AGH University debates on science

The meeting was attended by: Professor Marek Gzik – Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Technology, Professor Jerzy Małachowski – Director of the National Centre for Research and Development, Professor Krzysztof Jóźwiak – Director of the National Science Centre,  Professor Jerzy Lis – AGH University Rector and host of the event, and our university community represented by vice-rectors, deans, chairpersons of Scientific Disciplines Councils, and heads of units.

From the plethora of issues touched upon during the debate and the questions posed, several main threads emerge. These are: evaluation of the quality of research activities, implementation of the IDUB programme, financial collateral in consortium agreements (R&D), standardisation of criteria in competitions (NCBR), Poland's position in innovation indicators, integration of NCN and NCBR activities, internationalisation of research, importance of participation in Polish and foreign conferences, subsidy distribution algorithm, distribution of ministerial funds. The role of cooperation between science, economy and industry was emphasised, next to the need for commercialisation and implementation of projects, and the impact of the geopolitical situation on research and education. 

The discussion was preceded by speeches of guests. Professor Marek Gzik spoke about the  strategy for the development of science, legislative challenges and related work carried out by the ministry. Professor Krzysztof Jóźwiak described the NCN’s grant system, the role of the NCN Council, expert team, and coordinators of disciplines. In turn, Professor Jerzy Małachowski presented the programme offer of the NCBR and encouraged to joint the group of NCBR experts.

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The series of debates was created on the initiative of Professor Marek Gzik, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The meetings have a form of an open dialogue on the future of higher education and research in Poland. The large-scale initiative involves key academic centres in the country. Each meeting is aimed at creating a forum for a merit-based exchange of views and joint development of solutions for the most important challenges facing higher education and the research sector. Representatives of the ministry and financial institutions attending the meetings may learn about the academia’s observations on science policy and the functioning of institutions involved in supporting and financing science in Poland. 

The inauguration of the series took place early March at the Silesian University of Technology. Subsequent meetings are organised all over the country, at universities in different cities. All interested in the future of Polish science are welcome to participate in the series, especially students, doctoral students, university staff, experts, as well as representatives of research institutions and the economy.