The Director of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) announces the call for proposals under the Ulam NAWA Programme 2026.
The Programme enables Polish higher education and research institutions to employ outstanding scientists from abroad for a period of 6 to 24 months.
Deadline for submission: 15 May 2026, 3:00 PM (CET)
Results will be announced by: 30 November 2026
Objective of the Programme
The objective of the Ulam NAWA Programme is to increase the internationalisation of Polish higher education and research institutions.
Invited scientists will strengthen the scientific potential of the host institution and become involved in:
- conducting scientific research,
- postdoctoral fellowships,
- preparing scientific publications,
- supporting grant applications,
- teaching activities (as a complementary activity).
The Programme is open to all scientific disciplines.
Who can apply?
The applicant and beneficiary of the funding is the host institution in Poland.
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions and research institutes referred to in the Polish Law on Higher Education and Science.
There is no limit to the number of applications submitted by one institution, provided that each application concerns a different Principal Investigator.
Funding
Under the Programme, the host institution may apply for funding covering:
- remuneration of the Principal Investigator – up to PLN 17,000 per month (full-time employment; employer’s costs included),
- remuneration of the Inviting Person – up to PLN 1,200 per month (task-based allowance).
The maximum project funding is PLN 436,800.
Project duration: 6–24 months.
Projects must start between 1 February and 1 December 2027.
Eligibility requirements for the Principal Investigator
The Principal Investigator must:
- hold at least a doctoral degree,
- be employed at a foreign higher education or research institution (or have completed such employment after 31 August 2025),
- not have worked or studied in Poland within 3 years prior to the call deadline, and not have stayed in Poland for more than 3 consecutive months during that period,
- demonstrate at least 3 significant scientific achievements within the last 5 years.
Polish citizens may constitute a maximum of 10% of all funded Principal Investigators in the call.
Special track – MSCA
A simplified procedure is available for institutions inviting researchers who have received:
- the MSCA Seal of Excellence (MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships – European Fellowships),
- the Accolade of Excellence (MSCA4Ukraine).
Applications submitted under this track are not subject to scientific evaluation, as NAWA recognises the European evaluation as proof of excellence.
For scientists working abroad
If you are a researcher working outside Poland and hold at least a doctoral degree, you may participate in the Ulam NAWA Programme as a Principal Investigator.
To apply:
- Establish cooperation with a Polish host institution.
- Agree on the scope of the project and employment conditions.
- The host institution submits the application to NAWA.
The Programme offers full-time employment in Poland for 6 to 24 months.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the NAWA ICT system:
https://programs.nawa.gov.pl
The application must be prepared in English.
Detailed information is available in the Call for Proposalsand the Programme Regulations.