The Impact of Basic Research on Legal Education: a Case Study of the Polish National Science Centre’s Projects

Abstract

This article analyses the impact of legal research on the education of future lawyers in Poland, focusing in particular on legal regulations and educational practices. The study aims to explain how the findings of research projects, especially of those funded by the National Science Centre (NSC)10, can be applied in teaching. The authors hypothesise that basic research has a minimal effect on legal education, which may result from the applicable legislation and internal conditions within university. The research involved an analysis of legal documents, a literature review, as well as surveys and interviews with academic staff. It examined the relationship between research and teaching activities in the context of higher education reform. The findings indicate that while most academics perceive their teaching and research as synergistic, there exist barriers in this areas – such as low motivation for research among students. The authors emphasise the need for reforms to better integrate research with teaching, which is crucial for enhancing the quality of legal education.