Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The 2026 Kirkland Research Scholarships offer a fully funded four-month research stay in Poland for experienced researchers from selected Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asian countries. Administered by the Leaders of Change Foundation, the program supports advanced research in policy-relevant, scientific, and post-war reconstruction fields, with stipends, accommodation, travel support, and academic resources included.
The Leaders of Change Foundation has opened applications for the 2026 Kirkland Research Scholarships, a competitive research mobility program supporting experienced scholars from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
The scholarship enables selected researchers to undertake a four-month research stay in Poland, strengthening scientific collaboration, applied research, and knowledge transfer relevant to social, economic, and post-conflict challenges.
Program Overview
The Kirkland Research Scholarships are designed for researchers with established academic experience who seek to advance applied, policy-oriented, or interdisciplinary research.
The program combines financial support, institutional hosting in Poland, and access to academic resources, allowing scholars to focus on high-impact research while engaging with Polish and international research communities.
Priority Research Fields
The scholarship supports research across a broad range of disciplines, including:
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Economics and management
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Public administration and business administration
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Law and human rights
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Social and political sciences
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Environmental protection and climate studies
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Security, crisis management, and resilience
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Development policy and humanitarian action
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Post-war reconstruction–related disciplines, such as:
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Urban planning
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Civil engineering
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Forensic science
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Other applied reconstruction and recovery fields
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Duration and Structure of the Scholarship
The program funds a four-month research stay in Poland.
During this period, scholars are expected to:
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Conduct independent or collaborative research
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Use Polish academic and research infrastructure
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Participate in training courses and academic activities
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Develop research outputs applicable to their home countries
Financial Support and Benefits
Monthly Stipend and Accommodation
Scholars receive:
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A monthly stipend of PLN 2,700
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Free accommodation for the entire four-month stay in Poland
Travel and Mobility Support
The scholarship includes:
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Reimbursement of travel costs for arrival in Poland and return, within annually set limits
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Coverage of public transport costs during the stay
Research and Academic Support
Additional benefits include:
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A scientific and didactic package of up to PLN 3,500
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Access to research materials and academic infrastructure
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Participation in additional training courses
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Polish language classes during the scholarship period
Insurance Coverage
Scholars are provided with:
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Health insurance covering outpatient medical care
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Coverage for emergency medical treatment
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Civil liability insurance
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
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Hold citizenship and permanent residence in one of the following countries:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan -
Citizens of Belarus or Ukraine residing in Poland for political reasons after January 2025 are also eligible
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Be under 45 years of age
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Have a minimum of four years of research experience
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Demonstrate scientific achievements, including academic publications
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Hold a PhD degree
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Possess language proficiency as follows:
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At least B2 level in Polish or English
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If English is used, Polish must be at least A1 level
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Additional Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must also meet the following conditions:
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A minimum two-year break from long-term foreign scholarships
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This requirement does not apply to candidates from Ukraine or Belarus residing in Poland since 2025
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Not be employed by any Polish university or institution during the scholarship period
Preference Criteria
Preference is given to candidates who:
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Have not previously participated in the Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program
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Have not completed doctoral studies in Poland
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Demonstrate strong potential for research impact in their home country
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Propose research aligned with program priority areas
How the Scholarship Works
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Applicants submit a complete online application by the deadline
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Applications are evaluated based on academic merit, experience, and project quality
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Selected scholars are matched with host institutions in Poland
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Scholars conduct a four-month research stay
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Research results are documented and prepared for dissemination
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Scholars join the broader Kirkland academic and professional network
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following documents through the online application system:
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Completed online application form
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Personal data questionnaire
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Description of scientific and research activity
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A detailed research project proposal, including:
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Justification for participation
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Planned research activities
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Intended use of research results
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Two letters of reference in Polish or English
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A copy of the PhD diploma
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026 Kirkland Research Scholarships is:
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March 1, 2026
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting an underdeveloped or overly broad research proposal
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Failing to demonstrate sufficient research experience or publications
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Not meeting language proficiency requirements
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Applying without the required two-year break from foreign scholarships
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Missing required documents or references
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Kirkland Research Scholarship?
It is a four-month fully funded research mobility program in Poland for experienced researchers from selected countries.
Who administers the scholarship?
The program is administered by the Leaders of Change Foundation.
How long is the research stay?
The scholarship supports a four-month research stay in Poland.
How much financial support is provided?
Scholars receive a monthly stipend of PLN 2,700, free accommodation, travel reimbursement, and a research package of up to PLN 3,500.
Is a PhD required to apply?
Yes. Applicants must hold a PhD and demonstrate scientific achievements.
Are language skills required?
Yes. Applicants must have at least B2 proficiency in Polish or English, with Polish at a minimum of A1 if English is used.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
Why the Kirkland Research Scholarships Matter
The Kirkland Research Scholarships strengthen international research cooperation, support applied and policy-relevant research, and contribute to post-war recovery and sustainable development.
By enabling experienced researchers to work within Polish academic institutions, the program promotes knowledge exchange and long-term regional impact.
Conclusion
The 2026 Kirkland Research Scholarships provide a highly structured and fully funded opportunity for experienced researchers to advance impactful research in Poland.
For scholars seeking international collaboration, academic mobility, and meaningful research outcomes aligned with regional development and reconstruction needs, this program offers strong institutional support and clear professional value.
For more information, visit The Leaders of Change Foundation.