Dr hab. Michał Kubiak, prof. UG, from the Institute of Political Science at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk, has been appointed by the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship to the Pomeranian Voivodeship Council of Seniors for its third term, covering the years 2026–2029. The first meeting and the presentation of the letters of appointment took place on 1 April 2026 at the headquarters of the Marshal’s Office of the Pomeranian Province. The Council’s tasks include, amongst other things, issuing opinions on senior citizens’ policy initiatives in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, initiating and reviewing proposals for solutions benefiting the senior citizens’ community, and supporting intergenerational exchange and communication.
The Pomeranian Voivodeship Council of Seniors consists of 33 members representing both senior citizens themselves and organisations working on their behalf, including representatives of non-governmental organisations and institutions running universities of the third age. Candidates were selected on the basis of a merit-based assessment, taking into account their previous activities in support of older people.
The tasks of the Pomeranian Voivodeship Council of Seniors include, amongst others: providing opinions on measures concerning senior citizens’ policy in the Pomeranian Voivodeship; initiating and providing opinions on proposed solutions for the senior community and for intergenerational exchange and communication, including programmes and activities concerning older people; supporting the development, cooperation and activation of communities working on behalf of older people in order to increase the effectiveness of their activities; promoting healthy ageing and disseminating knowledge about the needs and rights of older people.
Prof. Michał Kubiak works at the Institute of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk (in the Department of Public Policy and Administration), and his research focuses mainly on social policy towards older people, public health issues, as well as the social economy and the silver economy. He is the author of around 70 academic and popular science articles, the author of a monograph, and co-editor of several books. He collaborates with non-governmental organisations, mainly those working on behalf of older people. As a qualified instructor in geriatric exercise therapy (postgraduate studies at the University of Physical Education and Sport in Gdańsk), he regularly conducts classes on physical activity for older people.
‘My research interests centre on the challenges of adapting state social policy towards older people in the context of an ageing society, as well as the practical aspects of the role of local authorities and non-governmental organisations in fulfilling their tasks and shaping senior citizens’ policy,’ says prof. Michał Kubiak. ‘In my research, I identify the mechanisms shaping social policy, as well as its practical effects. My involvement in the activities of non-governmental organisations, including at a conceptual level (e.g. in the development of programmes to promote senior citizens’ activity), creates opportunities to design and implement programmes aimed at older people and to apply research findings in practice.’
The researcher also participates in research projects and numerous national and international conferences. He promotes social and physical activity among older people through numerous lectures, presentations and practical sessions.
The expert from the University of Gdańsk was appointed to the Seniors’ Council pursuant to Resolution No. 281/169/26 of the Pomeranian Voivodeship Executive Board dated 5 March 2026.