Polish scientists to protest in Warsaw over chronic underfunding

On 27 May 2026, Polish researchers will gather in Warsaw, near the Sejm, to demonstrate against long‑standing underfunding of the country's science sector. The protest follows a petition launched on 6 May by Prof. Łukasz Okruszek and signed by thousands of scholars, calling for research spending to rise to 3 % of GDP by 2030, an additional 1 billion zł for the National Science Centre, and predictable funding streams for major facilities such as the Toruń radio telescope and the Marić reactor.

Scientists highlight that Poland currently invests only 1.41 % of its GDP in research and development, well below the EU average of 2.24 % and far from the 3.5 %+ spent by leading nations. They also criticize low salaries – a doctoral assistant earns about 4 825 zł gross, barely above the minimum wage – and poor conditions for students and post‑docs. The petition urges higher doctoral stipends, affordable student housing, and modern cafeteria services.

The demonstration is organized by a coalition of academic groups and enjoys support from several politicians, including Minister Marek Gzik. Organisers say the protest aims to shift the debate from petitions to public streets, demanding systemic reforms rather than merely more money.

The event reflects growing frustration within Poland’s scientific community over decades of declining funding and limited policy response.