3% for Science, 100% for Poland

The science sector in Poland has launched a bottom-up campaign "3% for Science, 100% for Poland" asking for increased R&D spending.

More details (PL): https://3procentnanauke.pl

The petition text in English and in Polish: https://www.petycjeonline.com/3_procent_na_nauke

The protest will take place in front of the Polish parliament, 27th May at 1 p.m.

In the face of the ever-decreasing science funding in Poland, Polish researchers organise a protest to appeal to the government to make long-term improvements in R&I spending.

“Poland has transformed itself into Europe's most overlooked military and economic power”, announced The Economist last year. While the Polish economy is thriving, science funding in Poland is at an unprecedented low - only 1.1% GDP is being spent on science and higher education (jointly!). This is in striking contrast to the declarations of the Polish government, which has hosted and signed the Warsaw Declaration, encouraging increased investment in research and innovation. Despite the slogans, numbers show that every ruling party so far has ignored the premise that R&I is not only the foundation of the economy but also of the national defense. As a prime example, the World Bank recommends increasing the budget for the National Science Centre as a means to boost Poland’s competitiveness. However, over the past decade and more, Poland has systematically failed to keep up with inflation to even sustain the national science funding accordingly. After the new government election, in 2024, a much-trumpeted "historical raise” of 30% has in fact been necessary to… bring the salary of research assistants above the minimum wage!

Unprecedented is also the uprising bottom-up protest of Polish scientists, termed “3% for science, 100% for Poland”, asking for 3% GDP spending on R&I. This goal would more than double the R&I budget - up from the current 1.41% (if private sector spending is included) (see 2024 report). As scientists, we are asking primarily to increase salaries and stipends, and to promote better conditions for students - especially for PhD candidates who start off with less than a minimum wage. Secondly, to increase spending on research expenses and infrastructure, and in particular to aid the National Science Centre which funds competitive basic research in Poland. After previous failed appeals to the government, many scientists remain skeptical, but for the first time in modern Poland, this spring we take to the streets and become vocal about our needs. The protest has already found widespread support from all corners of Polish science, ranging from rectors to student organisations, and importantly from all the main trade unions, showing buoyant solidarity. Within days, the accompanying petition has been signed by thousands of concerned citizens and scientists. Hopefully, the Polish government will start taking R&I spending into serious consideration in practice, starting with the 2027 budget. Meanwhile, Poland should develop a real long-term plan and policy for science.