Polar Researchers at the 3rd Congress on the Internationalisation of Science: “Science Diplomacy”

On 4–5 December 2025, the 3rd Congress on the Internationalisation of Science and Higher Education, organised by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), took place in Poznań. This year’s edition was dedicated to the theme of science diplomacy. Members of the Polish Polar Consortium were actively involved in the event. Dr Monika Szkarłat (Institute of Political Science and Administration; Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Computer Modelling, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University), whose research includes science diplomacy, provided substantive support through the development and consultation of the Congress’s programme concept. She also conceived and chaired the session “International Science Made in Poland – Polish Science and Diplomacy in the Arctic and Antarctic (Success Stories)”, featuring the following speakers:

Dr hab. Rafał Junosza-Szaniawski (Deputy Director of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences)
Agnieszka Kruszewska (Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences; Chair of COMNAP (Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs)
Dr Bartłomiej Luks (Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences)
Prof. Grzegorz Rachlewicz (Dean of the Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University)
Prof. Mateusz Strzelecki (Vice-Dean for Research Projects, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wrocław)
Dr Piotr Rychlik (Ambassador for the Arctic and Antarctic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland)
Dagmara Bożek (Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences)

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The “polar session” provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the international engagement of Polish polar researchers as a success story in the internationalisation of science. The discussion addressed scientific infrastructure, participation in international research projects, and cooperation with the international scientific community, including expert and advisory work in national and international bodies.

The panellists shared insights into the international and multidisciplinary nature of polar research, while also highlighting the challenges faced by scientists working daily within global scientific cooperation. A key topic was the upcoming 5th International Polar Year (2032–2033), an event of major importance for the global polar research community.

Congress participants also had the chance to hear first-hand about the work and daily life of the 48th Polish Polar Expedition of the Institute of Geophysics PAS, thanks to a live connection with the Hornsund station. Another highlight was the session on science communication featuring Dagmara Bożek (IGF PAS). The panel discussion was preceded by a screening of the film “Polarniczki“, showcased as an example of an effective tool for communicating science to the public.

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