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Scientists race to collect the last seeds from a critically endangered tree before it goes extinct
Seeds from the last surviving wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree are now stored in Kew Gardens' Millennium Seed Bank as researchers work to find ways to reintroduce the species into the wild.
Cost and politics have some of the biggest World Cup fans skipping this year's tournament
The 2026 World Cup has drawn intense criticism from globe-trotting fans who over the years have helped define the tournament's festive atmosphere.
Alexa Demie reveals how she felt about Barbie Ferreira leaving 'Euphoria' after season 2
'Euphoria' star Alexa Demie has revealed how she really felt about Barbie Ferreira's shocking exit after season 2, ahead of the heavily criticized final season of the Zendaya-starring show.
Alex Rodriguez Bashes Competitive Imbalance: ‘The American League Stinks'
Alex Rodriguez didn't hold back on his criticism of the Boston Red Sox and the American League.
California's slow ballot count makes it a target for critics. It doesn't mean elections are rigged
Days after the state’s primary, California voters are in a familiar position -- waiting to find out which candidates will go on to the general election in their most high-profile races, for governor and Los Angeles mayor.
Weakened public health powers raise outbreak risks
Some jurisdictions have weakened their public health authorities in response to criticism of lockdowns, school closures, mask mandates, vaccine requirements and other COVID-era restrictions.
Senate Republicans reject first effort to fully kill 'anti-weaponization' fund
Senate Democrats wanted to attach a measure to fully kill what critics are calling a \
UNT Health Fort Worth’s new pharmaceutical sciences program comes at ‘critical time’ for region
Starting this fall, UNT Health Fort Worth will offer a new pharmaceutical sciences PhD program — the first of its kind in North Texas. The school said the new program could help address workforce needs as the life sciences and research and development industries continue to grow in the region.
Davenport helps student launch her education and a business
“What I like most about Davenport’s program is how involved and supportive the professors are, and that they challenge us to think in different ways rather than just memorizing information,” she said. “Many of the assignments encourage creativity, critical thinking and applying concepts to real-world situations, which I think has helped me grow
New Dignity Health program helps identify mental health risks for pregnant and postpartum women
A new maternal mental health initiative in the Sacramento region is already helping connect pregnant and postpartum women with critical support services, according to Dignity Health.
Politics, public safety collide as feds investigate MARTA security
GOP campaigns embrace probe ahead of early voting, while critics argue the White House is using tragedy for political points.
Patriots OT Will Campbell delivers humble reality check to critics
New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell still believes his best is yet to come in the NFL.
Utah Medical Board scolded for going rogue with AI criticism
In this edition of STAT Health Tech: An update on the Utah pilot that uses a chatbot to renew drug prescriptions, AI scribes for patients, and more.
Researchers say this new Trump rule could destroy American science as we know it. They’re fighting back
By Ella Nilsen, Andrew Freedman, CNN (CNN) — Scientists across multiple disciplines are sounding the alarm after the White House proposed taking greater control over how scientific research gets funded and allowing political appointees to decide whether to approve scientific grants. Critics of the proposed rule say it would codify the administration’s attempts to destroy
Domino's Pizza Wades Into God of War Laufey No Kratos Discourse, Sparks Spicy Replies
The reveal of God of War Laufey has sparked a vociferous debate coming out of State of Play, and while the internet has plenty of opinions about this first game in the franchise to star Faye as the main character, criticism has also come from an unexpected sauce: Domino's Pizza.
Jill Biden tells memoir critic, 'Say it to my face, buddy'
Former first lady Jill Biden defended her memoir while discussing former President Joe Joe Biden's disastrous 2024 debate performance and his aging.
UNT Health Fort Worth’s new pharmaceutical sciences program comes at ‘critical time’ for region
Starting this fall, UNT Health Fort Worth will offer a new pharmaceutical sciences PhD program — the first of its kind in North Texas. The school said the new program could help address workforce needs as the life sciences and research and development industries continue to grow in the region.
