Letter of Support for dr Paweł Stężycki

Honorable Prime Minister, 
Honorable Minister, 
Honorable President, 

We, the undersigned representatives of the scientific community, business sector, and experts from the aviation and space industry, write to you with deep concern regarding the decision not to appoint Mr. Paweł Stężycki for another term as Director of the Institute of Aviation – Łukasiewicz Research Network. 

Dr. Paweł Stężycki is a distinguished scientist and manager whose exceptional achievements have earned international recognition. As the only Polish citizen, he was recently elected Chairman of IFAR (International Forum for Aerospace Research) – a global aviation organization in which NASA plays a key role. Representatives of this prestigious institution deemed Dr. Stężycki the ideal candidate for this position, as well as a guarantor of continued international cooperation not only in aviation and space but also in security and defense. 
Under his leadership, the Institute forged partnerships with leading global aviation companies such as Boeing, GE Aerospace, Airbus, and Baker Hughes. 

With his extensive experience and outstanding contributions, Dr. Paweł Stężycki has played a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge technologies in both civil and military aviation and space research. Under his leadership, the Institute of Aviation – Łukasiewicz Research Network has become one of the best and most active research centers in Europe, as evidenced by numerous awards and international recognition. His dedication and professionalism were instrumental in the execution of groundbreaking research projects, including the development of the suborbital rocket ILR-33 BURSZTYN 2K, which opened new horizons for Polish science and technology. 
Thanks to his initiative and personal commitment, research projects of global significance have been launched and developed. These include the creation of research consortia within Clean Sky 2 and Clean Aviation JU, coordination of CapTech projects for the European Defence Agency (EDA), and management of technological research projects under the European Defence Fund (EDF). 

We are deeply concerned that research institutions of strategic importance to Poland’s development and security are increasingly subject to political appointments that disregard substantive expertise. In the case of the Institute of Aviation, such an approach risks undermining Poland’s credibility as a partner in aviation and space technologies—a development that has already raised concerns among our NATO allies and the European Union. 
In light of the above, we respectfully request: 

1. An explanation of the reasons behind the decision not to reappoint Mr. Paweł Stężycki. 
2. Consideration of the possibility of reassessing this decision, taking into account the former director's past achievements and competencies. 
3. Taking steps to reconsider Mr. Stężycki's candidacy for the position of Director of the Institute of Aviation – Łukasiewicz Research Network, thereby ensuring the continued growth of scientific and technological research in our country. 

We firmly believe that entrusting Mr. Paweł Stężycki with another term as director would not only ensure continuity in the implementation of key research projects but also enhance Poland’s international prestige—particularly in the current complex geopolitical situation affecting both the country and Europe. We trust that, acting in the national interest and for the advancement of technological development, you will make a decision that best serves the Institute and the broader scientific and technological community. 

Respectfully yours, 

Bartosz Sokoliński    Contact the author of the petition