Activity standards
Ethics and Good Practices in Scientific Activity
The Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) actively participates in establishing good practices and professional ethics for scientists conducting research in Poland. Moreover, the FNP contributes to developing standards and experiences in ethical practices that should govern Polish scientific institutions. The Foundation codifies these principles and values to provide clear guidance.
We encourage everyone who have information regarding a potential violation of ethical principles – as outlined in the Foundation’s Regulations – to notify the FNP. Employees and experts associated with the Foundation are obligated to report such concerns.
Please, send any notifications to:
Composition of the Ethics and Good Practices Commission
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- Prof. Renata Bilewicz – Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw
- Prof. Wojciech Gawlik – Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University
- Prof. Leon Gradoń – Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology
- Prof. Elżbieta Jung – Institute of Philosophy, University of Lodz
- Prof. Kazimierz Stępień – Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw
- Prof. Zofia Szweykowska-Kulińska – Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan
- Prof. Wojciech Tygielski – Institute of Art History, University of Warsaw
- Prof. Magdalena Zielińska – Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences
European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers comprise recommendations published by the European Commission to enhance the attractiveness of Europe’s labor market for researchers. These recommendations outline ethical principles, recruitment and evaluation processes, working conditions, and training for researchers.
In 2012, the Foundation for Polish Science became the first institution in Poland to receive the “HR Excellence in Research” logo from the European Commission.
The Commission awards this distinction to institutions that successfully implement the Charter’s and Code’s recommendations. The implementation is an ongoing process involving cyclical analysis and collaboration with EC experts to maintain this prestigious distinction.
Documents
Fraud Prevention
The Foundation for Polish Science adheres to legal and ethical standards, principles of integrity, and honesty, and wishes to prevent fraud, including conflict of interest and corruption. The obligation to comply with the principles of integrity, accountability, and honesty is also incumbent on FNP-funded applicants and grantees and their contractors. The Foundation employs a number of related measures aimed at preventing the occurrence of incidents of irregularity or fraud and building a culture of ethical behavior in such situations. One of these measures is a mechanism for flagging potential irregularities and fraud.
Find out how the Foundation prevents fraud >
As an institution participating in the implementation of programs financed by EU structural funds, the Foundation has adopted a Fraud Prevention Policy, which aims to:
1. create an ethical culture that opposes illegal activities;
2. effectively prevent fraud through appropriate controls and cyclical analysis of risks occurring in the program;
3. efficiently control and analyze external information;
4. edequately report fraud cases.
The Foundation applies a number of measures to minimize the likelihood of fraud irregularities. These measures include:
- conducting employee training on identifying risks;
- requiring declarations of impartiality, confidentiality, and absence of conflicts of interest from employees, with periodic verifications;
- implementing rigorous control mechanisms for ongoing tasks;
- ensuring that decision-making tasks involve multiple employees (“two pairs of eyes” principle);
- periodically analyzing the risk of fraud;
- maintaining transparency in procedures;
- investigating ethical codes for FNP candidates and beneficiaries.
Reports of irregularities or fraud can be submitted anonymously. In some cases, the FNP may ask the reporter to provide additional information or reveal their identity for clarification. The Foundation guarantees the confidentiality of all submitted information.
Documents
Both FNP employees and individuals who are not FNP employees or external institutions can report irregularities or fraud using the email address provided exclusively for this purpose:
The Foundation strives to support scientists in fully utilizing their research abilities and passions. By fostering a diverse scientific community based on gender and other personal characteristics, the Foundation enhances the quality of scientific work. Recognizing the structural and historical barriers that underrepresented groups face, the Foundation remains committed to fostering an inclusive academic culture and supporting outstanding scientists.
The Foundation supports Open Access (OA) to scientific publications and the underlying research results. By maximizing the impact of publicly funded research, OA accelerates knowledge discovery, promotes innovation, and fosters the exchange of ideas. Open Access broadens research perspectives and reduces the risk of the researcher’s redundant efforts.
Moreover, the Foundation advocates for open research data to enhance transparency and credibility in the research process. Providing access to accurate and comprehensive data enables verification, comparative studies, and new interpretations, benefiting both academic and non-academic users.