UNT Health Fort Worth’s new pharmaceutical sciences program comes at ‘critical time’ for region
Starting this fall, UNT Health Fort Worth will offer a new pharmaceutical sciences PhD program — the first of its kind in North Texas. The school said the new program could help address workforce needs as the life sciences and research and development industries continue to grow in the region.
Mental Health Courts Offer People Facing Prison an Imperfect Alternative
Hundreds of U.S. courts offer treatment over prison for some defendants with mental illness. But critics say mental health courts have outpaced research on their effectiveness.
Scientists will lose critical climate record as ocean observatory goes dark under Trump funding cuts
The National Science Foundation announced it would dismantle most of the ocean monitoring system, pulling instruments from waters off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina and Greenland by 2027.
Austin health agencies move to protect sexual health services as Safe Alliance closes
With the Safe Alliance set to shut down its sexual assault victim services next week, local public health leaders are moving to protect other critical sexual he
Trump strips job protections from 8,000 senior federal workers
The move reclassifies thousands of employees, making it easier to fire them for any reason. Critics say it could politicize the civil service.
Scientists warn Oregon could lose critical ocean data under federal cuts
A federal decision to dismantle ocean monitoring systems off Oregon's coast could impact forecasting, fisheries, and climate science.
Scientists warn Oregon could lose critical ocean data under federal cuts
A federal decision to dismantle ocean monitoring systems off Oregon's coast could impact forecasting, fisheries, and climate science.
Involuntary commitment bill targeting mental health, crime passes NC House
A bill that's part of the state legislature's efforts to ramp up the number of criminal suspects involuntarily committed to mental hospitals passed, despite criticism that it proposes few immediate solutions.
Donald Trump’s proposed grant rules could destroy US science, researcher warns
Additional funding controls by Office of Management and Budget will make new discoveries less likely, say critics
Scientists lose critical climate record as ocean observatory will go dark under Trump funding cuts
An expert said it’s a crippling loss of information.
Scientists lose critical climate monitoring in oceans along nation’s coastlines in wake of Trump funding cuts
In what a scientist called "a crippling loss of information," the Trump administration is dismantling a vital $386 million network of ocean sensors, including Oregon and Washington's coast.
What smart people are saying about CBS News firing Scott Pelley
Scott Pelley, the veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent, was fired from CBS News on Tuesday after reportedly criticizing Bari Weiss.
Whitworth University Launches New Bachelor of Science Nursing Program to Strengthen Care and Address Critical Shortages Across the Region
Whitworth University is pleased to announce that its new bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program has been approved by the Northwest Com...
There’s Indeed a Science to Airline Cockpit Diplomacy
Maintaining civility is critical in a dynamic safety environment like an airline cockpit.
President Trump seeks control of science funding
The White House Office of Management and Budget is moving to take more control of billions of dollars in federal grants. Critics say the proposed change would jeopardize the integrity of U.S. science.
President Trump seeks control of science funding
The White House Office of Management and Budget is moving to take more control of billions of dollars in federal grants. Critics say the proposed change would jeopardize the integrity of U.S. science.
President Trump seeks control of science funding
The White House Office of Management and Budget is moving to take more control of billions of dollars in federal grants. Critics say the proposed change would jeopardize the integrity of U.S. science.
Former US Army doctor Adam Hamawy will win Democratic House primary in New Jersey, CNN projects
Adam Hamawy, a retired US Army combat surgeon and sharp Israel critic, will win the crowded Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, CNN’s Decision Desk projects.
‘She should get fined’: Angel Reese faces criticism for ‘flopping’
Tuesday night’s matchup between the Connecticut Sun and the Atlanta Dream featured a marquee battle in the paint between Brittney Griner and Angel Reese. In the fourth quarter, that battle turned a little too physical, though many fans seem to think Reese was embellishing things a bit. Although Atlanta cruised to a 91-75 victory over…
Trump Endorses Colombian Presidential Candidate Abelardo de la Espriella
Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president, responded on social media Tuesday night, criticizing Trump’s public support for de la Espriella.
