Polish Returns (Polskie Powroty) is NAWA's flagship programme for supporting scientists of Polish origin who have gained research experience abroad and now wish to return to Poland to continue their careers and set up their own teams. The programme aims to transfer knowledge, experience, and international cooperation to Polish scientific institutions, thereby strengthening their research potential.
Who is it for?
The programme is open to researchers with Polish citizenship who have worked abroad in recent years, as well as to Polish scientific institutions that wish to employ returning researchers.
The programme includes two tracks:
- Junior Fellow – for researchers up to seven years after obtaining their PhD
- Senior Fellow – for more experienced researchers who already lead teams or research projects.
How to apply?
Applications are submitted via the NAWA ICT system. The application is submitted by the institution planning to employ the PI. Please refer to the call text:
https://nawa.gov.pl/naukowcy/polskie-powroty/ogloszenie
The call closes on 15 January 2026 at 15:00 Polish time.
NAWA funding covers the remuneration of the PI, project group members, and the inviting person for a period of three or four years.
The maximum project funding amounts to PLN 1,243,200 for the Junior Fellow track and PLN 2,377,600 for the Senior Fellow track.
The programme also offers a research component financed by the National Science Centre (NCN) and an application component financed by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR).
Additionally, Polish Returns 2025 programme grantees will have the opportunity to apply for Medical Research Agency (ABM) funding.
Contact person:
Katarzyna Pietruszyńska
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+ 48 451 058 602
