Letter from Ministry of Education and Sciences Scholarship Recipients

“Polish researchers need a strong and independent research-funding institution in Poland. Independent operation of the National Science Centre and increased research funding are indispensable for successful development of Polish science”, say the recipients of the Minister of Education and Science scholarships for outstanding young researchers.

An open letter to Poland’s prime minister and president was signed by 114 researchers from various research centres in Poland.

“Many of us have conducted research solely due to the financial support from the National Science Centre. The funds supported pioneering research, creation of new research teams, and research in collaboration with foreign partners, thus safeguarding Poland's position on the international research arena”, the signatories write in their letter.

Full text of the letter

The letter of the scholarship recipients is yet another voice in defence of NCN’s independence. The Polish and international research community was alarmed by the Minister of Education and Science's declarations to “reform” or even close the National Science Centre in autumn and merge it with the National Centre for Research and Development and the Medical Research Agency. 

At the NCN Award ceremony, Prof. Zbigniew Błocki expressed his gratitude towards all those who spoke out in defence of the current grant system: “I would like to address words of gratitude to the representatives of the research community who have recently supported and defended the National Science Centre. Thank you for your letters, pleas, opinions, and interviews. Your support is very important! I am convinced that our joint efforts in support of Polish science will help protect the NCN which is so important for the future of our country”, said the Acting Director.