In an interview published by Gazeta Wyborcza on 3 May, Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwiak, NCN Director talks about the shift in perception of the National Science Centre, need for stable research funding and strength of the grant system community. “This active group already decides on the Polish science system. Their future influence will be even more profound,” says Prof. Jóźwiak.
Financial stability indispensable for effective research
Prof. Jóźwiak emphasises that the 2023 threats of suspending NCN calls are now long gone, and the success rate went up to 16-17 %. “It is still not ideal. We should aim at 25%, even 30% in the calls for early career researchers,” he says.
The Director recalls that the grant funding limits have not been altered for a long time. “Funds for scholarships or salaries for researchers or even purchase of research equipment have been the same for years. We are all well aware that they do to meet the current needs. The allocation of PLN 500,000 per unit of equipment, for example, has been the same since 2011,” he notices.
Prof. Jóźwiak highlights that on top of funding, science needs predictability. “When it comes to science, one cannot plan a year ahead, but at least three or four years ahead,” he says.
NCN Generation
The role of the community around the National Science Centre was also discussed. “Over fourteen years of its operation, the National Science Centre has spent nearly 17 billion zlotys for research projects. Totally worth every penny for science in Poland. Although we are most proud of the people,” says the NCN Director.
“There is a decent number of researchers who affirm to have received NCN support at every stage of their research career, when pursuing a PhD degree, returning from other countries or forming their research teams. (…) “This active group already decides on the Polish science system. Their future influence will be even more profound,” says Prof. Jóźwiak.
The interview was conducted by Alicja Gardulska. You can read it on the website of Gazeta Wyborcza.