A visit to the Marine Station of the University of Gdańsk in Hel and participation in seal feeding, a cruise on the scientific research vessel 'Oceanograf', gadgets autographed by Piotr Sierzputowski and a sculpture 'Świątek' by the Rector - this is how the University of Gdańsk will support the 29th Grand Finale of Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy.
The 29th Finale of WOŚP will be held exceptionally on January 31. Due to the pandemic and restrictions in place, it will certainly be different from previous ones. Most of the events will be held remotely, and their progress can be followed during online broadcasts. This year's collection will be dedicated to the support of paediatric laryngology, otolaryngology and head diagnostics departments.
- I would like to invite you all to take part in the auctions prepared by the University of Gdańsk on the occasion of the 29th Finale of WOŚP. I am convinced that the employees and supporters of our University will show great heart and enormous willingness to help, thanks to which we will be able to collect a substantial sum that will be transferred to the account of WOŚP - says the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. Piotr Stepnowski.
The University of Gdańsk will support the WOŚP Finale by creating unique auctions. The auctions started on January 23 and will last until February 3, till 12:00. University of Gdańsk supporters who want to join us in supporting WOŚP this year can take part in one of the auctions prepared by the University.
Animal lovers can bid for a visit to the Marine Station in Hel, where they will be able to visit the Station under the guidance of experienced staff and learn about the work of scientists. An unusual attraction will be the opportunity to participate in the feeding and medical training of a breeding herd of grey seals alongside one of the trainers. The Marine Station is a unique and extensive complex where, among other things, projects for the active protection of marine wildlife are carried out, but it is the seal sanctuary that is the part of the complex that, especially in summer, enjoys the greatest interest. A person who bids for a visit to the Marine Station will have a unique opportunity to visit a place that is usually crowded with tourists, without the presence of crowds. Above all, it will also be a unique opportunity to take a closer look at work with these exceptional animals from a scientific perspective. Please note that only adults can take part in the visit to the seal sanctuary and the seal feeding.
Those who enjoy experiencing nature with a light dose of adrenaline are invited to take a cruise on the modern scientific research vessel called Oceanograf. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to become a salty dog and observe the work of scientists from the Department of Oceanography and Geography of the University of Gdańsk at sea. The person who bids for this unique voyage will take part in the so-called research sampling under the supervision of the ship's crew. Daily, Oceanograf is used to conduct bathymetric, biological, chemical, physical, geological, magnetic and seismo-acoustic research of the Baltic Sea environment. The ship is also a place where classes are held and students of Oceanography acquire research practice. Oceanograf is also adapted to catch fish and plankton. Please note that only adults can take part in the research cruise.
Watch a video about Oceanograf
Sports fans will also find something for themselves in our auctions. Students' Radio MORS has donated for auction a T-shirt and a thermal mug of the University of Gdańsk signed by Piotr Sierzputowski, the coach of Iga Świątek, who under his supervision won the Grand Slam tournament - French Open as the first Polish tennis player. Piotr Sierzputowski received the WTA's 2020 Best Coach Award for his contribution to her development. He comes from Tri-City and studied economics at the University of Gdańsk. The interview with Piotr Sierzputowski was conducted last November by Radio MORS journalist Stanisław Pawłowski. You can listen to the interview here.
The sculpture "Świątek" by the Rector of the University of Gdańsk will also be auctioned. Prof. Piotr Stepnowski, Rector of the University of Gdańsk, is a chemist, an outstanding researcher, a world pioneer in the field of detection and assessment of environmental exposure to unusual chemical pollutants, such as drug residues or the so-called ionic liquids. In his free time, he devotes himself to his passion - sculpting. - I find it extremely relaxing and it is a form of meditation which allows me to take my mind off current affairs – admits prof. Stepnowski. He donates his sculpture "Świątek" to the auction.
The Board of Directors of the Professor Wacław Szybalski Foundation donated to the auction books published by the University of Gdańsk Publishing House. These incredibly interesting publications are: Professor Wacław Szybalski on Lviv, genes, the essence of life and Nobel Prize winners by Jarosław Abramow - Nwerly (book in Polish and English), Rudolf Weigl's capricious star by Ryszard Wójcik and Anna J. Podhajska (1938 - 2010) The first lady of Polish biotechnology by prof. Wiesław Makarewicz and prof. Ewa Łojkowska.
Until Sunday, you can also bid for the Skagit FG Werner paddle with which UG student Jacek Pałubicki completed a record-breaking canoe loop around Poland between July 13, and September 12, 2020. The journey covered the Brda River, the Bydgoszcz Canal, the Noteć River, the Warta River (upstream), the Czarna Przemsza River, the Przemsza River, the Soła River and the Vistula River, and was 2044 km long. The paddle is signed by Jacek Pałubicki.
An auction organised by prof. dr hab. Wiesław Laskowski, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research, ended with great success. The subject of the auction was a popular science lecture Secrets of the World of Quanta, thanks to which the account of WOŚP will receive as much as PLN 1000. The person who auctioned the lecture will learn, among others, what a qubit is and what quantum superposition is all about, how to make use of ignorance, that is, what quantum interference is all about, what quantum entanglement is and how it is connected with Winnie the Pooh, whether it is possible to be in two places at once or what the Schroedinger's cat paradox is all about. As prof. Laskowski admits - during the lecture you will learn everything you always wanted to know about quantum physics, but there was no one to ask about it.
