Gdynia Maritime University GMU

 

Inauguration Speech of HM Rector of Gdynia Maritime University
Adam Weintrit, PhD, DSc(Eng), FRIN, FNI, MM

Ladies and Gentlemen!

We are gathered here today, young people, their families, guardians, and friends, for what is a special occasion. Because today, Saturday 8th October,

• in the presence of the authorities of Gdynia Maritime University, the Senate and University Council, professors, lecturers, and the entire University academic community;
• in the presence of members of the central and local governments, representatives of the clergy and the academic ministry, the diplomatic body, representatives of business and maritime industry companies, scientific and professional associations;
• in the unique environment of the Polish sea;
• with the "Dar Młodzieży" – our training sail ship;
• in the shadow of the great maritime writer Joseph Conrad;
• next to the yacht marina, the Faculty of Navigation and our University's planetarium; 

we will see the matriculation of 1st-year students and students of the Doctoral School, who will swear the oath on the Gdynia Maritime University banner. 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Students!

We are beginning a new academic year, 2022/2023.

Having already provided education for more than 100 years, Gdynia Maritime University has begun to write its next 100 years of history. 

The first classes at the Maritime School in Tczew – the predecessor of our University – began on 8th December 1920. The students of that year had just returned from the Polish-Soviet War. Poland reclaimed its access to the sea, a moment which was marked ceremonially by its symbolical marriage to the Baltic when, on 10th February 1920, General Józef Haller threw a ring into the waters of Puck Bay.

In 1920, Poland was without a shipyard. There were no ships and no commercial ports. But it had a vision for the development of a modern, robust, maritime-oriented economy. The country had the determination and perseverance to lay solid foundations for the Polish maritime industry.

These days, we look at the sea somewhat differently. The Baltic represents an important part of our national borders, a great opportunity, and all the while, our window to the world. It is thanks to the sea that our country is progressing; we are developing new industries and technologies, including the dynamically developing offshore sector, which has also brought new directions for development to our University.

The Maritime University is fulfilling its mission – a mission in service of the sea, and to educate the next generations who will look to the sea for opportunity. And we have done this continually since 1920. Even the turbulence of the occupation during WWII did not prevent us from continuing to pass on knowledge. During the War, our lecturers taught in England – in London; Southampton; Landywood, near Birmingham; and Lilford, near Peterborough in Northamptonshire.

The University survived through difficult times to continually strengthen its position, and become one of the biggest centres of maritime higher education in the EU and the world.

Our overriding values are:

• honesty and truth in science and education,
• education that directly provides for the needs of the economic environment,
• a balance between theory and practical learning, and
• innovation and openness.

We shape personnel for the Polish and international commercial fleet and the maritime economy.

To meet the economic needs of the country and the region, we foster entrepreneurial attitudes and respect for sustainable development among our students. The University plays an advisory role in maritime industry affairs and the education of professionals to meet the industry's needs. We prepare personnel capable of effectively meeting the challenges of today's maritime economy and maritime transport in particular.

Today, the Maritime University has enormous potential and is constantly developing. We are a University focused on development, including the development of its teaching and research.

In the recent evaluation of the University's scientific activity, as many as four scientific disciplines received high B+ grades. This is thanks to the enormous commitment and work of our academic staff, especially in the last quarter. For their effort and contribution to the development of the University, I have already thanked them several times, and I take the opportunity to thank them now as well. In particular, I would like to thank the Vice-Chancellor for Science, Professor Dariusz Barbusza, together with his entire team and those responsible within the Faculties and the Maritime Institute for coordinating the evaluation work and preparing the application to the Ministry of Education and Science.

By obtaining higher categories than in the previous evaluation, we have fulfilled the objective set in the 'Strategy for the development of the university for 2020-2024' of increasing the quality and efficiency of the education process, developing scientific potential and enhancing the quality of our scientific and research activities.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

We stand here today at the Pomeranian Quay in Gdynia, a place that is born of dreams and the sea. It is here that during the next few years, you will develop knowledge, gain experience, improve your skills, and build friendships.

Gdynia Maritime University will be your second home, your window to the world - and for those who have chosen maritime programmes of study - your window to the sea. Our four Faculties are opening their doors to you: Electrical Engineering, Navigation, Mechanical Engineering, and Management and Quality Science. And for doctoral candidates, the doors of the Doctoral School.

