Gdańsk · June 2026
1st Baltic
Rectors' Forum
Shaping Academic Leadership in the New Strategic Baltic
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 complex transnational challenges—from energy security and critical infrastructure to environmental resilience and digital transformation. 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
The Baltic Sea Region
in a New Geopolitical Era
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.
32
Partner Universities
8
Baltic Sea Countries
4
Thematic Panels
1
Inaugural Edition
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 energy transition, maritime economy, digital resilience, and environmental sustainability — 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
Full Day Programme
A structured day of keynotes, panels and strategic sessions, from opening at 09:00 to evening reception — bringing together rectors and international partners.
9:00 – 9:30
Opening Session
9:30 – 10:00
The Baltic Region in a New Strategic Context
- New European Security Architecture
- Baltic Energy Integration
10:00 – 10:30
Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:00
The Baltic Region Through the Eyes of Global Partners
- Geopolitical Importance
- Maritime Security
- Energy Supply Chains
- Tech Partnerships
12:00 – 12:15
Coffee Break
12:15 – 13:15
Key Energy Challenges Facing the Baltic Sea Region
- Offshore Wind
- Hydrogen Economy
- CCS
- Energy Infrastructure
13:15 – 14:15
Lunch
14:15 – 14:45
Regional Energy Cooperation Models: Lessons for the Baltic
14:45 – 15:45
Innovation, Start-Ups and Technology Ecosystems
- Deep-Tech Innovation
- University Spin-offs
- Venture Capital
- Industry-Academia
16:00 – 16:45
Strengthening Academic Cooperation in the Baltic
- Joint Research
- Doctoral Schools
- Academic Mobility
16:45 – 17:45
Towards a Baltic Universities Cooperation Framework
19:00
Evening Reception
Scientific Committee
Distinguished academic leaders from across the Baltic Sea region
shaping the programme and scholarly direction of the Forum.
Hans Adolfsson
Stockholm University
Michał Markuszewski
Medical University of Gdańsk
Carsten Orth Gaarn-Larsen
Technical University of Denmark
Arturas Razbadauskas
Klaipeda University
Piotr Stepnowski
University of Gdańsk
Tomasz Szubrycht
Polish Naval Academy
Gunilla Widén
Åbo Akademi University
Adam Weintrit
Gdynia Maritime University
Izabela Bodus–Olkowska
Maritime University of Szczecin
Anders Kottorp
University of Gävle
Charlotte Platzer Björkman
Uppsala University
Ralph Schneider
Kiel University
Juhani Soini
Turku University of Applied Sciences
Eugenijus Valatka
Kaunas University of Technology
Krzysztof Wilde
Gdańsk University of Technology
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
Denmark
Sweden
Finland
Germany
Estonia
Latvia
Lithuania
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 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.
ul. Wita Stwosza 53 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
09:00 — 17:45 + Evening Reception
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport — 25 min by TAXI
Gdańsk Główny railway station — 20 min
Hotel recommendations will be provided upon registration
Institutions behind the Forum
The Forum is organised by the University of Gdańsk, with ORLEN SA as the strategic partner
— bringing together academic leadership and industrial vision.
Organiser
Strategic partner
Strategic partner
Join the Forum
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.
Get in Touch
For inquiries regarding the Forum, programme, accreditation or media,
please contact the organising team at the University of Gdańsk.
University of Gdańsk
kontakt@baltic-forum.org
Media accreditation requests
biuro.rzecznika@ug.edu.pl
Sponsorship and partnership
tomasz.czuba@ug.edu.pl/u>