The idea driving the cooperation between both institutions is the desire to develop the geological sciences, especially through joint research projects, and to support students in acquiring practical knowledge and new competences.

The signing of the cooperation agreement took place on 1 June 2023 at the premises of the University of Szczecin. The University was represented by Rector Prof. Dr. Waldemar Tarczyński and Deputy Director of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences (INoMIŚ) Dr. Joanna Dudzińska-Nowak, Professor at the University of Szczecin. On the part of the Polish Geological Institute – NRI, the agreement has been signed by Director Mateusz Damrat, Ph.D., and Director of the Pomeranian Branch Zenon Wiśniowski, M.Sc.

The cooperation agreement has been signed, from left, by Dr Mateusz Damrat (Director of the PGI-NRI), Waldemar Tarczyński (Rector of the University of Szczecin), Zenon Wiśniowski, M.Sc. (Director of the Pomeranian Branch of the PGI-NRI)

The agreement signed between the Polish Geological Institute and the University of Szczecin today is extremely important not only for local development, but also for the Polish Geological Survey on a national scale. Access to highly qualified graduates, who are trained by the University of Szczecin, but also a joint educational offer to popularise geology, is extremely important, not only for the Pomeranian Branch but also for the whole Institute, said Dr Mateusz Damrat.

The agreement provides for, among other things, cooperation in the creation and implementation of joint research and teaching projects related to earth and environmental sciences, mutual transfer of research results and advice in the work carried out by both Parties to the agreement. In addition, the agreement includes a number of initiatives aimed at students. PGI-NRI undertook to enable selected INoMiŚ students to undergo professional practice, draft their thesis (bachelor's, master's or doctoral ones) in the area of activity and in cooperation with PGI-NRI, e.g., by appointing assistant supervisors for selected theses from among PGI-NRI employees.

The result of team-based research and teaching projects will be joint publications and papers at scientific conferences, the organisation of workshops, seminars and popular science lectures.

Signatories of the agreement with other meeting participants; from left dr. hab. Joanna Dudzińska-Nowak, Professor at the University of Szczecin (Deputy Director of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences); dr. inż. Krystyna Osadczuk (coordinator of the geology faculty), dr. inż. Mateusz Damrat, prof. dr. hab. Waldemar Tarczyński, mgr. inż. Zenon Wiśniowski, prof. dr. hab. Andrzej Skrendo – vice-rector for science

Text: Anna Bagińska
Photos: University of Szczecin