In an insightful interview conducted by Anna Błażejewska, Dr. Mateusz Gil, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Navigation at the Gdynia Maritime University (GMU), shares his perspectives on maritime research and the significance of the MARINERS project. Dr. Gil expresses enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to yield practical solutions and enhance his experience in project management.
Reflecting on his extensive involvement in numerous externally funded projects—such as BALTIMARI, FLARE, and ENDURE—Dr. Gil notes the varying roles he has held, from team member to project lead in the ATSTA initiative. He believes his accumulated experience will aid him in navigating the administrative challenges of the MARINERS project. He recognizes the challenges in measuring the immediate impact of research on maritime safety, yet emphasizes the overarching goal of improving safety standards and reinforcing global supply chain resilience.
Dr. Gil’s research interests are primarily centered on maritime transport safety, specifically ship collision avoidance and the advent of unmanned vessels. His recognition as a recipient of the Gdańsk Branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences award for his innovative work on critical safety areas in navigation underscores his commitment to the field.
Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Gil has contributed to notable journals and believes in submitting work to publications that align with his research interests. He advocates for aiming high in pursuing publication goals, despite the long and arduous process involved. He credits his academic progress to both hard work and fortunate mentorship experiences that have shaped his research approach.
Having transitioned from dreams of a seagoing career to academia, Dr. Gil reminisces about his initial fascination with the maritime world stemming from personal sailing experiences. Nevertheless, he realized through practical experience that a research career could maintain his connection with the maritime industry while offering a different angle of engagement.
Participation in conferences, both as an attendee and a speaker, has been essential for Dr. Gil’s professional development. These gatherings not only provide platforms for disseminating research but also foster networking opportunities that can lead to future collaborations.
Dr. Gil’s time at Aalto University in Finland highlights the benefits of international cooperation in academia. He views overseas experiences as a chance to learn about different professional cultures and practices, enriching his own academic work.
In community engagement, Dr. Gil has participated in outreach initiatives, exemplified by his lecture at the Experyment Science Centre. He acknowledges the challenge of communicating complex scientific ideas to non-specialist audiences but finds fulfillment in sharing knowledge.
Looking ahead, Dr. Gil expresses ambitions to execute the MARINERS project successfully and continue enhancing his publication quality while working toward habilitation. His outside interests include running and cultural pursuits like theatre and gastronomy, which offer him a much-needed respite from his academic responsibilities.
Lastly, Dr. Gil actively encourages students at GMU to engage in research, showcasing the success of collaborative projects resulting in prominent publications. His ongoing efforts aim to inspire the next generation of researchers in the maritime field, nurturing their potential to contribute to advancements in maritime safety and technology.
In summary, Dr. Mateusz Gil embodies a passionate educator and researcher dedicated to enhancing maritime transport safety through innovative solutions, administrative acumen, and active student engagement.
