Why I Love Poland: A Serbian Researcher's Perspective

As a medical researcher whose journey has crossed multiple countries and continents over the past 10 years, I've had the privilege of engaging with diverse cultures and scientific communities. I have met many respected scientists and university professors from various disciplines such as medicine, biology, physics, and psychology. I also had the opportunity to be a part of several international projects and endeavors which included multidisciplinary teams from various parts of the world. However, of all the countries that I came to know, Poland has etched a distinct and cherished spot in my heart, distinguished not solely by its scientific achievements but equally by its profound cultural richness and indomitable spirit.

Serving as an expert grant reviewer for the National Science Centre in Kraków (Polish: Narodowe Centrum Nauki, often abbreviated NCN) stands out as a particularly significant aspect of my professional journey. This position has provided me with a unique opportunity to observe Poland's forefront research, showing the nation's dedication to scientific progress and its enthusiasm for international partnership. This experience has enriched my understanding of the dynamic and innovative nature of the Polish scientific community, further solidifying my respect for its contributions to the global research landscape.

In 2017, I had an opportunity to visit the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, and its Department of Emotion and Motivation Psychology, a visit that catalyzed a significant and enduring collaboration with Professors Agata Blachnio and Aneta Przepiorka. This partnership not only led to an enriching exchange of ideas but also materialized into two substantial research projects in the area of cyberpsychology and mental health. Our collective endeavors in projects have been a testament to the power of collaborative research. Our joint efforts extended to the publication of several influential papers, contributing significantly to the scientific discourse on digital behavior's psychological aspects. This collaboration has been a significant hallmark of my academic career, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary and international research partnerships.

Engaging with other Polish colleagues and the academic sector has also been exceptionally impactful in my life. These interactions have not only augmented my career but also led to cherished personal relationships. The warmth, professionalism, and unwavering commitment exhibited by those I have met in Poland have deeply resonated with me, further deepening my respect and fondness for the nation. Looking to the future, I am enthusiastic about the potential for further collaborations with Polish institutions and researchers. I believe that our shared commitment to advancing research in the fields of medicine and psychology can lead to significant breakthroughs that benefit not only our respective countries but also the global community.

The future of Polish-Serbian scientific collaboration should not only rely on the initiatives of individual researchers but also on stronger institutional ties between the two countries. Joint conferences and workshops, while beneficial for networking, cannot satisfy the need for deeper ties at an institutional level. The same applies to joint grants, which are often the result of individual initiatives rather than formal programs and research calls. There's a clear need for formal agreements, strategies, and frameworks to support and expand joint research efforts in almost all scientific fields. This is particularly important in medicine, psychology, and information technology, which are rapidly developing and advancing in terms of scientific innovations and excellence. Both Poland, as a member of the European Union, and Serbia, working towards EU membership, may benefit from this, not only in scientific but also in economic terms.

Prof. Igor V. Pantić, MD, PhD , Psychiatry Specialist , Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Serbia; Affiliated Professor, University of Haifa, Israel.