California’s sluggish vote counting ripped across the political spectrum: 'Extremely embarrassing'
California primary results may take weeks due to mail voting laws, sparking criticism from analysts like Nate Silver who call it embarrassing.
Scientists lose critical climate record as ocean observatory will go dark under Trump funding cuts
The Trump administration is dismantling a $386 million network of more than 900 ocean sensors funded by the National Science Foundation.
Scientists lose critical climate record as ocean observatory will go dark under Trump funding cuts
Rubio spars with Democrats over Ebola outbreak, global health cuts
Secretary of State Marco Rubio fielded criticism from Democrats on Capitol Hill on Tuesday about the impact of the Trump administration’s cuts to global health programs on the response to an Ebola …
SEC, Big Ten release joint statement on Protect College Sports Act, cite ‘critical issues’ with bill
Ahead of a Wednesday hearing on the Protect College Sports Act, the Big Ten and SEC released a joint statement against the bill in its current state. The two leagues cited “critical issues” with the bipartisan legislation, introduced by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) last week. After the bill’s introduction last week, […]
WATCH LIVE: Senate Democratic leaders may address Bill Pulte for DNI, 'anti-weaponization fund'
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to tap his housing finance director as acting director of national intelligence, saying Bill Pulte is “a partisan thug with no experience in intelligence.”
Microsoft’s quantum chip got an upgrade. Critics are still skeptical
Swapping materials in its Majorana 2 chip boosted the effectiveness of quantum bits that rely on the math of topology to reduce errors, Microsoft says.
Sources: Rays stadium deal ‘on the rocks’ amid Gov. DeSantis’ property tax cut push
Folks aren't keen on giving DeSantis a win on the Rays at the same time he's trying to gut a critical revenue stream.
‘Enough is enough’: Shaq does not hold back his opinion on Angel Reese
Over the years, Atlanta Dream superstar Angel Reese has become one of the most polarizing players in sports, thanks in large part to her high-profile rivalry with the face of the league, Caitlin Clark. Given her role as a sort of villain to Clark, Reese has received a disproportionate amount of criticism and negative attention…
Live Results: Iowa midterm primaries
The winners will compete in November’s critical midterm elections, in which Iowa’s U.S. Senate and House seats could determine control of the narrowly divided chambers.
New science puts ‘sense of safety’ at the heart of whole-person care
Associate Professor Johanna M. Lynch explores the significance of feeling safe as a critical component of health and wellbeing
Trump Administration to Dismantle Ocean Monitoring System
The $368 million network of instruments collecting data in both the Atlantic and Pacific has been critical to climate and ocean research.
Trump Backs Off Plan for $1.8 Billion Fund That Drew Political Backlash
The fund has drawn backlash from critics who said it was a scheme to reward President Trump’s political allies with public benefits.
U.S. political commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker say U.K. denying them entry "for criticizing Israel"
AwardsWatch - ‘Prince Faggot’ Leads LGBTQ Entertainment Critics 2026 Dorian Theater Awards Winners
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, kicked off Pride Month by bestowing Prince Faggot and Ragtime top honors in the group’s fourth annual Dorian Theater Awards. Radic…
Platner Tries to Find Someone to Blame for Latest Scandal
The Maine Senate candidate criticized reports on his alleged pre-campaign extramarital sexting as “gossip” and “journalistic malpractice.”
Infinity Ward sneakily offers first look at Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer gameplay, and apparently it's all about movement now
Modern Warfare 4 has shown off multiplayer for the first time, and there's a major emphasis on movement that even Infinity Ward's harshest critics didn't expect
Veolia Completes Clean Earth Deal, Doubling Its U.S. Hazardous Waste Business and Expanding Its Growth Platform
BOSTON, June 01, 2026--Veolia, a leader in environmental services, has completed the financial close of its acquisition of Clean Earth, a hazardous waste management firm operating in a sector that has become increasingly critical for industrial competitiveness, public health and environmental security in the United States and worldwide.
