NCN will participate in the 35th Economic Forum in Karpacz which will start on 8 September 2026. It is one of the largest gathering of representatives from science, economy and politics in Central and Eastern Europe.

We will take part in the panel discussion on the role of research in strengthening the country’s defence and security capabilities, which will be held under the patronage of NCN on 9 September at 5 p.m., in the Polish Science Sphere organised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The panel discussion will be hosted by the NCN Director Krzysztof Jóźwiak and will feature:

  • Henryk Fiedorowicz, Military University of Technology, NCN Council Member 
  • Jerzy Małachowski, Director of the National Centre of Research and Development 
  • Marcin Górka, Director of the Department of Innovation, Ministry of National Defence  

The main focus will be the role of research in strengthening the country’s defence and security capabilities.

Director Krzysztof Jóźwiak will also take part in two other panel discussions.

One of them (“Can Europe Close the Technology Gap With the US?”) will be held between 11:10 and 12:10 in the University of Warsaw Sphere (Room 6.31). It will be hosted by Tomasz Pilewicz from the Warsaw School of Economics, and will feature:

  • Šarūnas Genys, Head of the Manufacturing Sector Team, Invest Lithuania  
  • Julia Kołodko, Strategic Advisor for Behavioural Science and AI, Onion Brains
  • Artur Popko, CEO, Budimex SA 

The attendees will discuss technology gaps between Europe and the US, particularly in areas such as AI and semi-conductors, as well as the conditions for European technological sovereignty.

Between 14:55 and 15:55, the NCN Director will join the panel discussion “Democracy Needs Science – How to Defend Rational Public Debate?” in the University of Warsaw Sphere (Room 6.31), featuring:

  • Antonin Cohen, President of the Executive Board of Fondation Maison des sciences de l'homme (FMSH, France) 
  • Dorota Olko, Member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland 
  • Piotr Bromber, Lecturer at the University of Zielona Góra  
  • Marek Kisilowski, Deputy Chairman of the National Science Section of NSZZ “Solidarność"

The attendees will address critical thinking, the ability to distinguish facts from opinions, and the role of researchers, mass media and public institutions in developing knowledge-based debate.