The University has the right to award doctoral degrees and post-doctoral degrees in four disciplines:

• automation, electronics and electrotechnics,
• Civil Engineering and Transport,
• Management and quality sciences,
• Earth and environmental sciences.

Grasp the knowledge offered to you enthusiastically with both hands. Be inquisitive, ask questions, and search for answers and solutions together with your colleagues and professors. Create new projects, and new strategies, be creative and confident in yourself and your value.

Standing here today, you already have reason to be proud, and to feel special. For today, you are joining the academic community of an elite university, a world-class educational institute. A university with rich maritime traditions, where we proudly wear the uniform and where we honour the Polish flag.

 

Dear Students!

Studying at Gdynia Maritime University is by no means easy. Our degree programmes are demanding. Many challenges and hard work lie before you, but also interesting as a student. Our study programmes are much more than just lectures, there are

• interesting workshops,
• inspiring laboratory sessions and work with simulators, and also
• practical sessions,

including training at sea on our training vessels.

 

Gdynia Maritime University is the owner of three well-equipped vessels:

• the world-famous sailing ship "Dar Młodzieży", the flagship of our University, city, and country, an exceptional ambassador for Poland;
• the research and training vessel "Horizon II", capable of navigating in the polar zone;
• the research vessel 'Imor', equipped with the latest generation of equipment.

The University also has its own yachts, on which students train and attend courses at our University Sailing and Water Sports Centre sail. We also have a unique-on-a-global-scale Ship Handling Centre in Iława, which provides courses and training to improve ship manoeuvring skills. The Centre is run by the Foundation for Safety in Shipping and the Protection of the Environment and was founded 30 years ago in collaboration with the Gdansk University of Technology. Recently, on 19th September, the centre was honoured with the name of Zbigniew Sulatycki, an honorary doctor of our University, and Chair of the Maritime Convention.

What's more, were making efforts in preparation for the building of a replacement for the "Dar Młodzieży". A resolution on this matter has already been passed by the GMU Senate. This year, our white frigate is celebrating its ruby jubilee after 40 years of service to the Polish sea and our University. The time has come for another ship to take its place, and for the "Dar Młodzieży", to assume its place of honour next to its great predecessor, the "Dar Pomorza".

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I am speaking today about the sea, ships, and the maritime economy – after all, we are inaugurating the 103rd year at this maritime centre of higher education, the Maritime University. The name itself obliges us to develop learning focused on the sea and to foster and strengthen maritime traditions, traditions which are alive and present in the everyday happenings of our University.

Gdynia Maritime University (GMU) is the legal successor to the Maritime School, founded on 17th June 1920 in Tczew, as well as the Polish maritime schools in London and Southampton which were responsible for the training of seafarers during WWII, and later the National Maritime School, the National School of Maritime Fishing, the Higher Maritime School in Gdynia, and the Maritime Academy in Gdynia.

 

Dear First-Year Students!

Your time at Gdynia Maritime University will open up a lot of opportunities for you. It will give you the chance to develop academically, and in the future, professionally. Moreover, it will provide you with valuable life experience.

Our second-year and third-year students have already achieved great things. For their exceptional achievements in science, they have been awarded:

• scholarships from the Ministry of Infrastructure,
• scholarships from the Pomeranian Marshall,
• prizes in competitions,
• scientific awards,
• awards from maritime agencies, associations, and scientific and professional organisations.

Soon, such successes will also be within your reach.

I encourage you to enter contests, to not shy away from healthy competition – in science, art, culture, and sport.

 

Our University has always been involved in sports! From water sports, in particular, sailing in which our students and staff have been very successful, often gaining places on the podium, to athletics, and karate championships, but also chess and draughts tournaments.

Agnieszka Kaszuba – a 2022 graduate of the Faculty of Navigation, the current and many-times academic champion of Poland in the pole vault, recently began work as a research-and-teaching Assistant in the Department of Transport and Logistics. This is an excellent example of how we can combine our passions and sporting success with academia and a professional career.

This year, our University organised for the first time soduku championships, and every year students, lecturers, administration staff, and staff from the Maritime Institute and our four Faculties compete with each other during University Sports Day.

