The University of Gdansk signed an agreement on cooperation with Polenergia SA – the largest private energy group, operating in the field of energy production from conventional and renewable sources as well as distribution and trading of electricity. – This cooperation is another step towards educating personnel for the economy of the future, based on renewable energy sources and carrying out the mission of caring for our planet – says prof. Krzysztof Bielawski, Vice-Rector of the University of Gdansk for Innovation and Cooperation with the socio-economic environment.

Polenergia adds another brick in building sustainable development among the academic community. The purpose of the agreement between the University of Gdansk and the energy group is the transfer of knowledge and taking action to support the implementation of a sustainable EU economy.

The cooperation agreement was signed by Prof. Krzysztof Bielawski, Vice-Rector of the University of Gdansk for Innovation and Liaison with Business and the Community and Iwona Sierżęga, representing Polenergia Management Board.

Prof. Krzysztof Bielawski emphasizes that the University of Gdansk, fulfilling its mission of a socially engaged university, undertakes various forms of cooperation with the socio-economic environment in order to be able to respond to the challenges of the contemporary world, especially those resulting from the problems of globalization, the upcoming climate catastrophe and dwindling raw material resources.

– Conducting scientific research and education in areas related to these issues, the university plays the role of a bridge between science and business, supporting the development of new technologies, solutions that are part of the implementation of challenges and postulates enshrined in the UN Sustainable Development Agenda – says Prof. Krzysztof Bielawski. – Today’s cooperation with Polenergia is another step towards educating people for the economy of the future, based on renewable energy sources and carrying out the mission of caring for our planet.

The agreement also provided funds for financing two places for women wishing to take up postgraduate studies “Education for sustainable development: Offshore wind power industry” organised by the Centre for Sustainable Development of the University of Gdańsk.

– We also bet on women, therefore in order to promote equal opportunities, we fund two scholarships for female residents of the Pomeranian Voivodeship to attend postgraduate studies at the Centre for Sustainable Development of the University of Gdansk – says Iwona Sierżęga from Polenergia Management Board. – Together we will educate future personnel of the energy sector, promote equal opportunities, use the potential of diversity, and together work on innovative research and projects.

Sylwia Mrozowska, PhD, DSc, Prof of the UG, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development of the University of Gdansk, notes that this cooperation is crucial from the point of view of the UG Centre for Sustainable Development. – We wanted the study program to meet the needs of administration and business involved in developing a new sector of the Polish economy. Therefore, cooperation with companies operating in the new energy sector, which strive for sustainable development and take into account the principles of corporate social responsibility in their activities, is crucial for the Centre.

UG press team

Fot. Polenergia