The Polish-Turkish Centre for Studies, which will be established at the University of Gdańsk, is intended to develop research cooperation between universities in both countries. The University of Gdańsk has concluded two agreements with leading Turkish universities, Istanbul University and Istanbul Technical University, which open up new perspectives.
The centre will support the development and implementation of joint research in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, food biotechnology, migration and intercultural studies, modern logistics, as well as the development of joint study programmes, doctoral programmes and mobility within the Erasmus+ programme.
‘We want it to be a platform for long-term scientific and educational cooperation, also open to other universities,’ said UG Rector prof. Piotr Stepnowski, who met with the authorities of two Turkish academic institutions, Istanbul Technical University and Istanbul University, in Istanbul on 23-26 January, to sign cooperation agreements. Ultimately, the Centre will also bring together other Turkish universities.
Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is one of the most prestigious and experienced technical universities in Europe and the Mediterranean region (founded in 1773), combining research excellence with a real impact on the economy and industry. The university has a strong position in the areas of artificial intelligence, data engineering, marine technology and advanced engineering systems, supported by an extensive research infrastructure and innovation ecosystem.
‘Thanks to its unique combination of expertise in AI, marine engineering and ship architecture, ITU is an ideal partner for the University of Gdańsk in the fields of smart maritime technologies, digital ports, maritime transport safety and optimisation, and sustainable development of the blue economy sector,’ explained Magdalena Sawicz, Director of the Cooperation and International Relations Office at the University of Gdańsk, who is coordinating the preparation of the Centre. ‘The university also provides scientific facilities enabling the development of quantum and post-quantum computing methods and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.’
‘Cooperation with ITU opens the way to joint research and development projects, international grants and the education of a new generation of specialists, combining the potential of the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea region into one strong European innovation ecosystem,’ added the Rector of the University of Gdańsk.
Istanbul University (IU), in turn, is one of the oldest and most recognisable public universities in Turkey and the Eurasian region, with an established international academic and research position. The university serves as a key research centre in the fields of social sciences and humanities, international relations, migration studies, natural sciences, biotechnology and communication sciences, actively participating in the global circulation of knowledge. Thanks to its extensive network of international partnerships, participation in academic mobility programmes and involvement in European and global research projects, Istanbul University is an important institution in the dialogue between Europe, Asia and the Black Sea region. Its research and expertise potential makes it a strategic partner for European universities in the fields of comparative research, international politics, innovation in life sciences, and academic and cultural diplomacy.
Rector Prof. Piotr Stepnowski also spoke about cooperation in higher education during the conference ‘Foreign Students in Poland’ held at the Jagiellonian University. The Rector moderated a discussion with Rauf Alp Denktaş, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Poland, as part of the session ‘WHERE WE WANT TO BE - Promising directions and markets for cooperation between Polish universities’.
‘We had a very specific discussion: about which areas of research are worth developing together, where the potential for cooperation is greatest, and how to intensify real academic exchange - students, doctoral students and researchers. Turkey is an example of a partner with whom we can (and should) develop research, teaching and institutional cooperation in a more strategic manner. Today's conversation was precisely about this: how to move from declarations to concrete actions,’ emphasised the Rector.
This year, the University of Gdańsk will host the 2nd Forum of Rectors of Polish and Turkish Universities (the 1st Forum was held in September 2025 in Ankara).