On 15 June 2026, the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski received an honorary doctorate from the University of Split, one of Croatia’s most important academic centres and a member of the SEA-EU alliance of European universities, to which the University of Gdańsk also belongs.

This highest academic distinction was awarded to Rector prof. Piotr Stepnowski for his international academic leadership, commitment to developing cooperation between the University of Gdańsk and the University of Split, his key role in building and strengthening the European University of the Seas SEA-EU alliance, and his outstanding scientific achievements in the field of environmental chemistry.

Explaining their decision, the Senate of the University of Split highlighted prof. Piotr Stepnowski’s long-standing commitment to the development of European academic cooperation. As one of the leaders of the European University of the Seas SEA-EU initiative, he helped shape the strategic vision of the alliance, based on openness, mobility, academic excellence, and the creation of a common European higher education area. His role in developing cooperation between the University of Gdańsk and the University of Split was particularly appreciated. Thanks to his efforts, relations between the two universities have expanded to include joint research projects, student and staff exchanges, Erasmus+ initiatives, teaching initiatives, and the organisation of academic events.

His personal commitment to supporting the development of the University of Split’s international standing and his contribution to building lasting academic ties between universities affiliated with the SEA-EU alliance were also recognised. Another important element of this collaboration was Prof. Stepnowski’s role as a visiting professor at the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology at the University of Split.

The Senate of the University of Split also highlighted the exceptional and innovative scientific achievements of prof. Piotr Stepnowski, recognised as one of Europe’s leading specialists in the field of environmental analytical chemistry. His research on the occurrence, transformation, and impact of emerging chemical pollutants, as well as the development of modern methods for their identification and analysis, has gained international recognition and had a significant impact on the development of environmental sciences.

‘I accept this honour with gratitude and humility. I view it not only as an acknowledgement of my scientific work and academic activities, but also as a tribute to the values that should always define universities: openness, collaboration, curiosity about the world, and responsibility toward society,’ said prof. Piotr Stepnowski during the ceremony.

In his speech, the Rector of the University of Gdańsk highlighted the special role of universities in times of dynamic geopolitical, technological, and social change. He emphasised the importance of international academic cooperation and initiatives such as SEA-EU, which help build an integrated and open European higher education area.

Prof. Piotr Stepnowski also noted that modern universities must not only impart knowledge but also help societies navigate a world full of uncertainty and prepare younger generations for the challenges of the future. He also referred to his research on the presence of pharmaceuticals and other pollutants in the environment, highlighting science’s responsibility to seek solutions to global environmental problems.

The ceremony in Split also held symbolic significance for the University of Gdańsk community. The awarding of the honorary doctorate is an expression of recognition not only for prof. Piotr Stepnowski’s achievements but also for the University of Gdańsk’s role as one of the leaders in European academic cooperation.