Short conversations that help to establish relationships are the basic assumption for meetings in the speed dating formula. The Fahrenheit Universities initiated the first event of this type strictly for the academic community. During the Science Speed Dating FarU, participants had a chance to establish a network of contacts and exchange experiences related to applying for and implementing grant competitions.

– I do hope that the Science Speed Dating meetings will contribute to establishing contacts in the scientific area and result in joint projects between the three universities – said Prof. Wiesław Laskowski, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Gdańsk, during the opening of the first day of the event. – Cooperation between scientists is the added value of the federation we strive for.

The event is based on the formula of short, thematic meetings, during which a series of three-minute conversations between the participants take place. The goal is to intensify the intercollegiate and interdisciplinary cooperation between the three universities – the University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk University of Technology and Medical University of Gdańsk within the Fahrenheit Universities.

As part of intercollegiate cooperation aimed at federalisation, in addition to formal steps, we also undertake grass-roots initiatives, such as Science Speed Dating, which enables us to support our researchers, academic teachers and employees of the MUG, Gdańsk Tech and UG – explains Prof. Michał Markuszewski, Vice-Rector for Science at the Medical University of Gdańsk. – The list of proposed topics for talks is a long and varied one, so that everyone can find something interesting for themselves. The identified areas included: circular economy, new therapies and drugs, as well as dynamically developing medical and IT technologies.

The April series of meetings lasted three days and was divided into thematic blocks. Each day was dedicated to a different area: sustainable development, IT technologies and materials engineering, as well as public health. The program also included speeches by inspiring guests and the participation of the representatives of the Project Management Offices of the three universities, who provided information related to participation in the upcoming grant competitions.

The wide range of topic of the meetings enabled the participation of scientists working in various fields, and thus sharing the knowledge and contacts that may pay off in the future – says Prof. Sławomir Milewski, Vice-Rector for Science at the Gdańsk University of Technology. – Science Speed Dating FarU may thus contribute to a significant increase in the number of interdisciplinary projects implemented at the various universities.

The next edition of the event is scheduled for 29-31 May, and the topics are supposed to include, for example, new therapies and drugs, environmental issues, and the energy sector.

Science Speed Dating FarU is one of the actions pursued by the research activity and field evaluation team managed by Prof. Michał Markuszewski, Vice-Rector for Science at the MUG, the Rector’s representative for the Fahrenheit Universities in Gdańsk. The team was appointed as one of the three expert groups within the project titled “Supporting University Consolidation Processes” and, more precisely, the task titled “Preparation of the Fahrenheit Universities for the Creation of the Federation” financed by the European Social Fund and the Polish state budget.

fot. GREGMAR