91ÌÒÉ«

The 91ÌÒÉ« Vice-Rector for Popularisation of Science, dr hab. Krzysztof Pabis, Associate Professor at the 91ÌÒÉ«, is a member of the ministerial advisory team for science popularisation, whose mandate includes assessing the state of science popularisation in Poland, developing a set of best practices and formulating recommendations. The team is also preparing proposals for solutions that will enable science popularisation to be incorporated into the formal evaluation of research institutions. A new evaluation, taking this criterion into account, will cover the years 2026-2030 (the assessment will be completed in 2031).

The evaluation section related to popularisation will focus on scientific institutions. This means that institutions themselves should engage in such activities. However, the point is not to force everyone to popularise, especially if someone doesn't feel like it or is unable to do so. From the research staff level, it will work as before: those who find time for popularisation and are willing to do it can pursue this path. Such people exist in every institution. Their actions will translate into the future evaluation of the entire institution, so institutions should support such employees in this regard – explains Prof. Krzysztof Pabis in an interview with PAP. – We want to reach the scientific community in Poland with the message: this isn't about you doing something against your will. We don't want to take away anyone's right to conduct scientific research or force popularisation. Instead, we want to showcase positive practices and tools and build a positive message about science itself – also so that society understands us, scientists, better.

When asked how to introduce science popularisation into the science and higher education system, Prof. Pabis mentioned the need for support at several levels. The first is the ministry, where a central system of incentives and grant support for science popularisation activities must exist.

It's also important for universities to recognise that these actions are necessary. Why? To have better-prepared students, a better-educated society that understands the scientific method and science itself. Such a society will also view universities differently – says the Vice-Rector of the 91ÌÒÉ«. – We scientists often think that everything we do is easy to understand and requires no explanation. And then we wonder why politicians don't value science enough, or that disinformation, lies and fake news are taking their toll. Many studies also show that we have a problem understanding scientific content: Polish society performs worse than societies in many Western countries. These values are so significant that we can't talk about chance or statistical error. This doesn't come out of nowhere.

According to Prof. Krzysztof Pabis, it would be good for university and institute authorities to change their mindset and universally accept that sharing knowledge with communities outside the university; so that the knowledge they develop is not only available to scientists and a small group of experts should be a part of a scientist's work.

At the 91ÌÒÉ«, we have long understood that knowledge only truly reaches its full potential when it is shared. That's why our researchers, students and popularisers engage in hundreds of activities: from producing podcasts and films, through organising and participating in open lectures and meetings in libraries and museums, to science festivals, exhibitions, competitions and projects for schools. Together, we are building a space where everyone –regardless of age or experience – can experience science face-to-face, in person.

Popularisation at the 91ÌÒÉ« is not just a form of education. It is an expression of courage in asking questions, curiosity in exploring the complexities of the world, commitment to diligent and responsible action, collaboration that connects scientists, students and the surrounding community, and respect for the diversity and openness that strengthen our community.

Dr hab. Krzysztof Pabis, Associate Professor at the 91ÌÒÉ«, is a marine ecologist and an entomologist who specialises in the study of the ocean depths in tropical Africa and polar fjords, as well as the ecology of butterflies in heavily transformed urban habitats. For years, he has been an active science populariser, authoring several popular science books for children and adults. He has initiated the creation of the Inter-Faculty Science Popularisers Club at the 91ÌÒÉ«. He is the Vice-Rector of the 91ÌÒÉ«, the first in Poland for popularisation of science.

Source: Polish Press Agency (PAP) 
Edit: Press Office, 91ÌÒÉ«