Contributor: The Forest Service is too important to be a political pawn
Some proposed changes, including to firefighting functions, have been criticized as seemingly intended to dismantle this storied institution.
California to play big role in fight for Congress. Tuesday's primary sets the stage
California redistricting could net Democrats an additional five House seats, a major factor in the fight for control of Congress. The upcoming primaries will set the stage for November's most critical match-ups.
A.J. Brown trade talks between Patriots, Eagles entering critical phase
With the calendar flipping to June, a Brown trade can now be facilitated.
Political commentators Cenk, Piker say UK bars them over Israel remarks
The US citizens allege that they have been denied entry to Britain due to their outspoken criticism of Israel.
Plymouth Argyle Women slam club as players released
Players from Plymouth Argyle Women criticise the club after the budget was cut and most of the squad released.
Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms show off head start in Georgia as Republicans battle in runoff
Democratic Sen_ Jon Ossoff of Georgia is criticizing his potential election rivals, Rep_ Mike Collins and former coach Derek Dooley, calling them "Trump puppets."
Role of Physical Activity in Obesity Treatment and Cardiometabolic Health
Obesity affects 42% of adults in the United States and is strongly associated with major cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance, making effective obesity treatment a critical public health priority.
Sheinbaum Accuses US of Interfering in Mexico’s Politics
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum launched her strongest criticism to date against what she says are blunt US attempts to interfere in Mexican domestic politics.
1 fatally shot, another critically wounded outside Santa Clarita Sports Complex
One man was killed, and another was left critically wounded from a shooting just outside of the Santa Clarita Sports Complex late Saturday night, authorities said. Deputies with the Los Angeles Cou…
‘Purely politics’: Row over Zohran Mamdani’s new communications office costing $5 million
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani’s new communications office is facing backlash after budget documents revealed it could cost taxpayers more than $5.2 million in salaries. Critics are calling the spending “morally incomprehensible”.
NFL Rule Change Could Force Detroit Lions to Leave Some Players Behind
The NFL's new roster cutdown deadline could force the Detroit Lions to make critical decisions faster than ever before.
In Roob's Observations: Encouraging signs from a critical Eagles defensive back
After the Eagles’ 90-minute indoor practice, Roob has his latest random observations.
Sky exits UAE news venture after genocide denial accusations
Sky News Arabia to retain its name in brand licensing deal after criticism of its coverage of the war in Sudan
Xavier Becerra faces attack, some unwarranted, from Washington
Gubernatorial rivals, led by Democrat Tom Steyer, have made Becerra's years in the Biden Cabinet a focus of attacks. While there's certainly room for criticism, there seems to be some axes being ground.
Winner and Loser of the Week in Florida politics
Groveland Four families get their due, Tina Polsky exits gracefully, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz's CD 20 critics keep multiplying.
Data center critic's arrest draws attention to 387-acre site
An Illinois man was arrested after police said he threatened a local official. The resident said he was protesting against data center development.
Some Sacramento drivers adjust routes, others encounter delays amid Business 80 closure
Saturday drivers across Sacramento navigated detours through the heart of the city while crews completed critical work on the Business 80 bridge over the American River.
U.S. Military Kills 3 on Boat Suspected of Drug Trafficking
Around 200 people have now been killed in the attacks since last year, in an operation critics say has failed to slow the smuggling of cocaine.
Oleksandra Oliynykova will not separate her Grand Slam success from advocacy for Ukraine
Oliynykova's first third-round appearance at a Grand Slam comes against Russia's Diana Shnaider, a player she has directly criticized.
Mina The Hollower Is Now Metacritic's Highest-Rated Game Of 2026
Early sales data has also been shared
Founders seize on Indian court ruling to revive criticism of Google's ad business
The ruling drew support from founders, while lawyers said it could force platforms to revisit how they handle trademarked keywords.
