— A WORD FROM THE ORGANIZERS
Preface
The Baltic Sea region stands at a defining moment in its modern history. The evolving geopolitical landscape has transformed the Baltic into a strategic core of Euro-Atlantic security, while the region is simultaneously emerging as a focal point of Europe’s energy transition, maritime development, and environmental responsibility. In response to these profound changes, the 1st Baltic Rectors’ Forum, held in Gdańsk in June 2026 under the theme “The Baltic Sea Region in a New Geopolitical Era,” brings together academic leaders for a high-level strategic dialogue on the future of the region.
Universities today are not only centers of knowledge but key actors in addressing emerging challenges from energy security and critical infrastructure to environmental resilience and new formats of innovative education. This Forum marks the beginning of a new platform for cooperation among Baltic academic institutions, fostering long-term collaboration and joint strategic thinking. It also opens the way for new frameworks such as the emerging “Baltic Energy Council,” where academia may serve as a permanent intellectual and advisory pillar. We are honored to welcome you to this important initiative.
Prof. Piotr Stepnowski
UG Rector, Chair of the Organising Committee
About the Forum
Following the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, the Baltic Sea has become a strategic core of Euro-Atlantic security.
Universities have a critical role in shaping this transformation.
1
Inaugural Edition
8
Baltic Sea Countries
4
Thematic Panels
9
Keynote lectures
The 1st Baltic Rectors’ Forum is designed to initiate a permanent academic platform for cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, particularly in the fields of energy, security, technology and innovation.
The region is emerging as a key European hub for several challenges including energy transition, maritime economy, digital resilience, and environmental sustainability. Those are particular areas where academic institutions play an irreplaceable role in driving innovation and educating the next generation of experts.
The Forum aims to result in a Baltic Universities Cooperation Framework and establish a permanent Baltic Rectors’ Platform to coordinate regional academic strategy through 2035.
Energy Transition
Offshore wind, hydrogen economy and cross-border energy integration
Security
Critical infrastructure protection and cyber resilience
Innovation
Start-ups, deep-tech and research commercialization ecosystems
Sustainability
Environmental protection and maritime ecological strategy
Cooperation
Joint research platforms, doctoral schools, academic mobility
Digital
Satellite technologies, data platforms and digital infrastructure
— 29 JUNE 2026
Full Day Programme
A structured day of keynotes, panels and strategic sessions, from opening at 08:30 to evening reception — bringing together rectors and international partners.
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08:30 – 09:00
Registration and Welcome Coffee
Registration
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09:00 – 09:30
Opening Session
Opening
Official opening of the Forum and welcome addresses by the organisers and institutional partners.
Opening Remarks
- Prof. Piotr Stepnowski – Rector of the University of Gdańsk
- Sławomir Radoń – Executive Director for Strategy and Innovation ORLEN
- Aleksandra Dulkiewicz – Mayor of the City of Gdańsk
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09:30 – 09:45
Security and Resilience in the Baltic Sea Region: Hybrid Threats, NATO and the EU Perspective
Lecture
- Fredrik Löjdquist – Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS)
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09:45 – 10:30
Diplomatic Perspective on the Baltic Sea Region
Panel 1
Discussion with diplomatic representatives on the strategic transformation of the Baltic Sea region and the future of regional and global cooperation through the eyes of their partners.
Moderator
- Sławomir Radoń – Executive Director for Strategy and Innovation ORLEN
Participants
- Rauf Alp Denktaş – Ambassador of Türkiye to Poland
- Vasyl Bodnar – Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland
- Saoud Abdulla Z. Al Mahmoud – Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Poland
- Enass Alshahwan – Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Poland
- Karl Matthias Klause – Consul General of Germany to Poland
- Kazimierz Musiał – Council of the Baltic Sea States
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10:30 – 10:45
Building Durable Regional Public Policies in an Era of Geopolitical Fragmentation
Lecture
- Michael A. Mehling – MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research
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10:45 – 11:00
From Competition to Cooperation: How Baltic Ports Can Build Regional Security and Innovation.
Lecture
- Alan Aleksandrowicz – Port of Gdańsk
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11:00 – 11:20
Coffee Break
Break
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11:20 – 11:35
Offshore Wind and Energy Transition in the Baltic Sea Region
Lecture
- Prof. Lena Kitzing – Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
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11:35 – 11:50
Can the North Sea Energy Cooperation Become a Model for the Baltic Region?
Lecture
- Prof. Beatriz Martinez Romera – University of Copenhagen (online)
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11:50 – 12:35
Strategic Energy Challenges in the Baltic Region
Panel 2
The role of universities and science in shaping the future Baltic energy agenda. Discussion on energy security, offshore infrastructure, nuclear and renewable energy development, and the strategic role of academia in supporting regional energy policy.
Moderator
- Tom O. Kleppestø – Nordic Marine Advisory Group
Participants
- Prof. Daivis Virbickas – Kaunas University of Technology / Lithuanian Energy Institute
- Jacek Murawski – ORLEN
- Prof. Lena Kitzing – Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
- Wojciech Falkowski – Baltic Nuclear Energy Forum
- Prof. Dariusz Mikielewicz – Gdańsk University of Technology
- Arnstein Eknes – DNV AS, Norway
- Andrius Sutnikas – Western Baltic Engineering
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12:35 – 12:40
CEEPR reflections for the Baltic Energy Council
Lecture
- Joshua Hodge – MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research
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12:40 – 12:50
Family Photo
Break
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12:50 – 14:00
Lunch
Break
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14:00 – 14:15
Baltic University Programme – 30 Years of Academic Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region
Lecture
- Prof. Charlotte Platzer Björkman – Uppsala University
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14:15 – 15:15
Academic Cooperation and Education in the Baltic Sea Region
Panel 3
Joint research, mobility and future academic partnerships. Discussion on regional academic cooperation, joint educational programmes, research networks, mobility schemes and future institutional partnerships across the Baltic Sea region.