 

In relation to sports, we should surely mention our most recent investment – the construction of a sports hall on the main University campus. Work began only a few months ago, and already enormous progress has been made with the groundwork.

This is a big project. Initial preparations on the site began two years ago, and intensive groundwork began in August. Gdynia Maritime University's modern, well-equipped Sports and Recreation Centre will be ready in 2024. And so first-year students will most definitely be able to make use of it.

We also plan to build new student accommodation, which will be connected to the sports centre via a skywalk.

 

Work has begun to modernise the grounds of the University's Faculty of Navigation. The work will include the reconstruction of the underground infrastructure, and redevelopment of the car park and the green areas of the grounds, including the replacement of plants and landscape architecture. Also planned is the installation of new lighting and pavements.

The works will include the redevelopment of the square in front of the main Faculty building. The investment will improve the safety of the area for students, staff, and doctoral candidates of the Faculty, whilst having a positive effect on the building's image in the eyes of residents and visitors to the University. The Faculty of Navigation is near Gdynia's Skwer Kościuszki - the area of the city most often visited by tourists.

 

To meet the needs of our students' physical activity, in September this year, the University also concluded an agreement with the National Forests Management Agency in Gdansk (Państwowe Gospodarstwo Leśne Lasy Państwowe Nadleśnictwo Gdańsk).

Under this agreement, forest areas will be made available to the University in which we will develop sports infrastructures for running, walking, and competitive sports. This nature of the project is rooted in a concept known internationally as 'Permanent Orienteering Courses'. Here, students will learn and practise orienteering, read and understand maps, and actively spend time outdoors. 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

We are not only proud of the sporting successes of our students and staff but also especially proud of the academic successes of our teaching and research staff.

Last year, 3 of our lecturers were granted titular professorship:

• Professor Andrzej Miszczak,
• Professor Lech Murawski, and
• Professor Tomasz Tarasiuk,

and this year:

• Professor Piotr Gnaciński.

We are extremely please with these achievements. Obtaining a professorship at our University involves a great deal of work. It is a significant challenge, especially as this distinction is earned by those who are active both as researchers and professionals. 

A highly significant success of our academic staff was the inclusion of as many as six scientists from our University in the prestigious Stanford University list of the two per cent of the most influential scientists in the world.

• Professor Tomasz Tarasiuk,
• Professor Piotr Gnaciński,
• Professor Krzysztof Górecki,
• Professor Janusz Zarębski,
• Dr Agnieszka Lazarowska, and
• Dr Paweł Górecki

We are proud of their achievements and the fact that these same scientists, who have been honoured by inclusion in an international scientific ranking, will soon be working with you during classes, from them you will gain knowledge, and with their help and support develop experience.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Students!

The importance of the role of the teacher in the life of a student, in the shaping of a student's character and in encouraging development, is represented by the Captain Konstantyn Matyjewicz-Maciejewicz Award for Best GMU Teacher.

The winner of the award is chosen by the students. Last year they chose a long-serving previous Rector of the University, Professor Józef Lisowski. You will also get the chance to choose the best academic teacher, and some of you will, in time, no doubt join our team of teaching and research staff. You will also contribute to Polish science and the maritime industry.

Others of you will take to seas and oceans aboard ships. The University is proud of its illustrious captains, engineers, and uniquely talented individuals who possess a wealth of knowledge and experience.

 

Persons with the highest maritime qualifications, which have resulted in the most notable successes connected with work at sea, individuals who Gdynia Maritime University honours with the "Conqueror of Seas and Oceans" award. This year, the award was given to the long-serving, youngest captain of the "Dar Młodzieży" Dr and Master Mariner Artur Król.

 

The University recognises and values the work of its academic teachers. For their outstanding achievements and recognition within the scientific or professional community, the University honours them with the "Sails of Science" award in two categories:

for the most overall number of citations and highest Hirsch Index (5 persons awarded in 2022):

• Professor Jerzy Mizeraczyk of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering,
• Dr Joanna Szłapczyńska,  of the Faculty of Navigation.
• Dr Zbigniew Otremba,  of the Faculty of Marine Engineering, and
• Professor Piotr Jędrzejowicz of the Faculty of Management and Quality Science,
• Professor Jacek Zaucha of the Maritime Institute.

and for the most citations during the year 2021 (awarded in 2022):

• Professor Jerzy Mizeraczyk of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering,
• Dr Joanna Szłapczyńska of the Faculty of Navigation
• Dr Zbigniew Otremba of the Faculty of Marine Engineering
• Dr Katarzyna Krasowska of the Faculty of Management and Quality Science,
• Professor  Jacek Zaucha of the Maritime Institute.

