Are you a scientist facing threats, discrimination, or loss of academic freedom in your home country? Poland may just be the place to rebuild your research career in safety.
The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) has officially launched the 2025 “Researchers at Risk” Programme, inviting applications from scientists at risk who have received international protection in Poland. This initiative ensures that your groundbreaking research doesn’t stop—even if your circumstances have changed.
What Is the Researchers at Risk Programme?
The Researchers at Risk Programme was established under Article 19 of the NAWA Act to provide a secure academic environment for foreign researchers who:
- Hold a doctoral degree,
- Have received international protection status from the Polish Office for Foreigners,
- Are exposed to persecution, armed conflict, discrimination, or natural disasters in their country of origin,
- And wish to continue their scientific careers at Polish academic or research institutions.
This fully-funded program aims to integrate scientists into Poland’s research landscape while ensuring professional growth and security.
What Does the Programme Offer?
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full-time employment at a Polish university or research institute for 24 months
- Up to PLN 408,000 for the researcher’s salary (gross, including employer costs)
- Up to PLN 28,800 for the supervising Inviting Person’s support and mentoring
- Access to Polish academia, research networks, and potential teaching roles.
Eligible scientific activities include:
- Research and development projects
- Gathering materials for publications
- Postdoctoral internships
- Academic work, including limited teaching.
Who Can Apply?
Host Institutions in Poland (such as universities or research centers) must submit the applications on behalf of eligible scientists.
To qualify, the researcher must:
- Have a doctoral degree (no nostrification required)
- Be legally residing in Poland under international protection
- Have documents confirming their doctoral qualifications (translated into English or Polish)
- Present a project plan aligned with career goals and scientific development.
Each application must also designate an Inviting Person responsible for mentoring, career guidance, and supporting integration into Polish academia.
Application Timeline
The application window is open now and will run continuously from April 11, 2025, to December 15, 2025 (3:00 p.m. Warsaw time). All applications must be submitted online via the NAWA ICT System (https://nawa.gov.pl/en/scientists/researchers-at-risk/about-the-programme), with the main content in Polish (scientific sections can be in Polish or English).
The research project must begin no later than April 1, 2026, and institutions should apply at least 3 months before the planned start date.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and scored based on:
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Researcher’s scientific achievements | 0–30 |
| Institutional support and expected impact | 0–40 |
| Research quality, innovation, and output | 0–30 |