Vanilla Ice defends Great American State Fair gig, tells critics music 'has no political rules'
Vanilla Ice is ready to perform at the Great American State Fair's Freedom 250 concerts, vowing to bring back the '90s as other acts pull out.
Vanilla Ice defends Great American State Fair gig, tells critics music 'has no political rules'
Vanilla Ice is ready to perform at the Great American State Fair's Freedom 250 concerts, vowing to bring back the '90s as other acts pull out.
California Primary Election preview with political reporter Greg Lee | FOX 10 Talks
On this edition of FOX 10 Talks, political reporter Greg Lee joins the program for an in-depth preview of the upcoming California primary elections. Lee analyzes the critical battlegrounds, candidate platforms, and the key issues driving voters to the ballot box this election cycle. Watch the full segment for a comprehensive look at how these pivotal primary races are shaping up and what the outcomes could mean for the political balance ahead.
Giants’ Abdul Carter felt the need to call out Jaxson Dart to show he is against Donald Trump
Giants’ Abdul Carter criticizes Jaxson Dart over President Trump political rally.
White House moves to give political appointees more power over federal grants
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump's administration on Friday moved to give political appointees more power over the billions of dollars in grants awarded by federal agencies, a move scientists say puts critical research funding into the hands of partisans without relevant expertise.
White House Moves to Give Political Appointees More Power Over Federal Grants
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump's administration on Friday moved to give political appointees more power over the billions of dollars in grants awarded by federal agencies, a move scientists say puts critical research funding into the hands of partisans without relevant expertise. In what ...
Rep. Young Kim Introduces BOOST for American Business Act toStrengthen U.S. Economic Competitiveness Abroad
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40) introduced the Building Overseas Opportunities & Strategic Trade (BOOST) for American Business Act to support American businesses abroad and protect critical American industries from foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). American businesses competing in international markets too often lack a strong advocate in their corner.
Stephen A. Smith says he ‘inherited’ sports debate format
Stephen A. Smith has a ready answer for anyone who thinks he’s responsible for what sports television has become. In a new profile in the Financial Times, Smith was asked how he responds to critics who argue his format has been bad for the discourse in sports. “I didn’t create it. I inherited it,” he…
WATCH: Talarico embraces ‘freaky’ identity as crowds chant name meant as insult: ‘So weird’
James Talarico embraces the 'Talafreako' nickname from Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, selling merchandise as critics question the bold strategy.
America First’s New Health Deals Face Key Tests
Critics argue the transition is unfolding too quickly for fragile states already under strain.
WWP Supporting the Mental Health of Veteran Caregivers
Caregivers are critical to today's generation of wounded veterans, yet many warriors and their caregivers still lack the support they need. A Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) survey found 1 in 4...
Study: LA Canine Outbreak Caused By Low Vaccination Rates, Crowded Boarding
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, May 29, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Critical gaps in vaccination and infection control led to a leptospirosis outbreak that sickened more than 200 Los Angeles County dogs in 2021, according to a new study. The outbreak occurred at doggie daycares, where close ...
007 First Light truly 'earns the number', as critical acclaim leads to impressive sales milestone in just 24 hours
In just one day, IO Interactive's Bond origin game 007 First Light has reached an impressive milestone.
Former Gov. Gregoire warns Washington faces 'critical point’ on taxes, jobs, business
The report also warned of rising labor costs, longer permitting timelines, growing regulation and declining affordability.
ABC stations call FCC's early call for license renewal 'unconstitutional'
ABC-owned TV stations across the U.S. are criticizing the Federal Communications Commission for an early review of their broadcast licenses.
“Everybody Loves Raymond”'s Patricia Heaton fires back at critics of her gray hair
"The people in my life love me no matter what color my hair is," she said.
'Everybody Loves Raymond' star Patricia Heaton fires back at critics of her gray hair
'Everybody Loves Raymond' star Patricia Heaton fired back at critics of her gray hair: 'The people in my life love me no matter what color my hair is.'
