saturday’s attractions will also include a shanty songs singing competition. Listen to performances of maritime melodies at the picnic and support your favourite with an enthusiastic round of applause. But, most importantly, join us for a sing-along! In Gdynia, shanty songs are an enduring form of songwriting. If you have no idea about them, then that’s all the more reason to join us on Saturday and listen to their catchy melodies.

So you’d like to go? You won’t regret it, after all, the Maritime Festival of Science has been put together with you and yours in mind. Here’s how to sign up:

The attractions aimed at children on 5 and 6 June have been organised into 2 age groups: 7 to 13 and 14 to 19. Please ensure you have chosen the correct age group for yourself or your child, as the sessions have been carefully prepared with the age of the participants in mind.

Adults and children of all ages are invited to attend the picnic on Saturday, 7 June.

To sign up, visit: zapisy.umg.edu.pl

In taking part in the event, you agree to the Regulations and the GDPR.

The project is co-funded by the state budget with support from the Minister of Science, as part of the Science for Society II programme.