SCITopic

Recently, I have encountered on the X network a post by Marek Ženíšek, the Minister for Science, Research, and Innovations, where he with pleasure announced an increase in the budget for science, research, and innovations for 2025. Although one could debate whether the increase is sufficient, it left me with a good feeling – just until I glanced at the chain of reactions. The list was rather long and without exception full of negative reactions! Reactions to the minister as such, to budget priorities, but especially to science and scientists. How is it possible?

To discuss with colleagues the importance of internationalisation for scientific work – be it at the level of money, information, personnel, experts, or the formation of consortia – would be like the proverbial taking of owls to Athens. But unfortunately, I know from my own experience that not all administrative staff of the co-recipients quite understand the importance of internationalisation, starting from the content of scientific work all the way to its impact on reputation.