Gdynia Maritime University Rector Professor Adam Weintrit has been elected for a second term of office 2024-2028

In his election campaign for the post of Rector for the 2024-2028 term of office, Professor Adam Weintrit referred equally to his election promises for the previous term, demonstrating how they had been implemented, as well as indicating his plans for the continuation of other ongoing initiatives. HM The Rector also presented his plans for the further development of Gdynia Maritime University.

Among the future challenges, discussed during information meetings between the Rector and University staff as part of his election campaign were the preparation of the University for the qualitative assessment process, the need to launch further study programmes in relation to the national and internationally developing offshore industry, and consequently the internationalisation of GMU and the adaptation of education to international students. In relation to this, the Rector highlighted his intentions to increase cooperation with the member universities of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU). As part of his election campaign, the Rector also highlighted the need for further development of the University through investment in the modernisation of the University campus, including the construction of a new student residence, the development of an IT Centre, and the pressing need for a replacement to the University’s sail training ship, Dar Młodzieży.

The Electoral College was made up of electors chosen through elections held among the University’s academic community, namely academic teachers, non-teaching staff, students, and doctoral candidates. The process for the election of the Rector of GMU was carried out in phases in accordance with the election calendar for the 2024-2028 term, the culmination of which was the final voting held on 11 April 2024 in which 70 electors took part. The candidate received 62 votes in favour.

– I am honoured that the academic community at Gdynia Maritime University has entrusted me to oversee our Alma Mater for a further four years – said HM The Rector Professor Adam Weintrit following the announcement of the results. – I certainly receive your decision with great joy and satisfaction, but also with a sense of responsibility for all members of our academic community. The good of our University is a common cause for all use – staff and students. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to me that during the coming years, with respect for one another, we engage in continuous dialogue, working towards its development. I am deeply convinced that such an approach will allow us to not only maintain what our academic maritime community has achieved until now but will foster the further development of the University, whose name will enjoy increased renown both nationally and internationally.  

The Rector’s new term of office will begin on 1 September 2024.

Profile of the Newly Elected Rector of GMU

HM The Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, Professor Adam Weintrit, is a graduate of the Faculty of Navigation of the Higher Maritime School in Gdynia, a predecessor of Gdynia Maritime University, with which he has been connected professionally since graduating in 1985.

During the years 2003-2017 and 2019-2020, he headed the Department of Navigation, before holding the post of Dean of the Faculty of Navigation for two terms during the years 2008-2016. In 2020, he was elected the Rector of GMU for a 4-year term.

Among the most important tasks carried out by HM The Rector of GMU Professor Adam Weintrit during his first term are the measures leading to the significant improvement of the level of education at the University, as shown by the attribution of the category B+ in four academic disciplines in external qualitative assessments. Other achievements during this time include the addition of new academic fields and specialisations as well as a postgraduate diploma in Offshore Wind Energy. The University’s Executive MBA programme in Offshore Wind, conducted in English, which also launched during Professor Weintrit’s first four years as Rector.

A notable achievement on an international scale was the development of the GMU Centre for the Offshore Industry, the new headquarters of the GMU Maritime Institute which has almost entirely relocated to the newly opened location near the Wisłoujście Fortress in the area of the Port of Gdańsk. The official opening of the impressive research and education facility was an important occasion for the University, but also for the country’s entire offshore sector. Also completed during the fourth year of the Rector’s first term in office was the GMU Sports and Recreation Centre, as well as the redevelopment of the grounds of the Faculty of Navigation. The Rector was also responsible for the appointment of the University’s Technology Transfer Office and the Offshore Wind Energy Centre.

A symbolic and yet significantly important event in the recent history of the more 100-year history of Gdynia Maritime University was the voyage of the Dar Młodzieży in 2023 marking the 100-year anniversary of the crossing of the equator by the first ship sailing under a Polish flag – Łwów in 1923.

HM The Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, Professor Adam Weintrit, who on 1 September 2024 will begin his 2nd term of office, specialises in navigation, geodesy, cartography, and maritime transport. He is an expert in the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in maritime. Professor Adam Weintrit also specialises in electronic navigation maps and ECDIS systems, as well as carrying out R&D work in civil engineering and transport.

The Rector’s academic output includes more than 350 scientific publications, including 18 books. He is also the editor of 19 monographs. The majority of his work is published in English. He serves as an expert to the International Maritime Organisation and is the Chair of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU).

Since 2016, he has been a member of the Transport Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the chair of the Water Transport Section. In 2024, he was re-elected to the Transport Committee and elected a member of the Geodesy Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Rector Professor Adam Weintrit is also the organiser of the International Science Conference TransNav.