This year, the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) will allocate nearly PLN 4.4 million to support 10 selected projects under the pilot programme “Researchers at Risk.” The programme is addressed to scholars who have obtained refugee status or subsidiary protection in Poland and hold a valid Residence Card.
Science is widely regarded as a platform for intellectual cooperation that transcends borders — one that should connect researchers regardless of their origin or nationality. Unfortunately, there are situations in which scholars face persecution, violence, or discrimination in their home countries and are forced to seek safety abroad.
The initiative aims to provide a stable environment for people with refugee experience wishing to pursue research and share knowledge to continue their careers in a safe environment. The programme will provide financial support, covering the salary costs of full-time researchers at Polish universities, scientific institutes or research institutes.
The Researchers at risk programme is an opportunity for experienced researchers, regardless of age, field of science or country of origin, to re-engage in research and academic activities. It is aimed at people who have at least a doctoral degree and have received international protection in Poland in the form of refugee status or subsidiary protection and have a Residence Card.
Universities, research institutes and scientific units can apply for participation in the programme. The funding received will provide the institutions with the means to pay the salaries of the researchers hired on a full-time basis for a period of 2 years. In addition, the programme provides compensation for a support person – a mentor or project coordinator who will help the researcher find his or her way in the new environment.
The application should describe the objectives of the project, how the planned activities will support the career development of the researcher, what benefits the institution will bring, and what the support offered by the host center will be like. The substantive part of the application can be completed in both Polish and English. The application should be accompanied by a scan of the diploma confirming the degree of the foreign scientist and data (number and expiration date) from the Residence Card issued to him. Formal and substantive evaluation of submitted applications will take 3 months.
In 2025, PLN 4,368,000.00 has been allocated to support 10 selected projects. Applications should be submitted via NAWA’s ICT system. The call is continuous. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until December 15, 2025 3:00 p.m.
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