On Saturday, October 5, the annual ceremonial parade of universities took place in Gdańsk. The event, organised on the initiative of Fahrenheit University, brought together students, lecturers, and representatives of state and local authorities, who marched together through the streets of Gdańsk, highlighting the cooperation of Tricity's academic institutions.

The colourful parade, which included representatives of the Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk University of Technology, the University of Gdańsk, and other Pomeranian universities, marched through the streets of the city inaugurating the new academic year. The parade set off from under the Złota Brama (Golden Gate), and its finale took place at Artus Court, where representatives of state and local authorities, university authorities, and students and doctoral students spoke.

‘The development of the region and the building of Poland's first scientific centre with such an integrated structure is a great opportunity to strengthen Pomerania as a leader in modern solutions and science in the long term. Thanks to the cooperation of universities, Tricity is becoming a place where education meets practice and innovative solutions can be implemented on a large scale,’ said Beata Rutkiewicz, Pomeranian Voivode.

‘The parade of universities, in which we participate, is not only a confirmation of cooperation between our universities but also proof that Gdańsk is a city open to development and ambitious people. We are becoming a centre where young people can develop their passions, taking advantage of the wide range of opportunities offered by our city, both in the professional and private spheres,' said Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk.

‘Today's parade of universities is an expression of the unity of our three leading universities. In the new year, we are faced with the challenge of taking further steps to strengthen cooperation within our Union. I hope that the necessary statutory changes will be made to enable us to achieve our goals - to integrate these university systems and to unite our activities in such a way as to bring optimum benefits to all of us and, above all, to significantly strengthen our position in the international arena. Our activities are increasingly being supported by the parliamentary, local government and business environment of Pomerania. This cooperation strengthens the position of our universities and Tricity as a centre of innovation and science,’ summarised prof. Piotr Stepnowski, Chairman of the Assembly of The Fahrenheit Union of Universities in Gdańsk.

The university parade is a testimony to the academic potential of the region. It also provides an excellent platform for building relationships and promoting shared values that contribute to the growing importance of Tricity on the scientific map of Poland. By joining forces, it is possible to inspire each other, share best practices, and develop innovative projects that benefit both the academic community and the local market.

‘There are 20,000 of us in Poland. Together with our promoters, we raise funds for research, write articles, and solve problems,‘ said Ignacy Rogoń, a representative of doctoral students. ‘Every day we try not only to be better scientists, but above all better people. We go from being enthusiasts to becoming independent scientists. We learn to be reliable and to make science accessible. We collectively nurture respect for one another. We cultivate university traditions and customs. Together we fight for science in Poland to thrive,’ he added.

Participants in the parade emphasise that they are all part of a larger whole in which they share knowledge and experience. Everyone has a role to play and individual passions translate into collective success. United in the pursuit of a better tomorrow, they not only face challenges but also build the foundations for future achievements.

‘We have dreams. We have goals. We have tasks to accomplish. We set ourselves challenges that are difficult to meet. We talk about overcoming adversity, about fighting the problems that stand in our way. But often the biggest challenge is ourselves. It is within us that we have limitations, fears and doubts that paralyse and prevent us from becoming who we want to be. Let's trust and appreciate ourselves. When I believe in my capabilities, I also push my limits, I can do more. This belief is the driving force that will lead us to do great things. Or to small ones, but ours,’ added Patrycja Żurawska, student representative.

The university parade was an opportunity to integrate the local academic community. It was also a moment during which educational achievements and the importance of cooperation in developing innovation and science were celebrated together. The unique nature of the event was emphasised by the artistic setting. Performances by the Gdańsk Academic Orchestra and choirs from the three universities, dynamic displays by an acrobatic group, and the majestic sounds of carillons created an unforgettable atmosphere.

The parade was also attended by the representatives of:

• Ateneum Academy in Gdańsk

• Bohaterów Westerplatte Naval Academy

• Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk

• Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk

• Jędrzej Śniadecki Academy of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk

• University of Gdańsk

• Gdańsk Seminary

• Kashubian-Pomeranian higher education institution in Wejherowo

• Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology (branch in Gdańsk)

• Powiśle Higher Vocational School

• Sopot Academy of Applied Sciences

• WSB Merito Gdańsk University

• Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski Higher School of Administration and Business in Gdynia

• Higher School of Security (Gdańsk branch)

• Higher School of Engineering Economy in Słupsk

• Higher School of Social and Economic Education in Gdańsk

• Higher School of Tourism and Hotel Management in Gdańsk

• Higher School of Health in Gdańsk

The ceremony was broadcast on www.Gdańsk.pl and on the Facebook profile of Fahrenheit University, where footage of the event can still be viewed.

The organisers would like to thank the Archipelago of Culture in Gdańsk, the Museum of Gdańsk, the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk and the Municipal Police in Gdańsk for their cooperation.