Moderator
- Prof. Hans Adolfsson – Stockholm University
Participants
- Prof. Morten Overgaard – Technical University of Denmark
- Prof. Gunilla Widén – Åbo Akademi University
- Prof. Arturas Razbadauskas – Klaipeda University
- Prof. Juhani Soini – Turku University of Applied Sciences
- Prof. Izabela Bodus-Olkowska – Maritime University of Szczecin
- Prof. Ineta Dabašinskienė – Vytautas Magnus University
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15:15 – 15:30
Coffee Break
Break
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15:30 – 15:45
The Baltic Nuclear Renaissance: Strengthening Energy Security, Research Excellence and Regional Cooperation
Lecture
- Aleksander Wołowiec – Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (Polish Nuclear Power Plants)
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15:45 – 16:00
HELCOM and Regional Environmental Governance in the Baltic Sea
Lecture
- Rüdiger Strempel – Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM)
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16:00 – 16:45
Environmental Resilience and Academic Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region
Panel 4
Discussion on strengthening scientific cooperation to address climate resilience, marine protection and environmental sustainability challenges in the Baltic Sea region.
Moderator
- Joshua Hodge – MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research
Participants
- Prof. Ralph Schneider – Kiel University
- Prof. Eugenijus Valatka – Kaunas University of Technology
- Rüdiger Strempel – HELCOM Baltic Marine Environment Commission
- Prof. Daniel Schiller – University of Greifswald
- Prof. Anders Kottorp – University of Gävle
- Prof. Adam Weintrit – Gdynia Maritime University
- Dr. Laura Šaltytė-Vaisiauskė – Klaipeda University
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16:45 – 17:00
Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership – European Cooperation for Sustainable Maritime Development
Lecture
- Monika Włoszek – National Coordinator for the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership
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17:00 – 18:00
Closing Session and Strategic Declaration
Closing
Concluding Remarks
- Sławomir Radoń – Executive Director for Strategy and Innovation ORLEN
Signing Ceremony of the Gdańsk Declaration
Agreement on Cooperation for the Development and Energy Security of the Baltic Sea Region under the auspices of the Baltic Energy Council
Ceremonial Closing and Summary of the Forum
- Prof. Piotr Stepnowski – Rector of the University of Gdańsk
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18:00
Gala Dinner
Evening
Official evening networking reception for Forum participants.
— ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
Scientific Committee
Distinguished academic leaders from across the Baltic Sea region shaping the programme and scholarly direction of the Forum.
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Hans Adolfsson
Stockholm University
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Charlotte Platzer Björkman
Uppsala University
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Izabela Bodus–Olkowska
Maritime University of Szczecin
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Ernest Czermański
University of Gdańsk
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Enno Ence
University of Latvia
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Carsten Orth Gaarn-Larsen
Technical University of Denmark
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Anders Kottorp
University of Gävle
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Michał Markuszewski
Medical University of Gdańsk
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Arturas Razbadauskas
Klaipeda University
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Bartosz Różycki
University of Warsaw
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Daniel Schiller
University of Greifswald
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Ralph Schneider
Kiel University
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Juhani Soini
Turku University of Applied Sciences
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Maciej Sokołowski
Keio University
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Piotr Stepnowski
University of Gdańsk
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Tomasz Szubrycht
Polish Naval Academy
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Eugenijus Valatka
Kaunas University of Technology
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Adam Weintrit
Gdynia Maritime University
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Gunilla Widén
Åbo Akademi University
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Krzysztof Wilde
Gdańsk University of Technology
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Inga Žalėnienė
Mykolas Romeris University / Lithuanian University Rectors Conference
— PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
States around the Baltic Sea
Major academic institutions from eight countries forming the first Baltic Rectors’ Forum — the foundation of a permanent cooperation platform.
🇵🇱 Poland
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇫🇮 Finland
🇩🇪 Germany
🇪🇪 Estonia
🇱🇻 Latvia
🇱🇹 Lithuania
— LOCATION
University of Gdańsk
The University of Gdańsk is a leading academic institution known for its commitment to excellence in research and education. With a strong Baltic and maritime character, the university actively engages in studies related to the sea, environment, and international cooperation. Its modern campus offers state-of-the-art facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Located in a green and accessible area, it provides a comfortable and stimulating environment for conference participants.
Main Library
The Forum will be held at the iconic Main Library of the University of Gdańsk — a landmark of modern academic architecture on the Baltic coast.
Address
Biblioteka Główna UG
ul. Wita Stwosza 53
80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
Date & time
Monday, 29 June 2026
09:00 — 17:45 + Evening Reception
Getting there
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport — 25 min by taxi
Gdańsk Główny railway station — 20 min
Accommodation
Hotel recommendations will be provided upon registration
— ORGANISERS & PARTNERS
Institutions Behind
the Forum
The Forum is organised by the University of Gdańsk, with Strategic partner – ORLEN S.A. — bringing together academic leadership and industrial vision.
Organiser
Strategic partners
Patrons
Partners
— DESTINATION
City of Gdańsk
Located on the Baltic coast, Gdańsk is a vibrant city where rich history meets modern energy. Its remarkable cultural heritage and its role as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement make it a place of profound historical significance. The charming Old Town, maritime spirit, and cultural diversity create an inspiring atmosphere for international gatherings. Easily accessible and full of character, the city offers a unique blend of tradition and a welcoming, dynamic environment.
— CONTACT
Get in Touch
For inquiries regarding the Forum, programme, accreditation or media, please contact the organising team at the University of Gdańsk.