Science In Poland Research Articles

Development and applications of computer science in Poland during the communist rule

Development and applications of computer science in Poland during the communist rule

Educational policy in times of war 2022: A case study of the Twitter of the Ministry of Education and Science in Poland

The aim of the conducted research was to analyze the activity of the Polish Ministry of Education and Science on Twitter and to diagnose and then describe the perspective (experiences, reflections, postulates) of Twitter users, thus enabling the analysis and evaluation of activities undertaken in the field of shaping education policy in times of Russian aggression to Ukraine. The subject of the research were entries and comments posted on the Twitter platform on the account of the Polish Ministry of Education and Science in Poland placed in the time period from February 24, 2022 (the first day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine) to June 1, 2022 (celebration related to Children’s Day). The collected data were analyzed in the MAXQDA program in accordance with the prepared – described in detail in the article – code key. As part of the research, a total of 259 posts and 2,339 comments were analyzed. It turned out that Twitter users are reluctant to create recommendations (3% of all entries), while the vast majority of comments contain negative opinions and experiences related to education policy. The analysis also showed a worrying trend towards an increasing number of hate speech comments. Users often used the Twitter platform to mock politicians, but also made statements directed against the Ukrainian people. Based on the conducted research, it is extremely difficult to describe the activities undertaken in the field of education policy by the Polish Ministry of Education and Science. It should be noted that the analyzed entries in most cases are only very short messages, often referring only to visits or speeches by politicians. At the same time, it is worth emphasizing that comments posted by users rarely enter into substantive polemics, because they are usually only a vent for very negative emotions.

EXPLORING THE SYNERGY OF TECHNICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES: AN OVERVIEW OF PROFESSOR JOANICJUSZ NAZARKO’S 45-YEAR SCIENTIFIC JOURNEY

This article presents Professor Joanicjusz Nazarko’s outstanding achievements in research, scientific cooperation, teaching and organizational work, in celebration of the 45th jubilee of his scientific work. Over the years, Professor Nazarko has contributed significantly to the development of technical and social sciences in Poland. He authored more than 300 publications, which constitutes a substantial knowledge base on its own. Using bibliometric and statistical methods and techniques, we present an overview of Professor’s most important scientific achievements and major works. We also highlight his efforts to establish a national and international network for scientific cooperation. Lastly, we present his didactic successes. This jubilee serves as the opportunity to recognize and honour Professor Joanicjusz Nazarko’s significant contribution to the development of science in Poland.

Academic library science and its contribution to the development of bibliology and information science in Poland, 1945–2015

The aim of the study is to present the origins and development of academic institutions educat- ing librarians in Poland between 1945 and 2015, taking into account the institutional and scholarly aspects. In the first part of the paper the author presents the history of various institutions — university faculties, departments and institutes — arranged diachronically in three stages (1945–1974, 1975–1989, 1990–2015). She takes into account the circumstances of their establishment (including the legal framework), their organisers, staff, organisational structures and their changes. In addition, she points to other components of academic life influencing the work of academic library science centres, such as conferences and journals. In the second part, devoted to a discussion of bibliological and information-science research conducted at Polish universities, the author focuses on various issues, treating chronology only as an element organising descriptions of research processes at individual library studies centres. She identifies the areas of research, as well as changes in the thematic foci in the analysed period, citing selected scholars and their most important works. Like in part one, she also discusses the social, political and cultural determinants stimulating research processes, paying particular attention to the impact of new technologies and media. The author’s overview confirms the huge role the academic institutions engaged in library studies play in the consolidation of the position of bibliology as an academic discipline, but at the same time, she shows how the research profile of book studies has been changing in recent years, including issues associated with information science and new technologies.

Sub-Disciplines in Security Sciences: On the Need to Distinguish Them

The article attempts to address the issue of the need to distinguish sub-disciplines in security sciences. A scientific discipline is a basic and lowest-order category within the classification system of individual fields of science. Security science in Poland has been classified as one of many disciplines in the field of social sciences. The problem was formulated as a question: based on which criteria can sub-disciplines be distinguished in the security sciences? The aim is to identify the basic sub-disciplines in security sciences and to propose a criterion for their distinction. Critical literature analysis and research design were adopted as the primary methods. There is no established criterion for the division into individual sub-disciplines in Poland. The author proposes to distinguish sub-disciplines based on the following criteria: theoretical, practical, types of institutions, and levels of organization of different security sectors. It is based on the assumption that security sciences require a clarification of the substantive scope within sub-disciplines through which the discipline’s identity can be built up, and research can be carried out as part of further scientific work.