Persons of merit in the areas of maritime scientific development, culture, industry, education, or the social life of the University may be awarded an honorary doctoral degree. 

In June of this year, the title of Doctor Honoris Causa was awarded by the Senate to an outstanding academic, one of the creators of maritime education in Poland, the father of the Polish school of navigation, Professor Mirosławow Jurdziński.

 

Dear Students!

There's a reason I'm talking to you about outstanding scientists who are connected to our University, people with extensive knowledge and experience. You will work with them during lectures, workshops and laboratory sessions.

I am talking about professors who have written many academic textbooks, scripts, articles, monographs, research works and expert opinions - it is from their publications that you will draw your knowledge.

The university boasts a wide range of renowned experts in Poland and abroad, outstanding scientists whose work has grown the prestige and reputation of the University, and for you are treasures of knowledge.

 

In reference to scientific success, I would like to mention the awards given to the University - the Polish Smart Development Award, which Gdynia Maritime University was awarded for the fourth time. In the 7th edition of the competition, University was honoured in the category "Innovative digitization and sharing of data."

Our University, by decision of the Certification Committee of "The University of Leaders" Programme, also won the 12th edition of the Competition and was awarded "The University of Leaders 2022" certificate. 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The University also received medals for two inventions submitted by the University, one by the Faculty of Marine Engineering, and the other by the Faculty of Navigation,  for the 15th-anniversary edition of the International Trade Fair for Inventions and Innovation INTARG®2022. The inventions, which were awarded silver medals were.

• "An Innovative welded surfaces finishing method"  by Dr Olhi Dvirnej of the Faculty of Marine Engineering
• "Innovative equipment of a floating intervention unit" Dr Grzegorza Rutkowskiego, and Pawła Kołakowskiego of the Faculty of Navigation.  

 

Dear First-Year Students!

Why am I telling you this? Because I want to inspire your creativity, inspire you to be actively involved in various areas of study and student activity, to engage in the work of the University's academic circles, and the Student Parliament, to join our Guard of Honour, and maybe our Academic Choir, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and performed at stadiums in Warsaw and Krakow, together with the world-famous Andrea Bocelli.

I would like you to spend your time at Gdynia Maritime University ambitiously and creatively, making use of all our University has to offer.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Gdynia Maritime University is continually developing. We have created new units, sections, and laboratories:

• the New Hydroacoustics Laboratory in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering,
• two new sections in the Faculty of Management and Quality Science:
  • the Marketing and Quantum Methods Section, and
  • Management and Economics Section.

 

We have established:

• the Offshore Wind Energy Centre, and
• the Maritime Cyber Security Centre.

And not forgetting the Sports and Recreation Centre, which includes:

• the Sailing and Water Sports Centre,
• the School of Physical Education and Sport,
• the indoor swimming pool,
• and, currently under construction, the new Sports Centre.

 

We are also building a modern Offshore Centre near the Wisłoujście fortress in Gdansk port,  where three weeks ago we held a topping-off ceremony. This will not only be the new headquarters of the GMU Maritime Institute but also the newly established Offshore Wind Energy Centre. According to the plan for the investment, the main aim of the Centre is to create a local Polish supply chain for the offshore industry. This fits perfectly into the Polish Energy Policy until 2040. The Centre has the potential to become the nucleus of  a "Polish Offshore Valley".

It is our duty as a maritime University to support the development of the offshore wind energy sector. This we are doing on various levels — through education, scientific work, training, and consultancy. The Centre will allow us to become even more involved in the offshore industry.

Offshore wind energy is a branch of industry that is developing rapidly, which also affects the course of development of our University. In all four faculties, we have launched programmes aimed at the offshore market. With the rectors of eight Pomeranian universities, we signed an agreement aimed at establishing a consortium on the topic.

