The internationalisation of science in the context of global challenges – and individual ambitions – was the theme of the 2nd Internationalisation Congress.

Organised by NAWA in collaboration with the National Science Centre and the University of Warsaw, the Congress was held on 11–12 September 2024 as a continuation of the debate in order to develop the National Internationalisation Strategy for science and higher education. The two-day event saw almost 70 Polish and international panellists and more than 500 guests gathered in the hospitable Old Library of the University of Warsaw and online.

The Congress’ theme was broad: from organisational and systemic issues through geopolitical challenges and opportunities related to alliances like European Universities or EU Framework Programmes through the needs of scientists at different stages of their careers to the international promotion of Polish researchers’ achievements.

The panels and backstage discussions frequently reiterated that we must work together to increase the role of science in Poland’s development, and that internationalisation is one of the tools used to build scientific excellence. Thankfully, besides the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Congress hosted representatives of the Ministry of Development and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy. Participants emphasised the need to include the scientific community and university administration in consultations on emerging regulations.

There was much interest in a panel on the risks associated with international scientific cooperation. Moderator Jennifer Johnson and her excellent guest speakers raised awareness regarding the risks of foreign interference, information protection, and dual-use technologies. Polish scientists are only just learning about these issues, while they are important and urgent. Intensive training in this area is needed so that the fear of threats does not make Polish academics withdraw from international cooperation.

There was no shortage of more personal testimonies either. In an inspiring panel moderated by Prof. Marta Miączyńska, participants shared their experiences in using the very diverse opportunities for international mobility in consciously building an academic career.

Moreover, the audience was greatly interested in the discussion on the evaluation of scientific careers. Both European grant-giving agencies and individual countries are expanding their existing numerical indicator-based methods of evaluating researchers and scientific institutions. A trend is apparent to take into account other aspects of researchers’ activities as well, with an emphasis on diverse outputs, communication practices, and activities that maximise the quality and impact of research on the modern world.

Key conclusions:

Scientists need a long-term definition of what the Polish state wants from and for them. A strategy for the development of science – tailored to Polish conditions and needs – should set out the main objectives and priority areas that would remain constant in the long term and form the basis for planning other areas, such as the evaluation of units, the offer of grant programmes, and the promotion of science.
Internationalisation should serve to build scientific excellence, thus a need arises for conscious planning of activities in the area.
Young scientists should focus on implementing a long-term strategy for personal scientific development and building personal brands. Their publishing decisions should be based solely on quality, and research supervisors should pass on this attitude to their mentees.
What is crucial is the visibility of Polish scientists in reputable scientific publications and presence in important bodies, councils, associations, and expert teams. Moreover, evaluation teams in Polish grant agencies should be international, while scientists involved in international projects should strive to play a leadership role.
There is a need for as diverse an offer as possible for short- and long-term mobility. Furthermore, short research trips can be valuable if they are well planned. Researchers need the support of their universities and institutes to organise research trips.
We should strive for a balance between outbound and inbound mobility. Visits of foreign scientists to Poland allow them to appreciate our country and science. Nevertheless, we must refine the culture of welcoming foreign scientists: taking care of them, ensuring lecture attendance, motivating questions from lecture participants, fostering interesting meetings with the audience. We should be making the most of such visits by involving foreign scientists in scientific activities, consultancy, teaching, mentoring, popular science, etc.
Scientists with experience in mobility should mentor young researchers, introduce doctoral students to foreign research milieux, and teach networking skills. Young scientists should boldly ask for mentoring from experienced colleagues, also from abroad.
The young generation is no longer going abroad because of the difference in living standards. A different motivation needs to be built, one referring to personal development, the possibility of profitable employment, working with the best teams, and leapfrogging the competition.
Funding for science should focus more on creating international groups and inviting foreign scientists to Poland.
Universities and research institutes should increase efforts leading to the promotion of Polish achievements abroad, e.g. by sending regular press releases to Polish and foreign media and services like EurekAlert!
Comprehensive training for scientists and research institutions in the field of international cooperation security is indispensable.
Security issues along with visa and migration policies require cross-sectoral interaction and broad consultations.

We thank everyone present onsite and online for participation in the 2nd Internationalisation Congress! More challenges, conversations, and achievements await ahead, but we are ready to work together to create a common, national internationalisation strategy. We believe that together we can develop a vision for the future of internationalisation of higher education and science in Poland.

The first preparations for the 3rd Internationalisation Congress will begin soon. We will keep you informed about the details. Stay in touch!