Successful examples of asynchronous teaching in Polish interactive remote medical education

A thorough theoretical and practical preparation is crucial in the education of medical professionals. Present-day knowledge recipients expect a broad range of multimedia and interactive resources in the consumed media. The article discusses examples of such implementations for the nationwide education of a pharmacy technician, massage technician, medical sterilization technician, and occupational therapy technician. These examples were created for the Integrated Education Platform of the Ministry of Education and Science in Poland, as part of an EU-funded project. This study delineates the characteristics of e-materials, such as instructional and educational videos, film sequences, scenario-based learning games, interactive documentation, 3D animations, simulators and virtual tours. We prepared a learner benefit analysis based on the e-materials discussed. We aimed to formulate recommendations and guidelines for designing and developing multimedia and interactive resources, paying special attention to educational values and content for the medical industry. Regardless of the type of multimedia, profession and content, materials should prioritize realism, interactivity and detailed presentation of the situations/cases. The same multimedia rarely achieve different learning objectives and learning outcomes. To design and produce high-quality multimedia, it is necessary to know their characteristics and to work with a team of subject matter experts experienced in e-learning development.

Prominent Lviv physicist Wojciech Urbański and his books

The article examines the books of professor Wojciech Urbański of Lviv University from the funds of the Department of Library Collections and Historical Collections of the Institute of Bibliology of the Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, Scientific Library of Lviv National University, Lviv Vasyl Stefanyk National Scientific Library of Ukraine. The results of the researches of A. Rovenchak, H. Ponedilka, O. Popel, M. Dabrovskyi, O. Petruk, G. Talantova, Ya. Prytula, in which materials about the scientific activity and library work of V. Urbańsky are represented, are indicated and analyzed. Information on the scientific biography of the scientist is given, in particular his printed works are noted. The library work of the scientist as the director of the library of Lviv University is singled out. Bibliological materials on the study and attribution of book signs on the books of V. Urbańsky are represented. The significance of V. Urbańsky's scientific work for the development of science in Poland and Galicia is noted. It is noted that the library work of the scientist contributed to the increase of the library funds of Lviv University, the improvement of the conditions of literature storage and reader service.

Unveiling the Mechanisms of NMC622 Degradation during Cycling Using Ex Situ SEM, XRD, and Raman Studies

Lithium-ion cells that employ nickel-rich NMC materials are prevalent because of their high capacity and ability to function at significantly elevated potentials vs Li+/Li. Nonetheless, these cells encounter issues such as a decline in capacity or thermal resistance, and various researchers are currently exploring the underlying causes of these phenomena. Zhang1 has compiled these findings, pointing out the most significant ones: cation mixing, present of residual lithium compounds, oxygen evolution and phase transition to rocksalt. Understanding the phenomena occurring during lithiation and delithiation of NMC can help in selecting the appropriate method to improve its properties. To understand this, scientists use various methods. Through a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Cheng et al.2 observed grain cracking in the electrode material intensifying with successive cycles. They compared the NMC811 after 14 cycles for a cutoff potential of 4.1 vs. Li+/Li and 4.7 vs. Li+/Li. G anty et al.3 used in situ XRD studies to monitor changes in NMC811 during charge and discharge cycling, with particular emphasis on changes in the a and c unit cell parameters and the appearance of the H2 hexagonal phase during charging (significantly reduced lithium content in the structure). Also, Raman spectroscopy can be used to make comparisons of the changes occurring in the active material during its lithiation and delithiation. Flores et al.4 study layered active materials using Raman spectroscopy and was able to see significant changes in the structure, such as showing that the oxidation of Ni2+/Ni3+ ↔ Ni3+/Ni4+ is gradual.However, in situ techniques have limitations in combining various methods to test the same sample. To facilitate the use of several techniques, ex situ testing can be employed. In this research, nickel-rich NMC samples were analyzed using a combination of ex situ XRD, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy. This approach provides more information on the phenomena occurring during cell operation, allowing for better understanding of the problems that need to be addressed. SEM images can identify the presence of structural irregularities that can affect the material's electrochemical performance, including defects and cracks. XRD provides overall information on phases present in the bulk sample, their grain size, and crystallographic parameters, and allows for thorough Raman analysis. Ex situ Raman spectroscopy enables experiments to be carried out at a specific location, increases the reliability of tests, and provides detailed information on phase transitions and the causes of capacity drop during the cell operation. Together, these techniques provide valuable insights into the structural changes that occur in NMC622 material during lithiation and delithiation processes. By analyzing the crystal structure, and surface morphology of the cathode material before and after cycling, these techniques can help identify the mechanisms of degradation and suggest strategies for improving battery performance and lifespan. A detailed analysis will be presented during the conference. This work was funded by the National Center for Science in Poland through the Sonata BIS 11 programme (No. UMO-2021/42/E/ST5/00390).Reference: Zhang, S. S. Problems and their origins of Ni-rich layered oxide cathode materials. Energy Storage Mater 24, 247–254 (2020). Cheng, X. et al. Real-Time Observation of Chemomechanical Breakdown in a Layered Nickel-Rich Oxide Cathode Realized by in situ Scanning Electron Microscopy. ACS Energy Lett 6, (2021). Ghanty, C. et al. Li+-Ion Extraction/Insertion of Ni-Rich Li1+x(NiyCozMnz)wO2 (0.005<x<0.03; y: Z=8:1, w≈1) Electrodes: In situ XRD and Raman Spectroscopy Study. ChemElectroChem 2, (2015). Flores, E. et al. Cation Ordering and Redox Chemistry of Layered Ni-Rich Li xNi1-2 yCo yMn yO2: An Operando Raman Spectroscopy Study. Chemistry of Materials 32, (2020).

