Polish Academy of Sciences

The Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) was established in 1951 following the resolutions of the First Congress of Polish Science. Its creation involved the dissolution of the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Warsaw Scientific Society. The Academy aimed to facilitate communication between the authorities and the scientific community, exert control over it, and concentrate research around key state issues. In 1960, PAN was transformed into a central government institution managing science in Poland, and in 1990, it gained the status of a corporation of scholars and a network of institutes. It consists of various departments, such as the Humanities and Social Sciences, Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Exact and Earth Sciences, and Technical and Medical Sciences. PAN also includes boards of curators overseeing the activities of institutes and scientific committees that integrate the academic community. The Young Scientists' Academy, operating since 2010, brings together outstanding young researchers, and its members have the opportunity to influence scientific research. The structure of PAN includes regional branches, scientific institutes, and auxiliary units such as archives, libraries, and museums. The institutes conduct research, organize guest laboratories, and train doctoral students. PAN's activities are funded by the state budget, and in 2011, its revenues amounted to 124.8 million PLN. The main building of PAN is located in the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, which is a significant architectural and cultural landmark of the city. International cooperation is equally important for the Academy, which operates within international organizations and has scientific stations abroad. Among interesting facts, it is worth mentioning that in 2011, PAN employed 6,806 staff, including 4,830 in scientific positions, and 80% of research expenditures were allocated to basic research.