Diversity is the concept which best characterizes Western Pomeranian. Thanks to the multiplicity of available forms of recreation it can be numbered among the most attractive tourist regions of Europe. Undoubtedly this is largely because of the almost 185 km of unique coastline, with beautiful beaches, dunes and forests. But the clean, sandy shore is merely one of the attractions of the region, which owes its variety to the unique, postglacial surface features. Thanks to the clusters of lakes to be found in the Drawsko and Walcz lake districts, and the very high degree of forestation, the character of the area is quite out of the ordinary.

With its promise of unceasing adventure, it awaits those dreaming of cycling excursions through the primeval forests or sailing expeditions in the Szczecin Lagoon. Constantly developed, the wide range of accommodation and catering facilities makes it possible to take advantage of the local attractions all the year round. The same applies to the renowned spas and sanatoria, which are also a feature of the region. Discovered in the 19th century, the reserves of brine, therapeutic mud and geothermal water add to the attractiveness of Swinoujscie, Kamien Pomorski, Kolobrzeg and Polczyn Zdroj. The salubrious assets of the region are enhanced by the modern, highly developed spa-complexes, where physiotherapy is also available.

Everything is near: Berlin, Copenhagen and Stockholm! We are a region where borders unite rather than divide. We have nearly 185 km of sea frontier to the north and nearly 185 km of border with Germany to the west, a border which thanks to Poland's joining the EU is easier to cross.

Until recently associated solely with the shipbuilding industry and agriculture, today - while not renouncing the benefits which the maritime industry brings - the region can meet the expectations of investors from various branches, including those involving new technologies (such as: fish processing). Rich agricultural traditions, together with the fact that more than half of its area consists of agricultural land, continue to make Western Pomeranian an attractive place for those investing in agriculture and the food industry. The share of woodland in the total area is higher than in other regions, a fact which attracts investors from the wood, furniture, pulp and paper industry.

Education and Technology resources of the region

Although there are no branches of Polish Academy of Sciences or state research & development institutions in Westpommeranian Region there is strong educational and technological base consisting of 5 public and 11 private universities. They are strategic partners for the cooperation with industrial sector in the region.

Technical University of Szczecin
www.ps.pl
The history of the Technical University of Szczecin goes back to December 1946. It was then that the School of Engineering, with the Faculties of Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, was established. At present 10500 students attend lectures in six Faculties: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Computer Science and Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Maritime Technology, Mechanical Engineering. Since 1999 Technical University of Szczecin.

University of Szczecin
www.us.szc.pl
A celebration inaugurating the beginning of the first academic year in the history of Szczecin University took place on October 1st, 1985. The institution offered courses to 5,433 students, 3,504 of whom undertook full-time study. Since then the number of applicants has been growing steadily, often surpassing the admission limits of the six Faculties. Presently over 34,000 students are following full-time, evening and part-time studies in 26 subject areas at six faculties: The Faculty of Humanities, The Faculty of Law and Administration, The Faculty of Natural Science, The Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, The Faculty of Economics and Management, The Faculty of Management and Economics of Services, The Faculty of Theology. Szczecin University employs a total of over 1,000 academic teachers including 250 professors (75 titular professors). The staff actively participates in any events and activities resulting from the process of social, economic and cultural transformation, seeking solutions to important national and regional problems.

University of Agriculture
www.ar.szczecin.pl
University of Agriculture in Szczecin was established in 1954. Nowadays it consists of four faculties: Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Food Sciences and Marine Fisheries, Faculty of Economics and Organization of Food Economy. Almost 11000 students are studying in 13 different majors: Agriculture, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Protection, Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, Biotechnology, Animal Husbandry, Biology, Fisheries, Science of Commodities, Food Technology and Human Nutrition, Economics, Management and Marketing. University has the authority to promote doctoral degrees in 9 disciplines: agronomy, horticulture, environmental protection, agricultural engineering, food technology, fisheries, oceanology, animal husbandry, economy.

Maritime University of Szczecin
www.wsm.szczecin.pl
The first marine university was established in 1947 in Szczecin. Nowadays it offers the students study courses at two Faculties: Faculty of Navigation, Faculty of Marine Engineering, and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Educational activity is also provided by: Marine Officers Training Centre (MOTC), Marine Rescue Training Centre (MRTC). The total number of laboratories for students training as well as research at both Faculties amounts to over 40 well equipped units. The University offers its students indispensable facilities for scientific and cultural all-round development as well as attainment of the knowledge and skills necessary for performing their profession in tough conditions of communing with the marine environment.

Pomeranian Medical University
www.pam.szczecin.pl
Pomeranian Medical University was founded in 1948. At present the University has more than 1,370 beds in both State Clinical Hospitals and almost 400 beds in other hospitals in Szczecin. Altogether, there are approximately 1,780 beds in the clinical departments and the number of patients treated yearly exceeds 32,000. The Pomeranian Medical University has more than 500 faculty and almost 200 technical staff. Among the academic staff are 43 professors and 54 habilitated doctors. Presently the University has 1478 students, including 1012 students of medicine and 466 of dentistry. The Faculty of Pharmacy shall be established in the near future. Since long the Pomeranian Medical University maintains scientific ties with renowned foreign centers. Apart from previous co-operation with some centers in the European Union, the agreement signed with the Pennsylvania University in Philadelphia may be called the most important. These contacts have resulted in the exchange of junior scientists, as well as in numerous publications in reputable Western journals.