On Saturday, 4 October, the Royal Route in Gdańsk came alive with a vibrant academic parade marking the official start of the 2025/2026 academic year. The event brought together the representatives of the academic community, local authorities and residents, highlighting the vital role of science in Gdańsk’s development and strengthening the bonds between the city’s higher education institutions and the local community. During the parade, the Mayor of Gdańsk presented awards to the winners of the Fahrenheit knowledge contest. As part of the initiative, a public survey was also conducted, asking residents which directions of the city's development they consider most important.
 

It is already for the fourth time that the Fahrenheit Universities and the City of Gdańsk organised a ceremonial academic parade under the “Long live science!” banner. The event began at 11:00 a.m., with participants setting off from the Golden Gate and marching along the Royal Route in a colourful procession. Among the dignitaries in attendance was Anna Olkowska-Jacyno, Deputy Governor of the Pomeranian Region. The parade took on a truly festive atmosphere owing to performances by the choirs of the Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk University of Technology, and the University of Gdańsk, as well as the Gdańsk Academic Orchestra. The spectacle was further enriched by stilt walkers, jugglers, unicyclists, and performers in mirror costumes. 

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Today’s event is a symbol of unity between the academic community and the city. Celebrations like this help foster a sense of community and demonstrate that Gdańsk is a place open to collaboration, diversity, and innovation. I am truly delighted that we can gather here in such numbers to show that our strength lies in this diversity, a strength that allows us to advance science and culture at the highest level – emphasised Professor Piotr Stepnowski, Chairman of the Assembly of the Fahrenheit Union of Universities in Gdańsk and Rector of the University of Gdańsk. 

Next year, the Fahrenheit Universities will enter its fifth year of activity, and its expansion continues. Two more Gdańsk higher education institutions – the Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music and the Academy of Fine Arts – have submitted applications to join the union. The Union’s authorities emphasis its openness and readiness to broaden cooperation, seeing it as a key opportunity to further strengthen Gdańsk’s scientific potential. 

The Fahrenheit Universities’ Parade is not only a celebration of academic life in Gdańsk, but also a symbol of community. The parade underscores the bond between higher education institutions, residents, and local government, a bond that contributes to building an open, modern, and resilient city. We are building Gdańsk together with our universities — a city that serves as a centre of opportunity Here, young people can pursue their passions, taking full advantage of the wide range of opportunities our city offers – both professionally and personally – says Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Gabriel Fahrenheit, we are showing that the future of our city is built on knowledge, collaboration, and openness. Today, nearly 80,000 persons study in Gdańsk at 18 higher education institutions, with half of those students having a link with the Fahrenheit Universities. Owing to initiatives such as competitions, scholarships, and joint research projects, this represents a tremendous pool of young people – a driving force for the development of the city and the entire region. 

The official part of the event also included the ceremonial awarding of prizes in the Gabriel Fahrenheit knowledge contest, held in honour of the FarU community’s patron. Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, personally congratulated the winners – Jadwiga Cichoń, Amelia Sarnecka, and Wiktoria Wójcik – emphasising the importance of remembering the legacy of this remarkable Gdańsk-born scientist, whose achievements continues to inspire new generations. The ceremony concluded with a speech by Bogumiła Szymendera representing the Fahrenheit Students Union, followed by a symbolic exchange of FarU pins between the outgoing and newly appointed Ambassadors of the Union. 

As part of the contest, Gdańsk residents were also asked which directions of city development they considered most important. Many responses highlighted the need for improved access to education – through workshops, courses, training programs, and meetings opened to different age groups. Respondents also called for the creation of open spaces for learning and collaboration, modern educational and research centres, and venues that foster knowledge exchange between residents, entrepreneurs, and higher education institutions. The Fahrenheit Universities are actively responding to these expectations by implementing projects that promote accessibility and integration within Gdańsk’s academic community. This year’s Universities’ Parade is yet another demonstration that this vision is becoming a tangible part of city life. 

The parade was also attended by the representatives of: 

• Ateneum University in Gdańsk, 
• Vistula University, Branch in Gdańsk, 
• Heroes of Westerplatte Naval Academy, 
• Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdańsk, 
• Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, 
• Jędrzej Śniadecki Academy of Physical Education and Sport,
• Gdańsk Seminary, 
• Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, the branch in Gdańsk, 
• Powiśle University of Applied Sciences, 
• Sopot Academy of Applied Sciences, 
• WSB Merito University Gdańsk, 
• Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski University of Business and Administration in Gdynia, 
• University of Security, the branch in Gdańsk, 
• Higher School of Economy Engineering in Słupsk, 
• University of Social Studies and Economics in Gdańsk, 
• Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management in Gdańsk, 
• University of Health in Gdańsk. 

The organisers wish to thank the Gdańsk Archipelago of Culture, Museum of Gdańsk and the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk for their cooperation and the various services for ensuring safety during the parade. 

fot. Gregmar