The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) excitingly announces the seventh edition of the Ulam NAWA Programme, offering foreign scientists the opportunity to conduct research in Poland. This flagship initiative aims to enhance the internationalization of Polish universities and research institutions by attracting outstanding researchers from around the world.

The Ulam NAWA Programme supports scientists with at least a doctoral degree who are undertaking research and staying in Poland for a period of 6 to 24 months. Participants will contribute to scientific projects, teaching activities, and the development of Polish higher education institutions. Researchers from all disciplines and countries, including Polish scientists working abroad, are welcome to apply. Institutions in Poland can invite specialists in priority fields to strengthen their research capabilities, enrich teaching, and support applications for prestigious grants.

The program is open to researchers of all ages and scientific fields. However, due to the suspension of cooperation between Poland and Russia following the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, Russian citizens and institutions based in Russia are not eligible.

Scientists who have received the Seal of Excellence under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships – European Fellowships (MSCA PF-EF) can apply through a special fast-track route. The Seal of Excellence serves as a recognized quality verification for their application.

Key Details and Dates:

• Application Deadline: May 12, 2025 (by 3:00 PM, Poland time)
• Residency Start Date: February 1, 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizer: Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
• Eligible Countries: All countries except Russia
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Researchers with a doctoral degree in any field
• Fields: All scientific disciplines
• Study Level: Postdoctoral and research level
• Degree Required: Doctoral degree (PhD) or equivalent
• Duration: 6 to 24 months
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Poland

Thematic Scope of Activities: Eligible activities include mobility (arrivals only) for:

• Postdoctoral internships (first or subsequent).
• Conducting scientific research.
• Gathering materials for research or publications.

Mobility may also involve teaching or other institutional activities. Applicants must submit a scientific stay plan outlining the following:

• Goals and career benefits.
• Justification for choosing the Host institution.
• Expected benefits for both the researcher and the institution.

Benefits and Financial Aids: What does the program offer for the selected candidates?

• Monthly stipend of PLN 11,500 (approximately €2,600)
• One-time allowance to cover travel and relocation costs
• Family allowance for researchers bringing children
• Opportunity to conduct research, postdoctoral fellowships, or acquire materials for publications
• Full integration into the Polish academic environment, including research collaborations and potential teaching activities

Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Applications are open to applicants from all scientific fields.
• There are no age restrictions.
• Russian citizens and entities based in Russia are not eligible due to the cessation of the cooperation between Poland and Russia.
• Applicants must provide a doctoral degree at the time of application (or have defended their thesis).
• Must be employed at a foreign university/research center or have worked there after August 31, 2024.
• Those who obtained a doctoral degree after August 31, 2024, are not required to be employed.
• Must not have worked, studied, or stayed in Poland for over 3 months within the past 3 years.
• Must have at least three scientific achievements in the last 5 years, including:
  • A peer-reviewed English publication in Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, or Arts & Humanities Citation Index.
  • A peer-reviewed scientific monograph in English.
  • An English publication in CORE-indexed international conference proceedings (DBLP).
  • An English publication in Web of Science Core Collection or Scopus-indexed conference proceedings.
  • For art sciences: work presented at a foreign institution or awarded in an international competition.
• The achievement period may be extended for parental or health-related leave per Polish labor law.

Scientists with a Seal of Excellence must have:

• A doctoral or equivalent degree obtained abroad.
• Applied with a Polish institution for the MSCA-PF-EF program and received the Seal of Excellence.

Required Documents: Applicants must provide:

• Scientific resume (as per the application form).
• Doctoral diploma scan or confirmation of degree (with an official English translation if not in English or Polish).
• Copies of three required achievements:
  • For publications: full text.
  • For monographs: title page, ISBN page, editorial page, table of contents, and key excerpts (max. 20 pages).
  • For artistic achievements: catalog with ISBN, award certificate, or other official confirmation.
• Employment confirmation (HR-issued, in English) for those employed after August 31, 2024 (not required for those who obtained a PhD after this date).
• Invitation from the Host Institution, confirming acceptance, specifying the direct supervisor, and signed by the Rector/Vice-Rector or Institute Director (or with a power of attorney if another representative signs).
• Declaration for additional support (for applicants with a certified moderate or severe disability).

Note: Documents exceeding set limits will only be considered up to the specified limit.

Additional Requirements for Seal of Excellence Applicants:

• An electronic copy of the MSCA-PF-EF application.
• Reviews from the MSCA-PF-EF evaluation.
• Seal of Excellence certificate (electronic version).
• Host Institution Invitation, confirming full project implementation, signed by the appropriate authority (with a power of attorney if signed by another representative).

Templates:

• Template of an invitation from the Host institution
• Report templates
• Supervisor opinion template
• Agreement Template

Selection Process and Criteria: Applications undergo formal and merit-based evaluation. Scientists with a Seal of Excellence only require a formal review.

Formal Evaluation:

• Conducted as per NAWA regulations (Chapter III, Section 4.1).
• Incomplete applications must be completed within 14 days of notification.
• Applications may be rejected for formal reasons at any stage.

Merit-Based Evaluation:

• Preselection: The Evaluation Team assesses applicants’ scientific achievements and career progress. Top-ranked applications (up to twice the allocated budget) proceed to the next stage. Others receive a rejection decision via the ICT system.
• Review Stage: Two reviewers assess each application. If scores differ by more than 30%, additional reviewers may be assigned. Evaluations include scoring and justification.
• Final Evaluation: The Evaluation Team reviews scores, considers reviewer feedback, and finalizes a ranking list of recommended and non-recommended applications.
• Applications found to violate ethical principles or lack reliability receive zero points and are disqualified. Polish citizens can constitute a maximum of 10% of selected fellows.

Evaluation Criteria:

How to Apply?

• Register on the NAWA ICT system using the link below.
• Fill out the application form online, selecting either:
  • “Ulam 2025” (for general applicants)
  • “Ulam Seal of Excellence 2025” (for Seal of Excellence holders)
• Upload all required documents in English (except doctoral diplomas, which can be in Polish).
• Apply before May 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM (Poland time).

Apply Now

For more details and information, visit the official NAWA website or review the call.