University of Warsaw, Poland

Green Thinking Matter now!

Green Thinking Matter (GTM) is the University of Warsaw’s initiative to connect academics, students, business, authorities and NGOs around climate change and sustainable development. It facilitates the transfer of knowledge between these groups in all directions, helps to recognise areas of their common interest, initiates forms of cooperation and manages projects.

(1) It stimulates and moderates discussions between academics and practitioners towards creating together state-of-the-art reports on issues related to sustainability. (2) It involves practitioners in education. (3) It helps identify green skills and skills for the future to be developed through curricula. (4) It gets students involved in solving real puzzles of ecology-related challenges for the companies. (5) It facilitates employment. (6) It disseminates knowledge on contemporary climate and social changes.

What the Judges Thought

The judges welcomed the whole institutional approach, and collaboration with other organisations alongside academics, students and practitioners.  We are keen to see how this develops: what projects and partnerships evolve; and greater reporting on the impacts of the programme.

What it Means to Win

"There is no planet B; we have one chance – and it’s worth fighting for. This Green Gown Award is precious confirmation that our cause is worthy and our actions are right. We value it highly and hope it will help us set an example for others."

Professor Alojzy Nowak, Rector 

Top 3 Learnings

1. Business and academics together create high value, ready-to-implement recommendations on green transformation.
2. By thinking outside the box, students can provide green solutions nobody thought of before.
3. Companies are keen to join forces with universities in education on sustainability.