Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Ulam NAWA Programme supports Polish higher education and research institutions to employ outstanding scientists from abroad for 6 to 24 months. The programme funds full-time research-based employment in Poland, with grants covering up to PLN 17,000 per month for the Principal Investigator and total project funding of up to PLN 436,800.
Overview
The Ulam NAWA Programme helps Polish institutions strengthen their research capacity by hosting international researchers.
It supports:
- Scientific research
- Postdoctoral fellowships
- Preparation of scientific publications
- Support for grant applications
- Teaching activities (as a complementary component)
The programme is open to all scientific disciplines.
Funding Information
- Funder: Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
- Project Duration: 6 to 24 months
- Maximum Total Funding: PLN 436,800
- Principal Investigator remuneration: Up to PLN 17,000/month
- Inviting Person allowance: Up to PLN 1,200/month
Funding is based on actual eligible costs, including employer costs, and must follow institutional standards of efficiency and rational spending.
Project Timeline
- Project start window: Between 1 February 2027 and 1 December 2027
- Employment period: 6–24 months
Who Can Apply?
The applicant is the Polish host institution, which applies on behalf of the researcher.
Eligible host institutions include:
- Higher education institutions in Poland
- Research institutes in Poland
Important note
- There is no limit on how many applications one institution can submit
- Each application must involve a different Principal Investigator
Eligible Principal Investigator (Researcher)
The Principal Investigator must:
- Hold at least a doctoral degree (or equivalent)
- Be employed at a foreign university or research institution, or have completed such employment after 31 August 2025
- Not have worked, studied, or stayed in Poland for more than 3 consecutive months during the 3 years before the deadline
- Show at least 3 significant scientific achievements in the last 5 years
Examples of eligible achievements
- Publications in internationally recognised databases
- Peer-reviewed monographs
- Conference proceedings
For art sciences, equivalent achievements may include:
- International exhibitions
- International awards
Host Institution Responsibilities
The Polish host institution must provide:
- Appropriate research infrastructure
- Administrative and financial support
- Help with permits and formalities
- Support in identifying additional funding opportunities
They must also ensure that:
- The researcher is employed under a full-time contract
- The researcher resides in Poland during the project
- Any part-time arrangement is adjusted proportionally
Why This Programme Matters
This programme is a strong opportunity for Polish institutions to attract high-level international talent.
It helps institutions:
- Increase their scientific potential
- Expand international collaboration
- Improve publication and grant outcomes
- Host postdoctoral and advanced research activity
- Strengthen their position across all disciplines
How to Apply
- Confirm the host is a Polish university or research institute
- Identify an eligible international Principal Investigator
- Ensure the researcher meets the mobility rule for Poland
- Build a project focused on:
- Research
- Publications
- Grant development
- Optional teaching
- Plan employment for 6–24 months starting between 1 Feb and 1 Dec 2027
- Prepare the budget within the PLN 436,800 cap
- Submit through the Polish host institution
Tips for Applicants
- Choose researchers with a strong recent publication record
- Clearly show how the host institution benefits scientifically
- Keep teaching as a secondary/additional component
- Check Poland residency and mobility conditions carefully
- Make sure the budget reflects actual employer costs
FAQ
Who applies under the Ulam NAWA Programme?
The Polish host institution applies on behalf of the international researcher.
How long can the project last?
Projects can run for 6 to 24 months.
What is the maximum funding?
The total project budget can be up to PLN 436,800.
How much can the researcher receive?
The Principal Investigator can receive up to PLN 17,000 per month.
Can one institution submit multiple applications?
Yes. There is no limit, but each application must involve a different Principal Investigator.
Is the programme open to all disciplines?
Yes. It is open to all scientific disciplines, including art sciences with equivalent achievement criteria.
Conclusion
The Ulam NAWA Programme is a valuable funding opportunity for Polish universities and research institutes seeking to host outstanding international researchers.
With support for 6–24 months of employment in Poland and funding up to PLN 436,800, it is especially useful for institutions aiming to boost research output, publications, grant development, and global academic collaboration.
For more information, visit NAWA.
