Students from Tricity universities met on October 22 to take part in the ‘Release the energy’ conference, whose theme was energy in the broadest sense. From green solutions to the latest technologies, the discussions were full of ideas on how to meet the challenges of the future.

Young speakers shared their innovative ideas on energy transition and green technologies. The meeting was a unique opportunity to share experiences on using energy in the modern world.

‘Today's conference was about energy in the broadest sense, which we encounter at every turn. A topic that brings together three completely different academic communities. We wanted to create a common space to exchange experiences and integrate our universities. We believe we have succeeded in achieving this,’ said Fahrenheit Student Union Ambassador Bogumiła Szymendera. Participants at the event had the chance to present their research and exchange ideas. The best poster and the best presentation, selected by the Scientific Committee, were awarded prizes donated by Aramco.

‘We tried to combine the energy approach of three different universities because each one has a little bit different specificity. Some deal more with psychology, some with engineering, some with medical issues, so it was a really interesting experience for us to combine in this conference what will really work and be interesting for everyone,' said Anna Suchecka, a representative of the organising committee.

A wide range of issues were covered, from talks on biodegradation to a presentation of the latest developments in the field of biomicrogels. Knowledge and inspiration were provided to students by invited experts, including Łukasz Dąbrowski from the Office of the Marshal of the Pomorskie Voivodeship and blogger Łukasz Długowski.

‘Above all, the ‘Release the energy’ conference was a space to discuss topics important to the student community, which will determine their future,’ emphasised the Director of The Fahrenheit Union of Universities in Gdańsk, prof. Adriana Zaleska-Medynska. ‘The tremendous commitment of the young organisers testifies to their determination and sense of responsibility for our future. Their energy and creativity are invaluable in building a community that not only thinks about today, but also about the consequences of decisions or actions taken.’

In his opening lecture, blogger Łukasz Długowski presented the challenges of surviving in a changing world from the point of view of nature. He cited the Białowieża Forest, wolves and bisons as examples of an ecosystem and species that have survived for thousands of years through adaptability. He emphasised that the key to survival is not the elimination of weaknesses, but their skilful exploitation.

Eng. Szymon Niewdana moderated a panel entitled ‘Energy cooperatives and the hidden potential of the energy transition’. He presented the important role of energy cooperatives in the energy transition and highlighted how local initiatives can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient use of renewable energy sources. He discussed not only the challenges but also the many benefits of developing this model, pointing out its huge potential in building a clean energy future.

In the poster session, papers were presented by Michał Jakubowski, Natalia Łukasik, Aleksandra Małachowska, Beata Barczak, Mateusz Michalski, Wojciech Bącalski, J. Krakowiak, P. Ślepski, Marcin Gontarek, Damian Makowski, Julia Dunajska, Dawid Strzelecki, Remigiusz Izbaner, Jakub Labudda, Michał Dominów, Dzmitry Dauhalevich, Łukasz Arcimowicz, Rafał Kowalski.

The conference was organised by the Fahrenheit Student Union Ambassadors, consisting of:

• Anna Suchecka, Dorota Nagórska and Aleksandra Paluch from GdańskTech;
• Bartosz Chojnacki, Hubert Czyż and Piotr Patalas from UG;
• Patrycja Jachimek and Bogumiła Szymendera from MUG.