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Formed as the result of a merger between the Higher Economics School in Sopot and the Higher Pedagogical School in Gda¨½sk, the University of Gda¨½sk (UG) was officially founded in 1970. It also later included the Higher Teacher Training School and has now become the largest educational establishment in the Pomerania region.

There are 11 faculties at UG and it has gained recognition across Poland for its study of biology, biotechnology, economic sciences, law, psychology, pedagogy, quantum physics, oceanography and chemistry. It also leads an important centre for the study of the Kashubian language, a Pomeranian dialect belonging to the Lechitic subgroup.

UG¡¯s buildings and scientific research stations cover a large swathe of the Polish coast, spreading from Gda¨½sk to the Hel Penisula. The majority of its faculties are located in the metropolitan areas of Gda¨½sk, Gdynia and Sopot (known collectively as Tr¨®jmiasto). The majority of the students and staff members are based at the Gda¨½sk Oliwa Campus.

The university¡¯s marine facilities ¨C the Hel Marine Station of the Institute of Oceanography, the Bird Migration Research Station and the Biology Station ¨C have gained a reputation internationally. Known for its research into the protection of life in the Baltic Sea, the Hel Marine Station works to restore threatened species like the grey seal and the harbour porpoise.

The University of Gda¨½sk has established links with some 120 university-level institutions across Europe and around the world.

Notable alumni include Donald Tusk, former Prime Minister of Poland and the President of the European Council.