We cordially invite you to the fourteenth CASE Studies seminar, which will take place on July 29 at noon. The meeting will focus on the topic: “Independent research organizations and think tanks in the Polish system of science and public policy.”
Although universities, institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and state research institutes remain the core institutions of the Polish science system, an increasing amount of research and analysis is also being produced by independent research organizations, think tanks, and expert foundations. They conduct research projects, participate in international consortia, prepare reports and expert opinions, and support the public policy-making process. Nevertheless, their place in the science system remains ambiguous, and the current institutional arrangements and funding mechanisms do not always correspond to the specific nature of their activities.
During the seminar, we will discuss the role that independent research organizations play in the Polish science system and how to better harness their potential in research and public policy design. The discussion will begin with questions about whether the current institutional framework and funding mechanisms adequately address the diversity of research entities, and what conditions would foster the development of reliable and independent research organizations.
During the seminar, we will consider, among other things, the following questions:
- Is there a need in Poland for a more informed discussion about the role of independent research organizations and think tanks in the science system?
- Should they be treated as external providers of analysis, or rather as a full-fledged part of the research ecosystem?
- What conditions should they meet to participate in publicly funded research?
- How can we distinguish credible research organizations from front organizations or purely service-oriented entities?
- What role can they play in the careers of young researchers?
- How can we better harness their potential in the design and evaluation of public policies?
The following speakers will participate in the meeting:
- Prof. Joanna Tyrowicz, GRAPE, University of Warsaw,
- Prof. Michał Myck, CenEA, Professor at the Institute of Economics of the Polish Academy of Sciences,
- Prof. Jan Hagemejer, President of the CASE Management Board, Professor at the University of Warsaw.
The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Jan Bazyli Klakla, Director for Migration, Social Policy, and Development Cooperation.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the role of independent research organizations in the scientific ecosystem and how to create conditions conducive to the development of high-quality research conducted outside traditional academic institutions.
