Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The NAWA–DAAD bilateral programme funds joint Polish–German research projects to strengthen scientific cooperation and international mobility. It supports all academic disciplines with funding up to 40,000 PLN per project, covering only mobility costs such as travel and daily subsistence allowances. Projects must be jointly submitted by Polish and German researchers and are evaluated based on scientific quality, collaboration value, methodology, and early-career researcher involvement.
The National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) in Poland and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) jointly fund collaborative research projects between Polish and German research teams. The programme is designed to strengthen long-term scientific cooperation, enhance international mobility, and promote joint academic work across all disciplines.
It supports projects that are jointly designed and implemented by researchers from both countries, ensuring balanced participation and shared scientific responsibility. The focus is on building sustainable partnerships and encouraging cross-border knowledge exchange.
Purpose and Strategic Goals
The main purpose of the programme is to deepen scientific collaboration between Poland and Germany through structured research mobility and joint project implementation.
Key objectives include strengthening international research partnerships, improving scientific excellence through collaboration, supporting researcher mobility, and promoting long-term institutional cooperation. The programme also aims to enhance methodological innovation, encourage early-career researcher participation, and generate high-quality research outputs through cross-border teamwork.
Another important goal is to reinforce the integration of research communities between both countries by enabling sustained academic exchange and shared project development.
Key Focus Areas
The programme is open to all scientific disciplines and does not restrict thematic areas. Instead, it prioritises quality, innovation, and collaboration in research design.
Core focus areas include:
- Jointly designed scientific research across all disciplines
- International academic mobility between Poland and Germany
- Strengthening bilateral scientific cooperation
- Methodological innovation and interdisciplinary approaches
- Development of long-term research partnerships
- Inclusion of early-career researchers and students in research activities
- Generation of shared scientific outputs and publications
Funding Scope and Eligible Costs
The programme provides targeted financial support specifically for mobility-related research activities. It does not fund full research project costs or infrastructure.
Eligible costs include:
- Daily subsistence allowance of 400 PLN per person
- Travel allowance of 1,500 PLN per round trip per person
- Mobility-related expenses for researchers participating in exchange visits
The maximum funding per project is 40,000 PLN. The total programme budget is 400,000 PLN.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility is defined by institutional affiliation, research leadership, and bilateral collaboration requirements.
Eligible Applicants
- Polish institutions capable of employing the project leader
- Institutions must submit jointly with a German partner organization
- Each project must have identical English titles on both sides
Project Leadership Requirements
- Project leader must hold at least a PhD degree
- Each principal investigator may submit only one application
- Research teams may include academic staff and students
Ineligibility Conditions
- Individuals and entities from the Russian Federation are not eligible
- Applications without a German partner submission are not accepted
Partner Requirements and Collaboration Model
Each project must be a true bilateral collaboration between Polish and German research teams.
Key requirements include:
- Joint project design and implementation
- Equal scientific contribution from both sides
- Shared research objectives and methodology
- Coordinated mobility and exchange activities
- Active participation of both institutions in all phases
The programme emphasizes cooperation rather than parallel research, ensuring integrated scientific work.
Application and Selection Process
The selection process involves multiple stages to ensure high scientific quality and strong collaboration.
Step 1: Eligibility Screening
Applications are checked for compliance with formal requirements, including institutional eligibility and bilateral submission rules.
Step 2: Scientific Evaluation
Proposals are assessed based on:
- Scientific excellence
- Quality of research team
- Strength of collaboration between partners
- Research methodology and design
- Innovation and originality
- Expected scientific outcomes
- Risk management and feasibility
- Involvement of early-career researchers
Step 3: Joint Final Selection
Final funding decisions are made collaboratively by Polish and German evaluators. Preference is given to projects that have not previously been funded under similar bilateral schemes.
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to generate meaningful scientific and collaborative outcomes.
These include:
- Strengthened Poland–Germany research partnerships
- Joint publications and scientific outputs
- Enhanced researcher mobility and exchange
- Capacity building for early-career researchers
- Improved methodological approaches in research
- Long-term institutional collaboration frameworks
Why the Programme Matters
This initiative strengthens European scientific cooperation by enabling structured collaboration between Polish and German research institutions. It promotes knowledge exchange, improves research quality through international partnership, and supports the development of early-career scientists.
By focusing on mobility and joint research, the programme builds lasting academic networks and contributes to stronger, more integrated European research ecosystems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications are often weakened by avoidable issues such as:
- Submitting without a true German partner collaboration
- Lack of clear joint research design
- Weak justification of scientific methodology
- Overly one-sided research contribution
- Ignoring mobility planning or exchange structure
- Missing early-career researcher involvement
- Exceeding eligibility rules for project leadership or submissions
Tips for a Strong Application
Strong applications demonstrate clear bilateral integration and scientific value.
Best practices include:
- Ensure equal involvement of Polish and German teams
- Clearly define shared research goals and methodology
- Plan structured researcher mobility and exchanges
- Include early-career researchers in meaningful roles
- Demonstrate innovation and scientific relevance
- Clearly outline expected joint outputs (papers, data, findings)
- Align project design with long-term collaboration potential
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of the NAWA–DAAD programme?
- To strengthen scientific cooperation between Poland and Germany
- To support joint research projects across all disciplines
- To promote researcher mobility and academic exchange
Who can apply?
- Polish research institutions able to employ the project leader
- Projects must be submitted jointly with a German partner
- Project leaders must hold at least a PhD
What is the funding amount?
- Up to 40,000 PLN per project
- Total programme budget: 400,000 PLN
- Funding covers mobility only, not full research costs
What costs are covered?
- 400 PLN daily subsistence allowance per person
- 1,500 PLN travel allowance per round trip
- Mobility-related research exchange expenses
Can individuals apply alone?
- No, applications must be institutional and bilateral
- A German partner submission is mandatory
- Each project requires coordinated participation from both sides
What is evaluated in applications?
- Scientific excellence and methodology
- Quality of collaboration between partners
- Innovation and research relevance
- Inclusion of early-career researchers
- Risk management and feasibility
Are there any restrictions?
- Entities and individuals from the Russian Federation are not eligible
- Each PI may submit only one application
- Projects must not duplicate previously funded schemes
Conclusion
The NAWA–DAAD joint research programme strengthens scientific collaboration between Poland and Germany by supporting mobility-based research partnerships. By funding coordinated academic exchange and joint project development, it enhances research quality, fosters innovation, and builds long-term international scientific networks.
For more information, visit NAWA.