Profiling European citizen scientist: Evidence from Poland

This article investigates the profile of citizen scientists in Poland who actively participated in a project to inform the Polish government's strategic objectives for 2050. While citizen science, involving public collaboration in scientific research, has been extensively studied in various countries, a notable gap exists in understanding the characteristics of citizen scientists in Poland. Employing a methodology that integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study utilises a collaborative survey and online deliberations to gain insights into the profiles of Polish citizen scientists. The article's primary focus is on delineating the demographics of Polish citizen scientists and comparing them to the characteristics of their peers’ established profiles in other European countries. Intriguingly, our analysis reveals that the environment and green transition theme predominantly attracted male citizen scientists, deviating from prevailing literature that typically associates environmental citizen science with higher female involvement. Additionally, the key findings suggest a portrait of Polish citizen scientists as an older, educated cohort with a discernible concern for societal issues. The article emphasises the importance of these insights for shaping the landscape of citizen science in Poland and provides guidance for similar future initiatives.

Duchowni w historii botaniki w Polsce

Clerical persons conducted a variety of botanical research in Poland and Polish lands. The purpose of this article is to describe their achievements in this field of science. No comprehensive study of the clergy’s contribution to the development of this branch of science has been made so far. The study is based on the biographies of botanists and amateur botanists from The Biographical Dictionary of Polish Botanists which is being prepared for publication. The Dictionary comprises 1,773 biographies, including 69 clerical persons. Among these 69 people, the largest group form Catholic priests (21), followed by Jesuits (12, including 1 ex-Jesuit), Protestant clergy (6), and Piarists (6, including 2 ex-Piarists). The fewest were archbishops and subdeacons (1 person each). Among the botanists active in Poland and Polish lands, no clergy of non-Christian denominations were identified. The share of clergy in the total number of botanists was not substantial. They were in the majority only during the period when medical botany flourished (from the mid-14th century to the last quarter of the 16th century). Among the many branches of botany, floristics was most often practiced by the clergy, with as many as 36 people publishing works in this field, followed by ecology (14 people), popularization of botany (7 people), and phycology (5 people). Other branches of botany were less frequently practiced: medical botany and systematics – by 4, ethnobotany, phytogeography, physiology, mycology, nature conservation, and paleobotany – by 3, history of botany and pteridology – by 2, and anatomy, bryology, cytology, dendrology, lichenology, morphology, botanical engraving – by 1 person. With the increase in the number of botanists and the rapid development of experimental-laboratory branches of botany, the importance of clergy in the development of plant science in Poland has started to decline.

