Presentation and promotion of scientific achievements are part of the objectives of the cooperation agreement signed between the Hevelianum and Fahrenheit Universities. The joint activities will popularise not only science but also sustainable development.

The document was signed on February 21 in the Artillery Carriage House on the premises of the Hevelianum.

The effects of the cooperation can be expected as early as May 28 during the Fahrenheit Science Picnic. The event's theme will be actions to improve our planet's quality of life and condition, described by the UN as the Sustainable Development Goals.

- 'One of the pillars of the activities of universities is the common good,' - says prof. Marcin Gruchała, President of the Assembly of the Fahrenheit Universities Association, Rector of the Medical University of Gdańsk. - 'Besides educating specialists in almost all fields, an essential aspect of our mission is also widely understood ecological education and shaping attitudes of responsibility for the environment. Implementing these sustainably and responsibly is key to facing our global challenges.'

A science town will be set up on Góra Gradowa. A play area will be waiting for the youngest visitors. For the slightly older ones and their parents, there will be an extensive programme for discovering science through entertainment, including a spectacular science show. Aleksandra and Piotr Stanisławski, authors of the popular science blog Crazy Nauka, have already confirmed their attendance. The organisers will ensure that the use of plastic and paper is minimised, among other things.

The first Science Picnic prepared by the Medical University of Gdańsk, the University of Gdańsk Technical University, the University of Gdańsk and the Hevelianum took place on Góra Gradowa on the last Sunday of May 2022.

- 'Numerous tents stood on the main square, and more than 3,000 visitors took advantage of the attractions,' - recalls Paweł Golak, director of the Hevelianum. - 'I hope that the agreement signed today will help us repeat the success of last year's event and enrich it with new aspects. After all, each institution brings its own values. The Hevelianum's domain is ecology, and a great potential is the experience of educators who work with children, young people and families daily.'

- 'In Gdańsk, we are committed to building community, and the agreement signed today will also allow for a consistent direction in education, whether it concerns green, historical or technical subjects. I am pleased because this dimension of cooperation is an attractive way of passing on the most up-to-date knowledge and popularising science. It is also an opportunity to involve educators who work at the Hevelianum daily in activities carried out by universities,' - adds Monika Chabior, deputy mayor of Gdańsk, for social development and equal treatment.

- 'We are involved in science and didactics daily, but during the Fahrenheit Science Picnic, we can share this passion with others and show how scientists' work affects our reality. In the face of advancing climate change, this work is particularly evident in the research or expertise carried out. However, its scope is much greater, as there are many relationships between science and society. We will discuss this relationship and sustainable development during this year's picnic,' - says prof. Adriana Zaleska-Medynska, director of the Daniel Fahrenheit Association of Universities in Gdańsk.

Signatories of the agreement

• Monika Chabior, deputy mayor of Gdańsk for social development and equal treatment
• Paweł Golak, Director of Hevelianum
• prof. dr hab. Marcin Gruchała, Rector of the Medical University of Gdańsk
• prof. dr hab. inż Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of the Gdansk University of Technology
• prof. dr. hab. Piotr Stepnowski, Rector of the University of Gdańsk
• prof. dr hab. inż. Adriana Zaleska-Medynska, Director of the Daniel Fahrenheit Association of Universities in Gdańsk