European Solidarity Centre is a highly important point on the historical and cultural map of Gdańsk. It was founded with a view to preserving relevance and attractiveness of the Solidarity movement ideals. It was also designed to foster commemoration of this peaceful revolution, which has become a founding myth for newly united Europe, as well as to keep solidarity a living source of inspiration and hope. At the heart of the ECS building at the Solidarity Square there is a permanent exhibition, which in a truly fascinating manner retells the story of not only the successful Solidarity movement, but also of the profound changes that the movement inspired in Europe and in the whole world. Here, one can find space for activism, Play Department for children, the library, the media library, and the archive. Every year about 350 events: educational, cultural, scientific, and literary are organised at the ECS. Its permanent exhibition has been awarded the European Heritage prize (EUROPA NOSTRA 2021). The ECS, as the first, and thus far the only centre in Poland, has been awarded The Council of Europe Museum Prize (2016), and the historic sites of the Gdańsk Shipyard along with the Centre itself proudly hold the European Heritage Label.

The University of Gdańsk is a dynamically developing institution, which combines nearly fifty-years of tradition with a contemporary approach to teaching. These days it is the largest academic centre in the Pomeranian region. Being a part of the Daniel Fahrenheit University Association, it indicates a scientific and educational potential of Gdańsk academic centre both in Poland and abroad. University faculties are located throughout the TriCity area, and their modern infrastructure allows for an excellent working and learning environment. The University’s laboratories and workshops are equipped with high-class, state-of-the-art research apparatus, which allows for unlimited studies and work. Owing to that, our students are able to fulfill their potential, engaging in scientific and research projects designed for development of the region. The University of Gdańsk motto: in mari via tua (the sea is your way) refers to the maritime character of the UG. As the only higher education institution in Poland, the University possesses a highly specialised scientific and research vessel R/V Oceanograf. Its maritime image is also built by world-class research stations such as Professor Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine Station, Bird Migration Research Station, and Professor Fryderyk Pautsch Biological Station in Górki Wschodnie. Over 26 thousand students, doctorate students and post-graduate students, many of whom are the participants of the Erasmus program coming from 67 countries, are currently taught at 11 faculties and 89 courses of study. Over 1800 academic teachers supervise the education at the University of Gdańsk. Last but not least, the University is home for the widely known and esteemed units: The International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science and the International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies.

The Institute of Media, Journalism and Communication is based in Gdańsk at the University Oliwa Campus and it belongs to the Faculty of Social Sciences. It was founded in 2020, whereas in the years 2006-2019 it was a part of the Institute of Philosophy, Sociology and Journalism. 22 academic teachers and researchers work at four departments of the Institute, namely: the Department of Social and Cultural Communication, the Department of Media Theory, History and Language, the Department of Anthropology of Image, and the Media and Journalism Department. The diversity of research and educational projects conducted at the Institute, in line with the University development strategy, stem from both the variety of scientific interests of our academics and the interdisciplinary nature of the Communication and Media Studies. A key figure in the history of the Institute was professor Wiktor Pepliński, who in 1975 put forward the idea of establishing a degree course in journalism at the University of Gdańsk. It was his efforts to make media and communication studies become reality, and it was him who helped to create the space for development for both academics and students. This achievement had been long striven for by the interdisciplinary circle of media and communication experts.