Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Polonium 2027 Program is a bilateral research mobility initiative designed to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation between France and Poland. It enables researchers from both countries to collaborate through structured mobility exchanges that support joint scientific development.
The programme focuses on building long-term research partnerships, encouraging academic exchange, and facilitating the integration of collaborative projects into broader European research ecosystems.
It is open to all academic disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Purpose and Strategic Goals
The main purpose of the Polonium 2027 Program is to strengthen bilateral scientific cooperation by supporting researcher mobility and fostering new international collaborations.
Key objectives include promoting excellence in scientific research, supporting early-career researchers and doctoral candidates, and encouraging the development of joint projects that can evolve into European-level research initiatives. The programme also aims to reinforce collaboration between French and Polish research institutions and enhance participation in frameworks such as Horizon Europe.
Another strategic goal is to ensure knowledge exchange between research teams, improve scientific complementarity, and support the creation of sustainable cross-border research networks.
Key Focus Areas
The programme supports a wide range of scientific and technological collaboration activities across all disciplines.
Core focus areas include:
- Scientific and technological cooperation between France and Poland
- Development of new bilateral research collaborations
- Mobility of researchers between partner institutions
- Participation of early-career researchers and PhD candidates
- Preparation of projects for European research funding schemes (e.g., Horizon Europe)
- Interdisciplinary research across sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences
- Strengthening long-term academic partnerships
Funding Structure and Coverage
The Polonium 2027 Program provides targeted support specifically for mobility activities rather than full research project funding.
Funding covers:
- International travel costs between France and Poland
- Subsistence and living expenses during research visits
Key funding features:
- Projects are funded for two calendar years
- Funding is awarded annually and renewable for up to two consecutive years
- Average funding per French team in 2025: approximately €3,000 per project
- Funding is strictly limited to mobility-related costs
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is based on institutional affiliation, research status, and bilateral collaboration requirements.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be permanent researchers affiliated with research laboratories
- Be linked to higher education institutions or recognized research organizations
- Submit applications jointly with a partner institution in the other country
Additional conditions:
- Companies may participate only if associated with an academic partner
- Applications must be submitted separately through French and Polish national procedures
- Priority is given to new collaborations
- Project leaders who received funding in the previous two PHC Polonium calls are generally not prioritized
Project Design and Collaboration Requirements
Projects must be jointly designed and implemented by French and Polish research teams.
Key requirements include:
- Equal collaboration between both research partners
- Clear scientific objectives shared by both teams
- Structured mobility plan for researchers
- Inclusion of early-career researchers and doctoral candidates
- Demonstration of complementarity between partner teams
- Potential for future European research development
Evaluation and Selection Process
Applications are assessed through a multi-stage review system involving both countries.
Step 1: National Evaluation
Each country evaluates applications independently based on scientific merit and eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Joint Selection Committee
A joint Franco-Polish committee makes final funding decisions based on combined evaluations.
Evaluation Criteria Include:
- Scientific quality and excellence of the project
- Participation of young and early-career researchers
- Complementarity and expertise of partner teams
- Quality of international collaboration and mobility plan
- Potential for regional structuring and European-level development
Step 3: Renewal Decision
Funding for the second year is contingent on satisfactory progress and reporting outcomes.
Reporting and Compliance Requirements
Funded projects must meet specific reporting and dissemination obligations.
Requirements include:
- Submission of scientific progress reports
- Submission of financial reports
- Compliance with funding usage rules
- Acknowledgement of Polonium Program support in publications
- Demonstration of satisfactory progress for continued funding
Why the Programme Matters
The Polonium 2027 Program plays a key role in strengthening European research collaboration by enabling structured mobility between France and Poland. It supports the development of long-term scientific partnerships and helps early-career researchers gain international experience.
By focusing on mobility rather than infrastructure, the programme encourages direct knowledge exchange and fosters collaborative innovation. It also helps research teams prepare for larger European funding opportunities, particularly under Horizon Europe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be weakened by the following issues:
- Submitting without a true French–Polish collaboration
- Weak or unclear mobility plan
- Lack of early-career researcher involvement
- Overly one-sided research design
- Insufficient scientific justification or methodology clarity
- Ignoring reporting and renewal requirements
- Applying after receiving recent Polonium funding (low priority risk)
Tips for a Strong Application
Strong proposals demonstrate balanced collaboration and clear scientific value.
Key recommendations include:
- Ensure equal contribution from French and Polish teams
- Clearly define mobility structure and researcher exchanges
- Include early-career researchers and PhD candidates
- Highlight scientific complementarity between teams
- Align project with potential Horizon Europe opportunities
- Provide clear, realistic mobility schedules
- Emphasize innovation and long-term collaboration potential
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Polonium 2027 Program?
- A France–Poland research mobility programme
- Supports joint scientific collaboration across all disciplines
- Focuses on researcher exchange and cooperation
What funding is provided?
- Covers travel and subsistence costs only
- Average funding per team: ~€3,000 (French side reference)
- Projects funded for up to two years
Who can apply?
- Permanent researchers in recognized research institutions
- Must apply jointly with a French or Polish partner
- Companies may participate only if linked to academic partners
What disciplines are eligible?
- All disciplines are eligible
- Includes natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences
What is the main goal of the programme?
- To strengthen Franco-Polish scientific cooperation
- To support researcher mobility and new collaborations
- To prepare projects for European research frameworks
How are applications evaluated?
- Independent national evaluation by each country
- Final selection by a joint committee
- Based on scientific quality, mobility, and collaboration strength
What are the reporting requirements?
- Scientific progress reports
- Financial reporting
- Acknowledgement in publications
- Renewal depends on satisfactory progress
Conclusion
The Polonium 2027 Program strengthens Franco-Polish scientific collaboration by funding researcher mobility across all disciplines. By supporting early-career researchers and fostering international partnerships, it enhances scientific excellence and builds pathways toward broader European research cooperation under frameworks like Horizon Europe.
For more information, visit Campus France.
