Ulam NAWA Programme 2026–2027: Poland Opens Applications for Funded Research Positions (6–24 Months)

The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) has officially announced the Call for Applications No. 9/2026 dated 13 February 2026 for participation in the Ulam NAWA Programme. The programme invites universities and research institutions in Poland to host outstanding international researchers holding a doctoral degree. Selected scientists will work in Poland for 6 to 24 months starting in 2027, contributing to research and teaching while receiving funded employment and institutional support.

What the Ulam NAWA Programme Is

The Ulam NAWA Programme is a national initiative created to strengthen research in Polish universities and scientific institutes by bringing talented researchers from abroad.

Instead of short visits, the programme offers real employment in Poland. Fellows join research projects, publish work, support grant applications, and in some cases teach students. The aim is simple — connect international expertise with Polish institutions and help both grow.

Researchers from any country and any scientific field can participate, including Polish scientists currently working abroad.

Who Can Apply

Applications are submitted by the host institution in Poland, not by the researcher directly. The selected researcher is called the Principal Investigator.

To be eligible, the researcher must:

• Hold at least a PhD (doctoral degree)

• Be employed at a university or research center outside Poland, or recently finished such employment

• Not have lived, studied, or worked in Poland for more than 3 months during the last 3 years

• Show strong research activity

Required academic achievements (last 5 years)

You must show at least three achievements, such as:

• Main-author publication in an international journal (Scopus or Web of Science indexed)

• Peer-reviewed monograph in English

• Peer-reviewed international conference publications

• Recognized artistic research presentation or award (for arts fields)

The programme is open to all scientific disciplines, including science, engineering, social sciences, computing, and research-based arts.

Special Fast-Track Option

A simplified path exists for researchers who already received:

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Seal of Excellence

• MSCA4Ukraine Accolade of Excellence

For them, NAWA accepts previous international evaluation as proof of research quality.

What You Receive

This is not a travel grant — it is a paid research position in Poland.

Financial Support

• Salary for the researcher: up to PLN 17,000 per month

• Additional allowance for the host supervisor: up to PLN 1,200 per month

• Maximum project funding: PLN 436,800

Institutional Support

The host university must provide:

• Office and laboratory space

• Research equipment and infrastructure

• Administrative assistance

• Help applying for additional grants

• A full-time employment contract

Researchers are expected to live in Poland during the project.

Duration and Timeline

• Programme period: February 2027 – December 2030

• Project duration: 6 to 24 months

• Earliest start: 1 February 2027

• Latest start: 1 December 2027

Application Deadline

• Final submission deadline: 15 May 2026 (3:00 PM Poland time)

Applications must be submitted online through the NAWA system:
https://programs.nawa.gov.pl

All application materials must be prepared in English.

Selection Process

The evaluation has three stages:

1. Initial review by an expert panel

2. External peer review by two reviewers

3. Final decision by the expert team

Reviewers assess:

• Research achievements

• Quality of the project

• Fit with the host institution

• Impact on the researcher’s career

Results are expected by 30 November 2026.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Many researchers struggle to find stable international positions after finishing a PhD. The Ulam NAWA Programme solves that problem by offering something rare — a fully funded research job in another country with institutional backing.

It is especially valuable for:

• Postdoctoral researchers

• Early-career scientists

• Researchers wanting European collaboration

• Academics planning long-term international careers

You gain publications, new partnerships, teaching experience, and access to European research networks.

Final Advice

If you are interested, the most important step is to contact a Polish university or research institute now. Since the institution submits the application, early communication is essential. Many candidates secure a host supervisor months before the deadline.

This programme is competitive but realistic. A strong publication record and a clear research idea can make you a serious candidate.

For questions, NAWA can be contacted at:
[email protected]
Phone: +48 451 058 621

The 2026 call offers a clear path into European academia — and for many researchers, it may become the starting point of an international career.

Official Notification

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