National Science Centre Days
With the participation of scientists of the Silesian University of Technology at the University of Silesia in Katowice, the National Science Centre Days were held. The event was an opportunity for scientists, doctoral students, and administrative staff to meet with representatives of the NCN (National Science Centre) and gain practical knowledge regarding the financing, implementation, and settlement of research projects.
The Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Prof. Marek Gzik who was present at the event, emphasized the importance of the NCN for Polish science.
– The National Science Centre is an extremely important institution for the functioning of the higher education and science system in Poland. As one of the key government agencies, it finances basic research in the amount of nearly PLN 1.7 billion per year, - the minister noted.
As he emphasized, the funds granted by the NCN are an opportunity for scientists to develop their own research projects and expand their scientific activities beyond the subsidy funding provided to universities by the Ministry.
- This is a huge opportunity for the development of our scientists and the implementation of ambitious research projects, - he said.
The Deputy Minister also drew attention to the educational and popularizing dimension of the National Science Centre Days. - This is a very important event popularizing the offer of the National Science Centre, but also a good opportunity for scientists to learn how to prepare projects and write applications, so that their quality will allow them to obtain funding later, - concluded Professor Gzik.
The Director of the National Science Centre Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwiak stressed that Upper Silesia is one of the most important scientific centres supported by the NCN. – We have many laureates here and we want to meet them and talk about science. At the same time, we want to encourage further researchers to use our grant system boldly – he noted.
He added that the NCN Days are not only meetings with scientists, but also practical workshops addressed both to people preparing grant applications and administrative staff responsible for servicing and accounting research projects.
– We want to show that it is worth reaching for funds for the development of research – said the Director of the NCN.
The Rector of the University of Silesia, Prof. Ryszard Koziołek emphasized that modern science is not only about procedures and financing, but also about people and their experiences. - During the NCN Days, we talk not only about technical and financial issues, but also about the human dimension of doing science, - he stressed.
The Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Sebastian Werle, who took part in the debate entitled “Limits of responsibility: Ethics of research under the pressure of results”, stressed that the support of grant institutions is now crucial for the development of science and the career of young researchers.
– The National Science Centre has been supporting scientists of our University since the beginning of its existence. It offers a wide range of grant programs that our researchers are happy to use – he noted. He added that the NCN offer includes researchers at every stage of their careers – from doctoral students and young researchers to more experienced scientists.
The Vice-Rector pointed out that despite limited financial resources, the grant system remains an extremely valuable tool for supporting research. – We can say that there are not enough funds, but despite everything, the NCN offer is still a great offer and we should use it – he emphasized.
During the debate, the Vice-Rector emphasized that in times of increasing competition, rankings, and pressure on results, it is especially important to build clear rules of conduct in the academic environment.
- We need to talk about responsibility and actions based on ethical principles. Today’s science system requires the creation of such a framework that will allow us to maintain appropriate standards and limit reprehensible behaviour, - said Professor Werle.
Dr Hab. Eng Alicja Kazek-Kęsik, Prof SUT, who is also a member of the National Science Centre Council, talked about the importance of grants for the development of scientific career. The scientist stressed that NCN support was one of the key elements of her professional career.
– If it were not for the PRELUDIUM grant, my scientific path would probably not have developed in this way. It was basic research that gave me the opportunity to build new projects and gain new experiences – she said.
As she pointed out, grants allow young scientists to gain research independence, develop new research programmes, and establish cooperation with other teams in Poland and abroad.
The researcher also stressed the growing quality of grant applications and the increasing support of academic circles for young researchers. – Do not be afraid to ask for help and consult projects with more experienced scientists. This is an important part of development, - she added.
Prof. Alicja Kazek-Kesik took part in an “Open meeting with the NCN Council: Quality - the natural feature of science."
The National Science Centre Days were also an opportunity to summarize 15 years of the institution’s activity. The NCN Director, Prof. Krzysztof Jóźwiak stressed that the greatest value of NCN’s activity are people and the development of Polish science.
-We could talk about numbers, billions of zlotys, and hundreds of funded projects, but the most important thing is that we invest in people – in scientists and their development.
He added that the role of the NCN is to create conditions for conducting ambitious and recognizable scientific research in the world.
- By building the strength of Polish science, we are building a modern economy and society at the same time, - he concluded.
Photos M. Dymowska Uniwersytet Śląski oraz Jolanta Skwaradowska