 

And we, as a University have launched new study programmes in this area. Firstly, the Executive Offshore Wind MBA - conducted in English. In three weeks, on 28th October, the second edition of the Programme will begin. The Programme is attracting a great deal of interest from those who have future aspirations in the offshore market, but also those who are already active in the industry, in important roles of responsibility. We are running the Offshore Wind MBA Programme in cooperation with Hochschule Bremerhaven in Germany, and Business Academy SouthWest in Denmark.

In the Faculty of Navigation, we have launched a postgraduate study programme entitled "Risk Management in the Offshore Extraction and Offshore Wind Industries." We are also now offering postgraduate studies dedicated to "Cybersecurity in the Marine Industry."

We are also providing the second cycle offshore degree studies in:

• transport - Logistics for the Offshore Sector, and
• navigation - Offshore Technology

We are working on opening further programmes at the master's degree level

• Offshore Wind Energy (in collaboration with Gdansk University of Technology)
• Marine Archaeology (in collaboration with the University of Gdansk), conducted in English, and
• a post-graduate diploma in Marine Geophysics (in collaboration with AGH University of Science and Technology).

We offer an appealing, rich range of study programmes, and most importantly, the education we offer is a response to the needs of the labour market. Gdynia Maritime University graduates are attractive candidates for employers, as they leave the University with abundant knowledge, but also practical skills acquired during their training, internships, and workshops.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The modern maritime University, the potential of which has been developed over the past 102 years, also includes our cooperation and activity within international maritime organisations.

We are members of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU). As a representative of our University, I sit on the Executive Board of the IAMU and chair the Academic Affairs Committee.

Our experts are involved in the work of the committees, subcommittees and working groups of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Last year, one of our experts, Dr Krzysztof Czaplewski, was appointed chair of the International Association of Institutes of Navigation (IAIN) for the period 2021-2024.

 

Our international cooperation with organisations and universities around the world includes the exchange of lecturers, and students, as well as joint research projects.

We organise annual scientific conferences of international reach, the works of which are indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Among these events is the internationally recognised elite conference TransNav, organised jointly by the Faculty of Navigation and the Nautical Institute, as well as conferences organised periodically by students and student academic circles.

Our reputation extends beyond the maritime environment. In October last year, for the first time, we hosted the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland, KRASP.

In January of this year, Gdynia Maritime University also hosted the Conference of Deputy Rectors for Education of Polish Technical Universities.

We also hosted the Chancellors and Bursars of all higher education institutions in Poland.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Our University cooperates closely with the business sector. Our relations, supported by agreements and letters of intent, include cooperation with the largest economic entities, such as:

• Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A.,
• PKN Orlen,
• Grupa Lotos SA,
• Energa,
• The Agency for the Development of Industry,
• Geofizyka Toruń,
• Central Office of Measures
• OX2,
• RWE,
• Mewo,
• Gdynia Maritime Agency,
• Alfa Laval,
• Equinor and
• Polenergia.

Recently, we have concluded contracts with

• CRIST shipyard,
• companies NeptHyne SA and
• Orsted,

and we are currently laying the groundwork for the agreement of further contracts.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The University is not an isolated entity that functions beyond the social and economic life of the country and region. On the contrary, we are part of an inseparable whole. Our close relationship with business results in research projects implemented by companies. Under business agreements, we are carrying out research which will solve several technological problems, and in turn, will improve and develop the Polish economy. In the Maritime Institute, we have a strong partner for these activities.

We have aspirations to be one of the leaders of projects for the construction of wind farms in the Baltic Sea. We are currently engaged in serious discussions on the matter, and we are securing contracts with the most important players in the offshore market in Poland. In mid-September, a contract was signed with PGE Baltica for environmental research in preparation for the Baltic Sea wind farm Baltica 1 project, including the offshore and land-based connection infrastructure.

Earlier, in the spring of this year, we signed a large, multi-million-dollar agreement with the Central Environmental Protection Inspectorate (GIOŚ) for a project for the mapping of bottom habitats in Polish marine areas. Our partner in both of these projects is Mewo SA, with which we signed a cooperation agreement on 15th July last year, providing a new framework for a multi-annual partnership, within which the Maritime Institute of GMU and Mewo SA will jointly conduct environmental research for investments in maritime areas.

We signed a sectoral agreement at the Ministry for Climate and the Environment for the development of offshore wind energy in Poland, along with government representatives and key figures from the offshore wind energy sector in Poland.

