30 November 2017 saw the signing of an agreement by new partners in the National Centre for Baltic Research Consortium – the Gdańsk University of Technology, the Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdynia Maritime University, the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Sopot, National Marine Fisheries Research Institute and the Institute of Hydro-Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Gdańsk. The University of Gdańsk, Consortium Leader, was represented by the Vice-Rector for Development Prof. Dr hab. Krzysztof Bielawski.

The aim of the NCBB Consortium is to integrate the academic environment concerned with interdisciplinary research into the Baltic Sea and to expand the potential of Polish research institutions concerned with the sea through a joint identification of research priorities and the construction of a permanent, organised network of human and infrastructural resources. The Consortium partners will cooperate in applying for funding as part of national and international programmes. The educational activity conducted by the consortium as part of the provision of support for administration and the business and non-governmental sectors will increase the profile and role of sea research for the benefit of a sustainable maritime economy.

Until recently the NCBB Consortium comprised its leader, the University of Gdańsk, and partners – the University of Szczecin, the Polish Naval Academy and the Maritime Institute in Gdańsk. At present the NCBB incorporates 10 members, with new partners including the Gdańsk University of Technology, the Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdynia Maritime University, the Institute of Oceanology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Sopot, the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute and the Institute of Hydro-Engineering of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Gdańsk.

“Expanding the consortium is of great significance to the development of science and education for the benefit of the rational management and sustainable development of the Baltic coastal zone, protecting the marine environment and enhancing the innovation of the maritime economy. It is a centre of competence which will strengthen the potential of Polish research institutions as they apply for large research or infrastructure projects as part of Polish or international programmes”, said the Vice-Rector for Development Prof. Dr hab. Krzysztof Bielawski after signing the agreement.

The agreement signing ceremony was held aboard the Oceanograf research vessel.

Prepared by: UG Press Office