A new expert team is overseeing the research, strategic, and technological development of the UG ship r/v Oceanograf. The unit will ensure that the ship's potential is properly exploited, especially in the context of research voyages.
‘The team will be in charge of coordinating activities related to the r/v Oceanograf vessel, which is used for scientific research on the one hand and for commercial activities on the other. Our task is to find the right balance between these two spheres, with the emphasis on the scientific side,’ says Team Chairperson dr hab. Agata Weydmann-Zwolicka, prof. UG. 'We want to improve the operation and use of the ship, including the equipment on board.’
The Team for the Development of the r/v Oceanograf Science and Research Unit will oversee the most important decisions about the UG ship. The group consists of scientists from the UG Department of Oceanography and Geography, but also representatives from the Shipowner's Office and the UG Chancellor's Team:
- Chair: dr hab. Agata Weydmann-Zwolicka, prof. UG - Faculty of Oceanography and Geography;
- Vice-Chair: dr Aleksandra Brodecka-Goluch - Faculty of Oceanography and Geography;
- Vice-Chair: mgr inż. Łukasz Grzelak - Shipowner's Office with the vessel r/v Oceanograf;
- prof. dr hab. Monika Normant-Saremba - Faculty of Oceanography and Geography
- prof. dr hab. Wojciech Tylmann - Faculty of Oceanography and Geography
- mgr Ewa Weronis - Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Projects
‘I see the potential of our vessel to carry out large interdisciplinary projects that will provide unique results, which will directly translate into publication opportunities and scientific strengthening of the faculty and the University of Gdańsk,’ says prof. dr hab. Monika Normant-Saremba from the Faculty of Oceanography and Geography. ‘The first such expedition has already taken place as part of the SEA-EU alliance, during a research cruise to Cádiz, and a similar undertaking is planned for this year.’
The responsibilities of the new unit will include the extensive development of the UG vessel r/v Oceanograf. The team is responsible for coordinating the use of the vessel for scientific research, teaching, promotion and commercial purposes. It is also tasked with evaluating and approving completed voyages, providing opinions on the purchase of research equipment and coordinating the principles of cooperation with external entities.
‘In the context of marine research at the University of Gdańsk, the r/v Oceanograf is an exceptionally valuable vessel, which is why we want to support its best use,’ says Vice-Rector for Scientific Research prof. dr hab. Wiesław Laskowski, who will supervise the team's work. ‘Such a specialised vessel belonging to the university is a phenomenon not only on a national scale but in entire Europe.’
