This initiative aims to actively attract scholars from the world’s top research centers—those affiliated with universities ranked in the top 200 (TOP200) in international rankings.
“The Ministry of Science and Higher Education consistently supports the development and internationalization of science in Poland. That is why moments like today’s inauguration of the new TOP200 NAWA program bring us such joy. In a globalized world, where the exchange of ideas, experiences, and talents is a value in itself, the TOP200 NAWA program represents another important step toward building scientific bridges with the best researchers around the globe,” said Dr. Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education.
During the inauguration, Dr. Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized: “As part of our visa policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced special priority pathways for researchers and for participants in international academic and research programs. We are already seeing the first results, and we hope that these accelerated pathways will allow us to effectively recruit precisely those individuals we are particularly eager to attract.”
The program aims to strengthen the research potential of Polish scientific institutions and create optimal conditions in Poland for developing international research careers. It enables the employment of foreign scientists for a period of two to four years, allowing them to form their own project groups and conduct research of key importance for science and the economy.
The TOP200 NAWA program is described as Poland’s firm response to the global competition for talent. “Our goal is for Poland to become a natural and dynamic place for outstanding researchers from around the world. We want to create an inspiring environment where scientists from leading international universities can not only continue their groundbreaking projects but also build their own global research teams. The TOP200 Nawa program is our official invitation: join us, develop your visions, and co-create science at the highest level—right here in Poland, in cooperation with our universities and research institutes,” said Dr. Wojciech Karczewski, Director of NAWA.
The Rector of the University of Warsaw, Prof. Alojzy Nowak, highlighted the importance of the program both for the Polish academic community and for the university itself:“The program announced by NAWA is an investment in science in Poland. It is an important and necessary initiative. We strongly hope that the University of Warsaw will make significant use of it, expanding international cooperation in research and teaching. I am pleased that the program’s inauguration took place at the University of Warsaw, the best Polish university.”
A Program for the Best of the Best
The TOP200 NAWA program includes two tracks—Junior Fellow and Senior Fellow—tailored to the researcher’s career stage.
The program is open to scientists who are not Polish citizens and who have gained research experience at leading institutions ranked in the top 200 of global rankings such as the Academic Ranking of World Universities, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Program beneficiaries will be able to conduct research in Poland, create their own project teams, and apply for national and international research grants.
The program provides funding for the salaries of the project leader, members of the project group, and the so-called “inviting person”—a researcher from the host institution who supports the incoming scientist in beginning their work and integrating with the team.
Joint Efforts
The TOP200 NAWA program is implemented by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), in cooperation with the National Science Centre (NCN) and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR).
In addition to the core funding provided by NAWA, participants may benefit from additional components:
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NCN’s research component – dedicated to fundamental research
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NCBR’s application component – supporting industrial research and development work
This combination ensures comprehensive support for researchers at every stage of their scientific activity—from basic research to implementations with real significance for the economy and society.
The total budget of the pilot call is approximately 20 million PLN, with 17 million PLN provided by NAWA (national funds).
A Boost for the Internationalization of Science in Poland
The TOP200 NAWA pogram is another step towards the internationalization of science in Poland and strengthening its visibility in the global research community. Thanks to the program, Polish institutions will gain the opportunity to employ outstanding researchers, develop cooperation with the world’s best scientific centers, and enhance Poland’s position in international scientific networks.
Applications will be accepted until 27 February 2026, and the results will be announced by 31 July 2026. Projects will be carried out between 2026 and 2032.
Rudolf Weigl
The program is named after Prof. Rudolf Weigl (1883–1957)—an eminent Polish biologist, physician, and inventor of the world’s first effective vaccine against epidemic typhus. Born in Austria-Hungary and associated with the University of Lviv and the Jagiellonian University, he was a pioneer in the fields of biology and immunology.
His work not only saved thousands of lives during World War II but also cemented the position of science in Poland on the international stage. Today, his name symbolizes courage, scientific integrity, and the global dimension of research—values that the TOP200 NAWA program aims to cultivate and promote.
Sources: Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej. (n.d.). Poland invites outstanding researchers from around the world. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://nawa.gov.pl/jezyk-polski/aktualnosci/polska-zaprasza-wybitnych-naukowcow-z-calego-swiata