I was appointed by the Minister of Climate and Environmental Protection to the Council for Offshore Wind Energy, and Deputy Rector for Education, Professor Sambor Guze became the coordinator of one of the working groups in the Council for Development of Personnel and Education Systems.

As one of a group of nine universities that provide education and conduct research in maritime-related areas, we signed an agreement of intent for the scientific consortium in the presence of the Prime Minister during the Maritime Convention for the development of Offshore Wind Energy in Poland. Our University is a member, and often a leader of technological platforms, and science and technology consortia. It is also important to highlight our contribution and the role we play in the Pomeranian Platform for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy Development in the Baltic Sea.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

We are gathered here today to celebrate the inauguration of the new academic year. The history of the University is continually being written - written by all individuals associated with our University in their different ways, but above all, by those young people who are about to swear the oath on the University banner.

At this point, I would like to thank Father Edward Pracz, the Chaplain of the Stella Maris Centre of the Sea, for the Holy Mass celebrated this morning at the  Redemptorist church in Gdynia celebrated a solemn mass on behalf of the staff, doctoral candidates, students and graduates of our Alma Mater.

I would also like to thank His Excellency Bishop Piotr Przybork for accepting our invitation to concelebrate this Holy Mass with us as well.

I also give thanks to our Academic Choir, under the direction of Dr Karol Hilla, whose performance has brought an air of solemnity to this morning's Holy Mass and today's inauguration.

On behalf of our academic community, I would also like to thank His Excellence Archbishop Tadeusz Wojdy for the ceremonial holy mass on the occasion of the inauguration of the 2022/2023 academic year in Pomerania, which was celebrated last Friday in the Basilica Cathedral in Gdansk, Oliwa.

 

Dear Students!

In just a moment, you will become equal members of our academic community. You join a group of exceptional, elite students of the University. As Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, I would like to congratulate you on your choice of University and encourage you to work hard and with determination.

Study diligently, take advantage of the opportunities offered by the University, and reach out for the new, the engaging, the unconquered. Work on your development. This is your time.

I hope all your expectations for your chosen course of study will be met, and that it will stimulate your creative thinking and passion for the study of knowledge and the joy of student life.

Do not give up at the first sign of difficulty. From experience, I can assure you that after a moment of storm, the sun shines again and the wind blows in the right direction! Keep this wind in your sails and immerse yourselves in the challenges that await you during your studies!

But remember, studying is hard work, so don't forget to rest. Maintaining a balance between work and play is essential in the lives of all of us, and youth has its own rights. Make use of your time as students in every way – learn and rest actively from your studies.

Be proud of the University. Some of you are already today in uniform, and some of you have come in formal dress and will receive uniforms later. We are also preparing T-shirts, fleeces, and tracksuits with the University logo for you to enjoy during your free time. A shop will soon be opened in the main building of the University, run by the Promotions Office, where you will find merchandise promoting the University.

I wish you all a great deal of success in your quests for knowledge, skills and competencies, and most importantly in achieving your goal of gaining a new, well-paid and prestigious profession.

May the winds be favourable for all of us, and above all for you, dear GMU students!

 

This year's inauguration falls within the halfway point of the current term of office of the University, therefore encourages some summary and reflection. The past two years have passed in the shadow of the pandemic, and when it seemed that nothing worse could happen, an armed conflict began just beyond our eastern borders and it is still ongoing seven months later.

In the most recent issue of the University's Maritime Courier, I strive in an interview conducted by Małgorzata Sokołowski to take an objective look at the past two years, pointing out successes and failures, discussing ambitions, and determining the directions for further development.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

May the new academic year provide our entire academic community, the students, University staff and lecturers, with satisfaction with the professional, scientific, research, teaching, and organisational challenges that lie ahead.

I am convinced that the new academic year will open up opportunities for development for all of us and that in the coming months we will implement our plans and successfully face further challenges!

 

Quod Bonum Felix Faustum Fortunatum-que Sit!

I wish you all a happy, propitious, and successful academic year 2022/2023!

Vivat Academia,
vivant Professores,
vivatmembrumquodlibet,
vivant membraquaelibet,
semper sint in flore!

I declare the 2022/2023 academic year open!