Kilka uwag o miejscu i roli nauk politycznych w Polsce w okresie międzywojennym

The first Polish school of political science was created before the First World War in the Polish territory under Austrian rule – in Lviv (1902) and Cracow (1911). Władysław Studnicki and Michał Rostworowski – initiators and founders of both academies as well as sociologist Ludwik Gumplowicz and lawyer Franciszek Kasparek, can be regarded as the fathers of Polish politology. The next step in the development of political science in Poland was the formation of the School of Political Science on the initiative of Edmund Reyman in 1915 in Warsaw. Then, after the First World War had ended, the School of Political Science in Cracow resumed its activity. Apart from that, the School of Political Science attached to the Scientific Research Institute of Eastern Europe was founded at the beginning of the thirties in Vilnius – the first Polish sovietologist centre. In the interwar period, political science was treated as practical skills on account of their utilitarian character. Therefore, they were not included in the classifications of fields of sciences of that time in Poland. Social activists and academists such as above mentioned Reyman and Konstanty Krzeczkowski, who claimed that political skills’ attempts at the elaboration of their own methodology is the best proof of their scientific character, endeavored to change this state of affairs. It was not until the mid-thirties when the School of Political Science, the biggest institution of this type in Poland, was transformed into the Academy of Political Science, which can be treated as part of the process of the emergence of political science as a separate branch of science.

Politics of Political Science in Poland: The Ongoing Reform of Higher Education

The 21st century can be called a "century of reforms" in the Polish system of higher education and science. Each successive ruling party was looking for an opportunity to revise the way the Polish Academia was organized. Those reforms were aimed at changing the system of evaluation of higher education institutions (and the associated system of granting public subsidies thereto). But also they were targeting the list of scientific disciplines recognized and subsidized by the government. That was possible thanks to the fact that each piece of legislation on funding the Polish system of higher education was imparting power on the Minister of Higher Education to issue an executive act. Such discretionary decisions allow for influencing the way institutional science is organized in Poland. It is also a reason why in Poland "scientific lobbying" has arisen and various research coteries have been trying to promote their subfields to the rank of "discipline" by influencing the Ministry. This paper is an attempt at summing up the 21st-century debate over the shape and legal foundations of the institutional dimension of the realm of political science. It is also an attempt to provide evidence that in Poland it is not theory that is influencing the decisions of recognizing new disciplines that are arising from the field of political science, but rather the political (and lobbying) practice as well as discretionary decisions of the Ministry are shaping the development of theory.

The Dispute Over the Identity of Political Science

The chapter presents the main axes of the dispute over the identity of political science in Poland in the last half-century, with special emphasis put on the period after 1989. Debates concentrating on three identities criteria are discussed, i.e., the research object of political science, the methods and techniques used in political science inquiry and history and organization of the discipline in Poland. The possibility of indicating the boundaries of the discipline based on a distinct object of research or a unique political science method is considered to be incorrect. Therefore, the answer to the identity criteria question lies rather in organizational and historical differences, as well as in special political scientific perspective. In other words, discipline identity is more about theories, language, the way of posing research problems, than methods and object. The outcomes of these disputes for the pluralism of the approaches in political science and interdisciplinarity are also discussed.

Polska Bibliografia Naukowa – powstanie, rozwój i znaczenie

The article characterizes the development of the system of institutional evaluation of science in Poland. The Polish Scientific Bibliography (PBN) is discussed in detail – its transformation, current state, functionality, needs, users’ expectations as well as its importance and tasks for the future. The PBN is an important portal of the Ministry of Education and Science and a bibliographic-analytical database of an integrated Information System on Higher Education POL-on. The importance of the PBN results from its role as an official data source used in the process of evaluation of scientific units and consequently, for the distribution of subsidies in higher education.

The discrepancy between FDG uptake and myocardial fibrosis in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension – PET/MRI study