Plan for Ebola facility in Kenya draws fierce criticism – from both the CDC and Kenyan doctors
The plan to launch this week a health facility in Kenya for Americans who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus has received widespread criticism – from both Kenyan doctors and US officials working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Critical Gogs RCE Vulnerability Lets Any Authenticated User Execute Arbitrary Code
Gogs 9.4 CVSS flaw exploits git rebase injection on 1,141 exposed instances, enabling remote code execution.
Democrat infighting erupts as Colin Allred is slammed for defeating LGBTQ congresswoman
Democratic infighting eruped after Colin Allred's runoff win over Rep. Julie Johnson, with Equality Caucus co-chairs criticizing his primary challenge.
Polish scientists and students rally in campaign for 3% funding target
Polish scientists and students have been flooding social media with calls on the government to raise research and development spending as part of 3% for Science, 100% for Poland, a campaign born earlier this month out of frustration with chronic underfunding in the academic sector. On May 27, thousands took the slogan on to the streets.The EU has been trying to convince member states to raise their R&D expenditures to 3% of GDP for more than two decades, but the idea has never gained traction in capitals. Finance ministers were too busy plugging budget holes created in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, then the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and now the war in Iran.Critics say that countries missed or ignored the target because it is voluntary, but also because research communities have rarely raised their voice to put pressure on national governments. The European Commission hopes to make the target legally binding in the upcoming European Research Area Act, an EU-wide regulation that should be announced by the end of the year. Academia in Poland has been faced with a funding crisis for years, often leaving its members with no other choice but to work abroad in order to access better resources, or leave the sector altogether in the hope of earning a decent living. The risk, in the long-term, is that brain drain stifles local innovation capacity and technological competitiveness.In just a few weeks, the movement rallied nationwide support, including from major academic bodies and trade unions such as the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland and the Presidium of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Its public petition collected more than 23,000 signatures. On May 27, it formed the first large protest for science in Poland, gathering thousands of people in front of the parliament building in Warsaw.Ilona Uryga-Bugajska, representative of the Marie Curie Alumni Association Poland Chapter, was there. “The protest was peaceful, with no incidents reported, and the entire event took place in a respectful and calm atmosphere,” she said. Banners she saw in the crowd carried slogans such as “A little longer and I’ll be teaching in a supermarket,” “National culture, starvation salary,” “Stop the destruction of science,” “Passion will not pay the rent,” “Without action, don’t expect a better future,” and “Pull science out of the hole.” She also observed a strong presence of young researchers, who are on the frontline of Poland’s academic crisis.“Academics are usually people who prefer discussion, analysis, dialogue and compromise. We are not a group that protests easily,” said Katarzyna Marzec, professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Jagiellonian University Medical College and AGH University of Krakow, who also took part. “But many of us feel that we have been pushed against the wall.”Aleksandra Rutkowska, translational neuroscientist and research group leader at the Medical University of Gdańsk, agreed. “Frustration in the scientific community is very high,” she said. “Science is often used politically as a symbol of innovation and modernity, but the everyday reality inside many institutions is much more difficult. There is a large gap between the public narrative and the actual condition of the sector.”Maria Wiktoria Górna, head of the structural biology group at the University of Warsaw and one of the organisers of the movement, told Science|Business that the campaign would continue without proven results. This might involve another strike in the autumn, she said. “Empty promises are not enough by now.”Campaign demandsAccording to Uryga-Bugajska, the organisers officially presented their demands and concerns to representatives of the government present at the event. These included Marek Gzik, deputy minister of science and higher education, and Karolina Zioło-Pużuk, secretary of state of that same ministry.The headline demand, for the government to increase national spending on R&D to 3% of GDP by 2030, should be within Poland’s economic capacity, Rutkowska said. “The real question is whether there is genuine long-term political commitment to treating science as a strategic priority rather than a slogan.”In 2024, R&D expenditure in Poland stood at 1.41% of GDP, which is slightly above the average for central and eastern