Publishing activity today is not only an academic requirement, but also the key to obtaining university funding. Scientific publications, their number and quality determine the amount of state subsidies, the results of the Science Evaluation Commission and the possibility of obtaining long-term support. In this article, we will look at how exactly publishing activity affects the university's funding.
Sources of funding for Polish universities
In Poland, a number of national organisations and European grant programmes (Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, etc.) are involved in providing financial support. The main Polish body responsible for state funding of universities is the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Other major sources of grants for universities are the National Science Centre (Narodowe Centrum Nauki – NCN) and the National Centre for Research and Development (Narodowe Centrum Badań i Rozwoju – NCBR). You can find out more about the functions of the National Science Centre of Poland in our article.
How are universities evaluated in Poland?
Polish universities are evaluated to determine the quality of their scientific activities. In accordance with the Law on Higher Education and Science, the Science Evaluation Committee (KEN), operating under the Ministry of Education and Science of Poland, is responsible for conducting the evaluation. This committee analyses the work of universities separately for each scientific discipline. The main evaluation criteria are as follows:
- Scientific publications. The main sample for evaluation is not all publications, but only those that have received ministerial points. Publications in journals from the ministerial list (Polish List) have a positive impact on the university's rating, as they are awarded certain points. For more information on what ministerial points are for, read our previous article.
- Project and grant activity. The commission evaluates the university's ability to attract various financial resources: national research grants, international programmes, etc. In this case, both the number of grants received and their scientific significance are taken into account.
- Significance for society. Attention is paid to the contribution the university makes outside the academic environment. For technological and natural science universities, this may include patents and technological innovations, while for humanities universities, it may include analytical materials, cultural projects, etc.
The evaluation procedure is carried out in stages. First, the university compiles a list of scientists in each discipline and enters the necessary data into the POL-on system. After that, publications and other achievements that best represent the university's activities are selected. The next stage is the automatic calculation of points in accordance with state lists, followed by an expert assessment by KEN, especially when it comes to impact analysis or applying for category A+. Based on the results of the assessment, each discipline at the university is assigned a category A+, A, B+, B or C, which is effectively an internal ranking of Polish universities. It is worth noting that high categories (e.g. A or A+) mean that the university can claim increased funding.
The impact of publications on university funding
Scientific publications directly influence a university's ability to receive grants and additional funding. Article 368 of the Law on Higher Education and Science specifies the criteria for science, which directly includes publishing activities. In accordance with Article 394 of this Law, a university can receive funding for a period of six years if it receives a positive assessment based, among other things, on its publications.
It is worth noting that publications in journals on the ministerial list (Polish List) that are included in Scopus or Web of Science will allow the university to receive between 70 and 200 points, depending on the category of the journal. This will be a significant advantage when evaluating a higher education institution for grants or other types of funding.
Scientific publications are a key component of the Polish university evaluation system and one of the bases for the distribution of state funding. The higher the quality and impact of scientific works, the better the university's position in the rankings and the stronger its image becomes. In addition, it helps to attract new students and qualified staff, as well as strengthen the university's position in the international academic community.
Scientific Publications will help you avoid difficulties with publications in order to obtain funding. Our specialists will audit your work, select an appropriate journal, and accompany you through all stages of the publication process. To receive a free consultation, fill out the form below and our manager will contact you shortly. Together towards scientific achievements!
