Professor Jerzy Piotr Gwizdała was elected by the University Electoral College to serve as Rector of the University of Gdańsk for 2020-2024 term. The Electoral College Meeting to select the UG Rector took place on 27 April 2020 in a form of videoconference. The meeting was chaired by prof. UG, dr hab. Teresa Kamińska. The University of Gdańsk Electoral College, in accordance with the Statute, comprises representatives of every University of Gdańsk academic community group.

The University of Gdańsk Council, following the approval from University Senate, appointed two candidates for UG Rector’s position, current University of Gdańsk Rector - prof. UG dr hab. Jerzy Piotr Gwizdała and current  Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education - prof. UG dr hab. Arnold Kłonczyński.

 The open meeting between the UG academic community and the candidates for Rector position took place on 5 March 2020. At the meeting candidates presented their plans for University development and took part in Q&A session.

68 electors (1 person was absent) casted their vote by secret ballot on 27 April 2020. Votes split: 59 votes for Professor Jerzy Piotr Gwizdała, 9 votes for Professor Arnold Kłonczyński.

Voting took place in a form of videoconference. The use of IT technologies ensured the secrecy of voting. That form of a meeting was legitimate pursuant to Regulation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of March 23, 2020 in relation to the temporary limitation of the functioning of some entities of the higher education and science system with regard to the prevention, counteracting and eradication of COVID-19 and amendments to the University of Gdańsk Statute.

The new, four year term starts on 1 September 2020.

Prof. UG dr hab. Jerzy Piotr Gwizdała:

I would like to thank our academic community for trust, help and cooperation so far to the benefit of our University. At the same time I am hoping for further support for my actions from our employees and students. This year marks the 50^th anniversary of our University creation. As an academic community, for five decades, we have achieved strong scientific position, we are one of the leaders in maritime projects and research, as well as innovative international research agendas. We have intensified the synergy between science and business and we can be proud of the quality of education we provide. We have built state-of-the art University campus that features faculties, laboratories and workshops befitting 21^st century.

For years 2020 – 2024 we have formulated the intensive multifaceted development plan for our University. We focus on providing the highest quality of academic education, highest quality of research, creating innovations, effectiveness in University management, also openness, social responsibility and social engagement. We have been classified among the top twenty best Polish universities within the ‘Excellence Strategy – Research Institution’ program, but we aspire to be in the top ten.

The coming decade, we have plenty of work ahead of us. Multiple projects have been planned and it is impossible to name all of them. We will continue to enhance international and inter-university cooperation, we plan to open Applied Research Institute to serve as research exchange center. Our investment plans include construction of the University Sports Center, housing for employees and we also wish to create University Health Center and Academic Integration Center. We still plan to invest in improving the social and living conditions of our students and employees. We need to strengthen the IT management of the University and invest in improving qualifications of our management, academic teachers and students. One of our priorities is to develop Eco University policy. The development plan concerns the whole decade, because it has been created with the next generation in mind, some results will only be measurable in the long run. We are an important part of Pomerania Region, we will continue to work to the benefit of Pomerania development and modern Poland.

According to the amended election calendar, the elections of UG Faculties’ Deans, UG Senate Members and Scientific Councils members should take place before 31 August 2020. The University of Gdańsk Council elections should be organized before 26 November 2020.

Elections for the University of Gdańsk Rector and other University bodies for 2020-2024 term are conducted by the University Elections Commission headed by prof. UG dr hab. Mariusz Bogusz.

The elections calendar, election spots and legal acts are available at the UG website

Prof. UG dr hab. Jerzy Piotr Gwizdała – bio

Rector of the University of Gdańsk appreciations

dr Beata Czechowska-Derkacz

Spokesperson of the University of Gdańsk