Prestigious recognition for the Medical University of Gdańsk – ACEEU accreditation confirms the institution’s social engagement

16.09.2025

The Medical University of Gdańsk has been awarded the Engaged University Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU).

The accreditation ceremony took place on 11th September during the three-day ACEEU Global Forum 2025 in Prague. Our University was represented by Prof. Anna Żaczek, Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation and Izabela Kowalczyk-Dec from the Office for Development.

MUG was distinguished as an engaged institution occupying a strategic position that enables it to provide society with a broad range of benefits while simultaneously exerting meaningful influence. The University conducts education and research in alignment with the needs of society and the economy. Its educational activities integrate external stakeholders and promote a wide spectrum of career opportunities across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Research projects are carried out in cooperation with external partners and generate mutual benefits. Engagement remains the central priority: the University invests in the development of its staff, organizational capacities, support structures, and external collaborations. The Medical University of Gdańsk was further recognized as an institution exerting influence on the broader ecosystem, committed to continuous improvement and to generating significant social and cultural impact within the city and region.

– The Engaged University accreditation is the outcome of many years of effort spanning two rectoral terms. The process, which lasted nearly four years, provided us with valuable experience – it taught us how to evaluate our own activities, improve communication and clearly demonstrate our role in society. We extend our gratitude to all who contributed to the development of the Medical University of Gdańsk – thanks to you, we have achieved this success and can continue striving for excellence as a socially engaged institution, stated Prof. Anna Żaczek, Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation.

At present, the MUG structures its commitment to social engagement around four key pillars:

1. public engagement with research – actively involving external stakeholders in scientific research;
2. engaged teaching – continuously enhancing teaching methods to generate societal impact and to foster students’ skills in civic engagement;
3. knowledge exchange – strengthening the circulation of knowledge between the University and its wider environment;
4. social responsibility and sustainability – seeking ways to maximize the benefits the University can generate for society.

The Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) is the only global quality assurance body specifically focused on recognizing engagement and entrepreneurship in higher education. The Council aspires to shape a new era in higher education by evaluating, supporting, and advancing the potential of academic institutions in pursuing excellence in their third mission. Headquartered in Germany, ACEEU offers accreditation at both institutional level (the entire university) and unit level (faculty, school, or department) in the domains of entrepreneurship and social engagement. Universities applying for ACEEU accreditation share a commitment to excellence in entrepreneurship and engagement – whether they belong to the top 1% of global rankings or are lesser-known, regionally oriented institutions. The Medical University of Gdańsk has been a member of ACEEU since 2022.