Statement of the Czech Academy of Sciences on the situation in the Polish Academy of Sciences
06. 06. 2023
The Czech Academy of Sciences expresses its deep concern and disagreement with the attempts to restrict the freedom of research of some employees of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN).
We do not consider some of the recent statements made by representatives of the Government of the Republic of Poland (e.g., in connection with Prof. Barbara Engelking's research), which, in response to the expert-based opinions of our colleagues, propose to limit the funding of their institutes, to be part of a substantive, professional polemics, but an attempt to limit the freedom and independence of scientific research.
We consider the reduction in funding for research organisations on the ground of the public presentation of the results of their employees to be an attempt to undermine the autonomy of universities and research institutes and, as a result, the excellence and the absolutely crucial societal role of (Polish) science.
Any scientific research, carried out in accordance with ethical principles and social responsibility, must be supported by the freedom to communicate its results, regardless of the field.
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The Czech Academy of Sciences (the CAS)
The mission of the CAS
The primary mission of the CAS is to conduct research in a broad spectrum of natural, technical and social sciences as well as humanities. This research aims to advance progress of scientific knowledge at the international level, considering, however, the specific needs of the Czech society and the national culture.
President of the CAS
Prof. Eva Zažímalová has started her second term of office in May 2021. She is a respected scientist, and a Professor of Plant Anatomy and Physiology.
She is also a part of GCSA of the EU.