Gdynia Maritime University GMU

The Faculty of Management and Quality Science of the Gdynia Maritime University is currently carrying out a two-year project entitled "Rejs do nauki" [Journey into science] which is financed by the State's budget as part of the Ministry of Education and Science's programme entitled "Social Responsibility for Science", and more specifically the module entitled "The popularisation of science and the promotion of sport". The value of the grant is PLN 100,000 and the total value of the project - PLN 111,200.

The project is part of Objective 2 of the Gdynia Maritime University Strategy 2020-2024. The aim of the scientific research, development work and the transfer of knowledge and technology is also in line with the guidelines of the HR Excellence in Research distinction, which the University is proud to have been awarded by the EC, in relation to dissemination, exploitation of results and social involvement (European Charter for Researchers, European Commission, Brussels, 2006, p. 14.)

The project’s goal is to popularise science, promote the exchange of knowledge, and disseminate the results of scientific research among a wide range of audiences, in this case, secondary school pupils, through participation in a series of lectures and workshops during which they have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with interdisciplinary scientific achievements. The project aims to stimulate young people's creative thinking and encourage them to increase their knowledge in various areas of particular relevance to the environment, human health, and economic development.

As part of the first edition of the project, which took place between November and December 2022, the staff of the Faculty of Management and Quality Science conducted 16 online lectures using the MS Teams platform, involving a total of 240 students from 12 secondary schools in Pomerania, Warmia-Mazurskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie (photos 1 and 2). The project was of great interest to both teachers and secondary school pupils. 

During the lectures, the youngsters learned about the origin of amber and the types of inclusions present in it, the sources of renewable energy from marine areas, how this energy is obtained, and how it could contribute to the recovery and preservation of marine animal species, as well as how to correctly segregate, dispose of and recycling waste. Lessons also focused on the effects of nutrition on the gut-brain axis which is one of the elements that regulates the response of the nervous system to stress, the effects of food on human health, and the risks associated with the consumption of various foods. Participants also learned about the growing number of eating disorders and the determinants of the development of these disorders in the 21st century, which is of great importance in the prevention of health problems. There were also a series of lectures on soft skills in the modern world and their importance in shaping human relations. Students were informed of the most important challenges posed by the development of modern electronic business markets, their characteristics and role, as well as the role of maritime ports and terminals in the global logistics system.

The wide variety of topics taught led to a great deal of interest among pupils in secondary education, looking for inspiration when considering their options for development and further education.

In Poland, more work is needed to popularise scientific research and disseminate scientific achievements among the public. Science plays a key role in today's world and should be made available to the broadest audience, especially children and young people, as this has a direct bearing on the path they will choose in their adult lives.

The promotion of the project was carried out by the Faculty's Promotions and Communications Commission with the support of the GMU Office for Promotion and Communications. 

For more details, please visit (in Polish) https://wznj.umg.edu.pl/rejs-do-nauki

Project Manager
Joanna Kizelewicz, DSc
 Deputy Rector for Development and Cooperation
,GMU Associate Professor