Abstract Background Inflammatory processes play an important role in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) pathophysiology. We previously confirmed that in case of right ventricle (RV) failure, changes of cytokines' levels are correlated with myocardial metabolic and hemodynamic alterations observed in PET/MRI hybrid imaging. Presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in RV insertion points (RVIPs) has been found in majority of PAH patients and is often recognized as evidence of myocardial fibrosis due to RV pressure overload. As qualitative and/or quantitative assessments of LGE may vary due to natural PAH progression or specific therapy, we hypothesized that simple presence of LGE at RVIPs is not unequivocal to fibrotic tissue (without metabolic activity). Purpose To check the relationship between LGE mass and 18F-fluorodexyglucose uptake in RV insertion points in PAH patients using PET/MRI hybrid imaging. Methods Twenty-eight clinically stable PAH patients (49.9±15.9 years) had simultaneous PET/MRI scans during baseline and follow up (FU) visits, Figure. 18F-fluorodexyglucose (FDG) was used as a tracer and its cardiac uptake was presented as a maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) for RV insertion points (SUV in RVIPS). Septal delayed enhancement mass was quantified in RVIPs and presented as LGE mass. Occurrences of clinical end-points (CEP, defined as death or clinical deterioration) were assessed during 24 months observation. Results LGE was found in RVIPs of all PAH patients. Mean LGE mass was 6.32±4.41 g and mean SUV in RVIPS was 7.28±5.36. Follow up values were 8.01±7.75g (p=0.4) and 5.80±3.16 (p=0.16), respectively. We observed significant correlation between baseline SUV in RVIPS and mean pulmonary pressure, mPAP (r=0.49, p=0.04) but no correlation was found between LGE mass and SUV in RVIPS (in both baseline and FU scans). Between baseline and follow up visits, 16 patients had CEP and needed PAH therapy escalation. CEP+ group of PAH patients presented higher baseline LGE mass (7.53±4.75 vs 3.92±2.21, p=0.04) and SUV in RVIPS (7.27±5.42 vs 6.01±4.52, p=0.4). In all CEP patients who initiated prostacycline therapy and survived (n=8, 50%), SUV in RVIPS decreased in FU PET scans together with an increase in LGE mass in MRI. At FU visits we also observed significant improvement of MRI-derived RV ejection fraction (45.1±9.6% to 52.4±12.9%, p=0.01), and mPAP (50.5±18.3 to 42.8±18.6 mmHg, p=0.03). Conclusions Effective PAH therapy have an impact on both LGE mass and FDG uptake in cardiac local tissue changes. Since there was no correlation between LGE mass and FDG uptake RV insertion points, the question arises what the cause of these LGE changes is. Increased fibrosis should cause diminished local glucose metabolism. This phenomenon opens new questions concerning pathophysiology processes in RVIPs and requires confirmation on bigger PAH population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Center for Science in Poland

English-Taught Degree Programs and the Internationalization of Political Science in Poland

English-Taught Degree Programs and the Internationalization of Political Science in Poland

Emergence of Socio-economic Geography and Spatial Management as a Scientific Discipline in the New Classification of Science in Poland1

Abstract The aim of the article is to present the chronology of activities that led to the emergence of the discipline ‘socio-economic geography and spatial management’ in the new classification of science in Poland which has been in force since 2018. The path of emergence of the discussed discipline is analysed from the standpoint of one of the participants of this process. The article also presents positive and negative consequences of implementing this classification in the context of two different structural models of geography as a science. Among positive consequences one can mention (1) preservation of the name ‘geography’ on the list of scientific disciplines, and (2) a favourable formal and legal ‘empowerment’ of socio-economic geography in the system of the organisation and evaluation of science in Poland. Among the greatest threats one can see (1) a reduction in the importance of socio-economic geography in favour of spatial management, and (2) the organisational disintegration of some geographical communities, institutions and research units. However, there are also attempts at the reintegration of geography around two of its basic segments, i.e. physical geography and human geography. In the author's opinion, future activities should focus on the means to strengthen realistically (and not only declaratively) the position of the new discipline and its constituent subdisciplines against other scientific disciplines.

