In the latest episode of our NCN podcast “Science in a Frontline Country”, hosted by Anna Korzekwa-Józefowicz, Prof. Justyna Chodkowska-Miszczuk, NCN Council Member and expert in social and spatial aspects of energy transition and Dr hab. Michał Parniak, physician and leader of a research group at the Centre of Quantum Optical Technologies, University of Warsaw, explain how research becomes a true foundation for a resilient state.
In this podcast, we aim to explain how research findings can enhance a state’s resilience in the face of crises. Justyna Chodkowska-Miszczuk emphasises that ‘science-based, reliable knowledge is essential when addressing developmental challenges, including those related to a state’s security’. Basic research - whether in the physical sciences and engineering, social sciences, humanities or arts - provides this knowledge and enables a systemic perspective on security issues, without which nothing can be planned’. She adds that ‘basic research is not a mere luxury but a key foundation of a modern and resilience state’.
Michał Parniak, the first Polish scientist to develop and demonstrate multiplex quantum memory and a quantum processor, says that majority of key technologies have been created within the so-called Pasteur’s quadrant, which refers to basic research of a fundamental nature, but with future applications in mind. He explains that this approach allows one to take a step back to the fundamental laws of physics and develop innovations from scratch, unbound by the limitations of existing technologies. Thereby, his team could develop Rydberg atom-based quantum sensors that can be applied in radar technology and secure communication systems.
Michał Parniak recalled the story of Robert Wilson, Fermilab’s Director, who, when asked by the US Congress how the new accelerator might impact the nation’s security, replied that laboratory’s developments and inventions make the country ‘worth defending’. Dr Parniak emphasised how accurately the sentence captures the essence of basic research, which may not have a specific application in mind but instead generates knowledge, skills and technologies over time, ultimately contributing to the country’s safety, security and sovereignty.
The interview included perspectives of humanities, social sciences and arts. Justyna Chodkowska-Miszczuk recalled that according to the researchers from the Johns Hopkins University ‘the human brain is the current battlefield’. Social disintegration is largely driven by information bubbles, in which algorithms trap us. Therefore, social innovations, public acceptance and conscious communication are essential for building a secure state, alongside research on local communities, critical infrastructure, and the energy transition.
Civil and Military Cooperation
Experts agree that civil and military sectors must cooperate to ensure that the army benefits from the latest research and expertise. Justyna Chodkowska-Miszczuk says that such cooperation is essential not only to respond to current threats, but primarily to anticipate them. By focusing on immediate, ‘here and now’ solutions, we fall behind other countries, while true security requires anticipating future events and the ability to predict them in advance.
She also points out that the NCN Council takes measures to ensure that the National Science Centre can pursue research for the safety and security of the state and launch calls funded with resources secured by the Polish Ministry of National Defence. According to Michał Parniak, partial funding of basic research with army resources would strengthen technological competencies and long-term resilience of the state.
The NCN budget is ca. PLN 1.7 billion, while the 2026 budget of the Polish Ministry of National Defence is expected to reach ca. PLN 125 billion.