U.S.-Poland Scientific Relations: Past and Future Cooperation

THE PAST:

The Maria Sklodowska Curie Joint Fund II (1987-2002) was established with the signing of the Science and Technology Agreement between Poland and the U.S. The Fund accurately reflects how the Polish-U.S. scientific relationship has evolved from donation of aid to cooperation and partnership.

The Fund was aptly named, since Sklodowska-Curie's life exemplifies the kind of international cooperation shown through the Fund - she was born in Poland and married to a Frenchman, but had extensive contacts in the U.S. and other countries that helped her to realize her dream of an Institute of Radium in Warsaw. While Poles built the buildings brick by brick, American friends of science donated $50,000, and President Harding donated a gram of radium for research. Her Institute opened soon after.

Sklodowska-Curie inspired many scientists through her tour of the U.S. in the 1920s, when she visited several U.S. universities. Fittingly, some 60 years later scientists at some of these same universities cooperated with Polish scientists in joint research projects via the Curie Fund.

Poland was the first Central European country to sign a science and technology agreement with the U.S. A joint fund had operated from the 1970s through 1981, when martial law was imposed in Poland. Despite a tense political atmosphere, the U.S. and Poland managed to maintain strong ties between their scientific and research communities. Scientific activities allowed an important element of Polish society to be exposed to a wider world of freedom and independent thought

The second MSC Fund, started in 1987, supported over 350 bilateral science projects, with over 2000 scientists participating in research programs, conferences, and study tours. Some of the best examples include:

• The preservation of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, in which centuries-old salt carvings were deteriorating from water vapor and pollution. Working together, U.S. and Polish scientists installed monitoring equipment and later recommended simple, inexpensive solutions to preserve the carvings. The salt mines, which have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, attract thousands of visitors every year.
  
• In the field of cancer research, MSCII provided a researcher in Lodz the chance to collaborate with an American partner and thus to uncover an enzyme that is crucial in understanding DNA sequencing in humans and other organisms. Years later, her collaboration with U.S. researchers continues, promising more breakthroughs in a rapidly changing field.
  
• In fetal cardiology, MSCII enabled a Polish researcher to develop a technique for detecting functional abnormalities in the hearts of unborn children, which is a particular risk in the pregnancies of mothers with diabetes. This researcher has gone on to establish Poland's first fetal cardiology lab, to considerable acclaim in Europe.

With the Fund's official closing in December 2002, Poland and the U.S. anticipate continued close cooperation and partnership. The new Science and Technology Agreement - to be signed shortly - encourages cooperation between scientists. But the achievements of MSCII serve as a strong foundation for future joint research: the partnerships and friendships made during Curie projects will lead to exciting new cooperation.

THE FUTURE

Poland and the U.S. enjoy a dynamic scientific partnership, with scientists and researchers regularly traveling to exchange ideas. Both countries want to continue this cooperative relationship. One way to keep our scientific ties strong? To make Polish scientists aware of opportunities for research and study in the United States.