Europe, with countries such as Czechia recording 1.82%, Hungary 1.31% and Romania 0.46%. However, it falls noticeably short of the EU average of 2.24%, which just a handful of countries exceed, including Germany, Belgium and Sweden.Campaigners are also asking for fair wages for scientific staff, including PhD stipends and junior academic salaries, which are widely considered uncompetitive. Starting doctoral scholarships amount to some €843 gross per month, when the statutory minimum wage stands at €1,135. By pushing early-career researchers out of Poland, growing precarity has caused a generational gap in the academic workforce, with just 25% of lecturers aged under 40. In this context, the movement fears that scientific careers could soon be accessible to a privileged minority only.Grzegorz Spólnik is a case in point. After 15 years working in mass spectrometry at the Polish Academy of Sciences, he decided to leave partly “to earn enough money to live a normal life,” he said. “At that time, my earnings were similar to those of people working in grocery shops, and the work-life balance is something that does not exist in science, or is very hard to achieve.”Now a senior field service engineer for Polish laboratory equipment supplier Bioanalytic, he would consider going back to research, “but never in the public sector, maybe some start-up or a big private company with ambitious R&D.”The campaigners want to see more support for basic research and have called for €236 million to be added to the budget of the National Science Centre (NCN) in 2027 so that the average grant application success rate does not fall below 25%.“At the protest, there was a banner I particularly liked: ‘NCN is not a lottery.’ Unfortunately, for many researchers, it increasingly feels exactly like one,” Marzec said. “Personally, I am one of the lucky ones. I work at two of the strongest institutions in the country, where the research standards are very high. I know that in many other institutions, the situation is much worse and obtaining funding for research at an early-career stage is becoming nearly impossible.”Rutkowska also considers herself fortunate. After studying abroad and holding a postdoctoral position, she returned to Poland, where her pay was supported through an NCN-funded project linked to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. “This also made me very aware that good research conditions in Poland often depend on external competitive funding rather than on stable support from the system itself,” she said.Long-term strategyBeyond the lack of funds for both salaries and grants, scientists believe that the issue is structural. “The biggest problem at the moment is the complete lack of a clear long-term strategy for the development of science and research from the current government,” Marzec said. “Everything ends with declarations and promises that are never truly followed by concrete actions or structural reforms.”Rutkowska agreed, citing a lack of infrastructure, continuity and long-term institutional support.“Running a research group in Poland often means functioning as an entire institution at once,” she said. “I am a principal investigator, a mentor, a recruiter, a project administrator and, when needed, still someone who returns to the lab bench to help with experiments,” she went on. “This creates a large hidden workload that takes time and energy away from actual science. At times, it feels as though scientists are no longer expecting extra help; we simply hope the system will stop creating additional obstacles that make research unnecessarily difficult.”Related articlesStrategic thinking: Germany funds joint research with Poland and FrancePoland to transfer €30M of regional funds to boost Horizon Europe participationPoland is funding fewer basic research grants as high inflation hitsIn short, “academics are expected to teach, publish papers, apply for grants and conduct high-quality research, while funding and salaries remain very limited,” said Uryga-Bugajska, who returned to her home country after 13 years in the UK.According to Marzec, another issue is the way that research institutions are evaluated. Previously, this took place every four years, with a clear differentiation between stronger and weaker institutions. “The current government, perhaps to avoid political backlash, effectively concluded that everyone is doing well, so in practice no meaningful evaluation took place,” she said.But in her view, “some form of serious assessment is necessary” to ensure the excellence and international competitiveness of Polish institutions, and to determine how to best use public resources and where institutional structures need reform. “Some institutions may need to rethink hiring practices in order to attract ambitious young researchers who are capable of obtaining competitive grants and building internationally visible research groups.” Rutkowska has already had to adapt. “When hiring PhD students, I often have to combine different funding sources creatively to make positions attractive enough for talented people to stay in science,” she said. “Many young researchers do not see a stable future in academia in Poland, and that is deeply worrying.”