We began March 2026 by reflecting on the achievements of the FarU to date. Five years of dynamic development of the Fahrenheit Universities have also been made possible owing to its Director, Prof. Adriana Zaleska-Medynska, whose mission of building the Fahrenheit community, carried out consistently and with great success, will come to an end on 31 March.

The past five years have been a period of intensive activity for the FarU, leading to the establishment of a strong and recognisable Fahrenheit Universities brand. Professor Adriana Zaleska-Medynska has played a key role in integrating academic communities and building a network of relationships between the universities, as well as fostering an ecosystem of cooperation with external partners. These efforts have enabled the implementation of large-scale educational projects. She has shared her knowledge and expertise in areas important to the academic community, inspiring others to take action through the promotion of ideas, a proactive attitude, and unwavering commitment to the challenges entrusted to her.

During the recent meeting, the rectors and members of the Assembly of the Fahrenheit Universities expressed their deep gratitude for Professor Adriana Zaleska-Medynska’s contribution to the development of the FarU, the wide range of initiatives, and the high quality of the activities delivered. Professor Zaleska-Medynska, who is affiliated on a daily basis with the University of Gdańsk, will continue her research work and remain Head of the Department of Environmental Technology. She has been conducting research in the field of heterogeneous photocatalysis for over 20 years and is a co-author of more than 190 scientific publications, 12 patents, 18 patent applications, and over 300 communiques delivered at national and international conferences. In February 2026, she was awarded the Prize of the Minister of Science and Higher Education for the overall scientific achievements – an honour granted to outstanding researchers whose long-term, consistent work has significantly contributed to the development of their respective disciplines.

Professor Adriana Zaleska-Medynska’s tenure as Director of the FarU over the past five years has been marked not only by the high professionalism but, above all, by her exceptional commitment to fostering and deepening collaboration among our universities. Owing to her determination, consistent approach, and daily efforts to build trust and joint initiatives, this collaboration has reached a level that allows us to confidently consider the next historic step – the establishment of a federation of our universities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Professor Zaleska-Medynska! – emphasised the Chair of the Assembly of the Fahrenheit Universities, Prof. Piotr Stepnowski, Rector of the University of Gdańsk.

As of 1 April, the new Director of the Fahrenheit Universities in Gdańsk will be Ms. Katarzyna Zygmunt, who has served as Deputy Director of the FarU until now.