Security, development, and new opportunities for Polish science. The letter of intent signed by the Research and Academic Computer Network (NASK) and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) marks another step toward the creation and further development of Polish artificial intelligence, which is becoming an indispensable tool in the work of researchers.

The cooperation between the Institute and NAWA opens up vast opportunities inthe field of research and development, particularly in training language models such as PLLuM (Polish Large Language Model), co-created by NASK experts. NAWA has comprehensive textual resources that are essential for expanding the capabilities of language models. NASK, in turn, contributes its experience in the creation and development of artificial intelligence.

“I am convinced that combining the competencies of NAWA and NASK will contribute to faster implementation of innovations,” says Dr. Eng. Radosław Nielek, Director of NASK. “It also guarantees enhanced data processing security, which is especially important when training large language models.”

The exchange of experience between NASK and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange will also benefit Polish science and higher education. Modern tools and technologies will be used, among other things, to expand the activities of the Polish academic community in global markets. As a result, the PLLuM project will become known in other countries, as it will be accessible to international students and researchers, bringing mutual benefits.

The signing of this letter of intent represents an important step toward the responsible use of modern technologies and the building of technological independence. The PLLuM model provides real support for NAWA lecturers, who for many foreigners are often the first guides to the Polish language and culture. This modern and secure tool will enable the creation of engaging teaching materials, precisely tailored to students’ needs, while maintaining full authenticity and the richness of the Polish language, says Dr. Wojciech Karczewski, Director of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange.

Partnership that creates more opportunities

As Szymon Łukasik, Director of the Center for Research on Artificial Intelligence Security at NASK, explains, the Polish language model PLLuM was first made available to NAWA as part of a pilot project. After just one month, this cooperation is now being formalised.

“For us, this is a signal that the Polish language model created and refined by NASK experts is truly needed,” says Łukasik. “NAWA’s use of ‘Made in Poland’ artificial intelligence solutions will help streamline the management of mobility programs and international cooperation, improve the quality of analyses, and better tailor the Agency’s activities to the needs of the academic community. Polish language models may also find application in the work of NAWA lecturers.”

The partnership with NASK will provide the Agency with access to expert knowledge and many years of experience in designing secure and responsible AI solutions, particularly those developed as part of the Polish-language PLLuM model.

PLLuM is the result of the work of the HIVE consortium, which includes leading research institutions, universities, and technology partners. NASK acts as the consortium leader, responsible for the development, testing, and open access distribution of the models.

NASK’s mission is to support the digital transformation of the country, develop cybersecurity and cutting-edge technologies, and promote cyber prevention. For over 30 years, the Institute has carried out social and educational activities, as well as scientific research in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. NASK played a key role in connecting Poland to the internet and today ensures that it is widely accessible and secure. As part of the Nationwide Education Network (OSE), 90 percent of schools in Poland are connected to a free network. Under the Act on the National Cybersecurity System, CSIRT NASK operates within the Institute’s structures as one of the three national-level CSIRT teams.