Open Forest Data: Digitalizing and building an online repository

Poland is characterised by a relatively high variety of living organisms attributed to terrestrial and water environments. Currently, close to 57.000 species of living organisms are described that occur in Poland (Symonides 2008), including lowland and mountain species, those attributed to oceanic and continental areas, as well as species from forested and open habitats. Poland comprehensively represents biodiversity of living organisms on a continental scale and thus, is considered to have an important role for biodiversity maintenance. The Mammal Research Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences (MRI PAS), located in Białowieża Forest, a UNESCO Heritage Site, has been collecting biodiversity data for 90 years. However, a great amount of data gathered over the years, especially old data, is gradually being forgotten and hard to access. Old catalogues and databases have never been digitalized or publicly shared, and not many Polish scientists are aware of the existence of such resources, not to mention the rest of the scientific world. Recognizing the need for an online, interoperable platform, following FAIR data principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable), where biodiversity and scientific data can be shared, MRI PAS took a lead in creation of an Open Forest Data (OFD) repository. OpenForestData.pl (Fig. 1) is a newly created (2020) digital repository, designed to provide access to natural sciences data and provide scientists with an infrastructure for storing, sharing and archiving their research outcomes. Creating such a platform is a part of an ongoing development of life sciences in Poland, aiming for an open, modern science, where data are published as free-access. OFD also allows for the consolidation of natural science data, enabling the use and processing of shared data, including API (Application Programming Interface) tools. OFD is indexed by the Directory of Open Repositories (OpenDOAR) and Registry of Research Data Repositories (re3data). The OFD platform is based entirely on reliable, globally recognized open source software: DATAVERSE, an interactive database app which supports sharing, storing, exploration, citation and analysis of scientific data; GEONODE, a content management geospatial system used for storing, publicly sharing and visualising vector and raster layers, GRAFANA, a system meant for storing and analysis of metrics and large scale measurement data, as well as visualisation of historical graphs at any time range and analysis for trends; and external tools for database storage (Orthanc) and data visualisation (Orthanc plugin Osimis Web Viewer and Online 3D Viewer (https://3dviewer.net/), which were integrated with the system mechanism of Dataverse. Furthermore, according to the need for specimen description, Darwin Core (Wieczorek et al. 2012) metadata schema was decided to be the most suitable for specimen and collections description and mapped into a Dataverse additional metadata block. The use of Darwin Core is based on the same file format, the Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A) which allows for sharing data using common terminology and provides the possibility for easy evaluation and comparison of biodiversity datasets. It allows the contributors to OFD to optionally choose Darwin Core for object descriptions making it possible to share biodiversity datasets in a standardized way for users to download, analyse and compare. Currently, OFD stores more than 10.000 datasets and objects from the collections of Mammal Research Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences and Forest Science Institute of Białystok University of Technology. The objects from natural collections were digitalized, described, catalogued and made public in free-access. OFD manages seven types of collection materials: 3D and 2D scans of specimen in Herbarium, Fungarium, Insect and Mammal Collections, images from microscopes (including stereoscopic and scanning electron microscopes), morphometric measurements, computed tomography and microtomography scans in Mammal Collection, mammal telemetry data, satellite imagery, geospatial climatic and environmental data, georeferenced historical maps. 3D and 2D scans of specimen in Herbarium, Fungarium, Insect and Mammal Collections, images from microscopes (including stereoscopic and scanning electron microscopes), morphometric measurements, computed tomography and microtomography scans in Mammal Collection, mammal telemetry data, satellite imagery, geospatial climatic and environmental data, georeferenced historical maps. In the OFD repository, researchers have the possibility to share data in standardized way, which nowadays is often a requirement during the publishing process of a scientific article. Beside scientists, OFD is designed to be open and free for students and specialists in nature protection, but also for officials, foresters and nature enthusiasts. Creation of the OFD repository supports the development of citizen science in Poland, increases visibility and access to published data, improves scientific collaboration, exchange and reuse of data within and across borders.

Internationalisation ou nationalisation ?

Les réformes d’inspiration néolibérale de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche (ESR) des années 1990, impulsées par les premiers gouvernements polonais de la période postcommuniste, se sont traduites par un processus de relative privatisation de l’enseignement supérieur. Dans le contexte de l’inscription de la Pologne dans l’espace européen de l’ESR, une nouvelle vague de réformes a favorisé la mise en compétition des universités. En 2010-2011, le rôle de l’instrument bibliométrique dans l’évaluation de la performance scientifique des chercheurs et des établissements a été consacré. Arrivé au pouvoir en 2015, le parti Droit et Justice (PiS) a renforcé les impératifs de compétitivité et d’efficacité, tout en y associant une dimension idéologique, avec une orientation nationale-conservatrice affirmée. Cet article présente les principales évolutions de l’ESR polonais depuis 1989 et évoque les politiques entreprises par le PiS.

Władysław Szafer as a palaeobotanist

Władysław Szafer (1886–1970) was one of the notable Polish botanists of the first half of the 20th c., palaeobotany being one of his main fields of interest, cultivated for over 60 years. Initially, he studied Quaternary floras and later on he expanded his interests to the Tertiary (Neogene) floras at the end of the 1930s. He published at least 80 different books and papers on palaeobotany, many of which still having scientific, not only historical, value. His organizational, teaching and editing activities in the field of palaeobotany were also remarkable, and influenced strongly the science in Poland. He contributed to the fast development of this field of knowledge in Poland, both in terms of research and in terms of staff number. 50 years after his death, we summarize the results of Władysław Szafer’s activity in palaeobotany.