17:53 9 September 2025
Professor Michał Tomza: politicians not interested in financing innovative science
Poland’s 2026 budget freezes spending on science and higher education at PLN 44.26 billion, disappointing researchers who expected substantial increases after government pledges to make innovation a priority. The National Science Centre’s budget will rise only 1.4% to PLN 1.7 billion, far below expectations for stable growth. Academics, including Prof. Michał Tomza of the University of Warsaw, criticize the government for neglecting funding despite earlier promises of a “breakthrough year.” Former minister Dariusz Wieczorek had already warned that underfunding could demobilize top researchers and restrict access to higher education.
Analysts argue that funding is set at minimal levels to sustain teaching staff rather than stimulate innovation. With Polish universities slipping in global rankings, experts stress that boosting investment must go hand in hand with reform, but no comprehensive changes are planned.
(wnp.pl)
