Developing the faculty of mathematics, physics and informatics at the University of Gdańsk

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There has been a significant increase in opportunities to study and carry out fundamental experiments in the field of radiation physics.Aleksander Kubicki, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Director of the Institute of Experimental PhysicsThe University of Gdansk is the largest of the 28 universities of the region and one of the largest in the country. One of the main challenges faced by the faculty of mathematics, physics and informatics was the lack of a well-equipped physics laboratory. As a result, research opportunities for students and scientists were limited.Supporting new researchThe reconstruction of the premises and the purchase of equipment made it possible to meet the needs of the faculty. The university is now improving working conditions and the availability and quality of education which has created a unique direction in medical physics.The project involved the reconstruction of seven teaching rooms, a technical room, a lobby and an atrium, as well as the purchase of research equipment. Laboratory classes for medical physics and medical imaging are now held for students.Educating students on ‘medical physics’ requires laboratory skills and experience working in clinics of radiology, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine. The renovation allowed the curriculum to significantly broaden students’ experience, especially in the field of radiation physics.Better understanding of radiationThe laboratory provides students with a state-of-the-art facility in which one can investigate fundamental properties of ionizing radiation and its effect on different materials. It will help to understand the nature of the radiation used in medicine and technology.This new experimental and educational base is relevant to the growing importance of the impact of the environment on human health, and thus the analysis of radioactive contamination of the environment. The new equipment has raised the level of experiments conducted by the students. The number of students benefiting from the new laboratory has increased to 180. The new facility covers a total surface area of 198 m2.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Physics for medicine-rebuilding of the premises and equipment for medical physics and medical imaging, Faculty of mathematics, physics and Informatics of the University of Gdańsk in Gdańsk” is EUR 566 277, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 424 708 from the Operational Programme “Pomerania” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.