‘I wish everyone a successful new academic year and unforgettable moments for students at our world-class Faculty, which educates new generations of researchers and biotechnology specialists at the highest level,’ said Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Development dr hab. Sylwia Mrozowska, prof. UG. The 2023/2024 academic year was welcomed by the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG community in the prof. Charles Taylor Lecture Hall on October 4, 2023.
The event began with singing the Polish Anthem by the UG Song and Dance Ensemble ‘Jantar’. The Dean of the Faculty, dr hab. Ewelina Król, prof. UG then took the floor to welcome the assembled guests and invite the Vice-Rector, prof. Sylwia Mrozowska, to the rostrum.
‘We have no doubt that the members of the Senates of the UG and the then Medical Academy in Gdańsk, who in June 1993 took the unanimous decision to establish the Faculty, are certain that it was the best possible decision, although a courageous and risky one at the time. Over the 30 years of the Faculty’s activity, it is not only the scientific and didactic quality that has attracted attention but also the high culture of making sure that the names and scientific works of the outstanding authors from this unit are known to all students and graduates and to those for whom the development of Polish biotechnology is important,’ said prof. Sylwia Mrozowska.
This was followed by a speech delivered by the Rector of the MUG, prof. dr hab. Marcin Gruchała, who decided to address the students:
‘Biotechnology is a developing, relevant and future-oriented field. You have, therefore, chosen very, very well both the place of study and the faculty. May the knowledge and skills you can acquire here, in a modern faculty with invaluable, internationally recognised teaching staff, translate into further successes. We have high hopes for you,’ he said.
Later in the ceremony, the Dean of the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG prof. Ewelina Król gave a speech.
‘The new academic year is not only another chapter in our academic life; it is also a time to reflect on our goals, dreams and aspirations. We are proud of our achievements to date and our many research projects. It is gratifying to see that our achievements are not limited to high rankings and statistics scores. Every day, our excellent research staff, doctoral students and students achieve individual successes that we can be proud of. Together, as an academic community, we are capable of achieving much. Dear researchers, students, doctoral students, and assembled guests, it is with enthusiasm and hope that I welcome you to the inauguration of the academic year of the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG. May this be a year full of inspiration, discoveries and new achievements.’
This was followed by the ceremonial enrollment of students and doctoral students and the awarding of prizes, distinctions and doctoral promotions. The Medal of the National Education Commission for special merits for education and upbringing was awarded to dr hab. Joanna Nakonieczna, prof. UG, and dr Anna Ihnatowicz.
The inaugural lecture entitled ‘The tumour microenvironment on target – from detecting the target to finding a new therapy’ was given by prof. dr hab. Bożena Kamińska-Kaczmarek from the M. Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, PAS, Warsaw.
The ceremony concluded with a rendition of the anthem Gaudeamus Igitur by the UG Song and Dance Ensemble ‘Jantar’.
