Publications in scientific journals are not only a way to share new knowledge with other researchers. For many scientists, especially in Poland, they are also the key to career growth, funding opportunities, and professional recognition. At the centre of this system stands the Polish List – the official register of scientific journals established by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Why is this list so important? How can publishing in such journals contribute to academic advancement? That is exactly what we will discuss in today’s article.
What is the Polish List, and how does it work?
The Polish List (or the Ministerial List of Rated Journals) – is an official register of scientific journals that is regularly updated by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland. The list includes both Polish and international journals selected based on quality criteria.
Each journal receives ministerial points – from 20 to 200, depending on the discipline and reputation. There are only six scoring levels: 20, 40, 70, 100, 140, or 200 points. The most prestigious journals receive 200 points, while less influential but still high-quality ones are awarded 20.
This system was introduced to standardise the evaluation of scientific productivity. Every four years, Polish universities and research institutions undergo an assessment process in which publications in journals from the Polish List are considered a key indicator.
The most recent update of the list took place in 2024, and the complete register of journals can be found at this link.
How does publishing in journals from the Polish List affect a researcher’s activity?
Having publications in journals from the ministerial list provides several advantages for scientists. These benefits concern both professional development and the overall growth of Polish science. Let us look at each of them in more detail.
1. Obtaining grants and funding
In order for researchers to fully engage in scientific activity, they need access to additional funding. In Poland, there are special organisations that provide research grants. The key institutions include the National Science Centre (NCN) and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR). In grant applications, publications from the Polish List are evaluated based on their assigned points. Consequently, a researcher whose projects have accumulated a significant number of ministerial points has an advantage over other applicants.
As a result, a scientist with more than 500 points has a real chance to receive substantial grants, which allow them to hire assistants, purchase equipment, and conduct experiments. This, in turn, enables more in-depth research and the achievement of better results.
2. Professional recognition and international visibility
Usually, the highest scores are awarded to journals indexed in databases such as Scopus or Web of Science. Since these platforms are among the most authoritative in the academic world, publications from the journals included in them are frequently cited by researchers worldwide. This also contributes to an increase in the authors’ H-index.
In Poland, publications in journals from the Polish List add prestige to scientists. For instance, authors may be invited to join editorial boards of journals or to participate as speakers at international conferences. Furthermore, having publications in journals from the ministerial list can significantly increase the chances of being appointed to the Rada Doskonałości Naukowej (RDN) – the body responsible for overseeing the process of awarding academic degrees in Poland.
3. Impact on institutional evaluation and scientific development
At the university level, publications influence the evaluation of its research performance (ewaluacja jakości działalności naukowej), which determines the amount of state funding. The points obtained for publications in journals from the Polish List are aggregated within each discipline, and the average score per researcher forms an indicator that affects the final institutional evaluation.
4. Supporting national science
Publications in journals from the Polish List not only stimulate the individual progress of scientists but also contribute to the overall development of the Polish academic community. As mentioned in the previous section, each article published in a rated journal adds points to a specific institution, directly influencing its position in national and international rankings. This, in turn, attracts talented young researchers, foreign partners, and additional investment in the development of Polish science.
In conclusion, publishing in journals from the Polish List offers numerous benefits for both researchers and institutions. It enables the acquisition of grants, professional recognition, improved rankings of scientific and educational institutions, and the overall advancement of national science. For Polish researchers, this list is not just a register – it is a powerful tool for career and academic growth.
If you experience difficulties publishing in journals from the ministerial rated list, contact the company Scientific Publications. We will help you prepare your article according to the established requirements, select the appropriate journal, and provide full support at every stage of the process. Would you like to receive a free consultation? Fill in the form below, and our manager will answer all your questions. Together to the new scientific achievements!
