This initiative aims to actively attract scholars from the world’s leading research institutions – universities ranked among the top 200 in major international rankings.
“Poland’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education consistently supports the development and internationalisation of Polish science. That is why moments like today’s launch of the NAWA TOP200 Programme bring us such satisfaction. In a globalised world, where the exchange of ideas, experience and talent is a value in itself, the NAWA TOP200 Programme represents another step in building scientific bridges with the best researchers worldwide,” said Dr Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education.
During the programme’s inauguration, Dr Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised: “As part of its visa policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced special priority pathways for researchers and participants of international academic and research programmes. We are already seeing the first results, and we hope these fast-track procedures will help us recruit precisely the talent we are targeting.”
The programme aims to strengthen the research potential of Polish scientific institutions and create optimal conditions in Poland for the development of international research careers. It enables the employment of foreign researchers for a period of two to four years, with the possibility of establishing their own project groups and conducting research of key importance for science and the economy.
“The TOP200 Weigl Programme is our decisive response to the global competition for talent. Our goal is to make Poland a natural and dynamic destination for outstanding researchers from across the world. We want to create an inspiring environment where scholars from top global universities can not only continue their breakthrough projects, but also build their own international research teams. The TOP200 Weigl Programme is our official invitation: join us, develop your vision and co-create science at the highest level – right here in Poland, in cooperation with our universities and research institutes,” said Dr Wojciech Karczewski, Director General of NAWA.
Prof. Alojzy Nowak, Rector of the University of Warsaw, highlighted the significance of the programme for both the Polish academic community and the University itself:
“The programme announced by NAWA is an investment in Polish science. It is an important and much-needed initiative. We strongly hope that the University of Warsaw will greatly benefit from it, expanding its international cooperation in research and teaching. I am pleased that the programme was inaugurated at the University of Warsaw, the top Polish university.”
A programme for the best of the best
The TOP200 Weigl Programme includes two pathways – Junior Fellow and Senior Fellow – tailored to different stages of a researcher’s career.
Eligible applicants include researchers holding non-Polish citizenship and possessing academic experience gained at leading institutions ranked in the global top 200 of the Academic Ranking of World Universities, QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Programme beneficiaries will be able to conduct research in Poland, establish their own project teams, and apply for national and international research grants.
The programme provides funding for the salaries of the project leader, members of the project team, and the so-called host — a researcher from the hosting institution who supports the incoming fellow in starting work and integrating with the team.
Joint effort
The TOP200 Weigl Programme is implemented by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) in cooperation with the National Science Centre (NCN) and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR).
In addition to the core funding provided by NAWA, participants may benefit from additional components
• the NCN research component — supporting basic research
• the NCBR application component — supporting industrial research and development activities
This combination ensures comprehensive support at every stage of the research process, from fundamental studies to solutions with real impact on the economy and society.
The total budget of the pilot call amounts to approx. 20 million PLN. The NAWA budget amounts to 17 million PLN (national funds).
A boost for the internationalization of Polish science
The TOP200 Weigl Programme represents another step toward strengthening the international profile of Polish science and increasing its visibility in the global research landscape. It enables Polish institutions to employ leading researchers, enhance cooperation with top scientific centres worldwide, and reinforce Poland’s position within international scientific networks.
The call for applications runs until 27 February 2026, with results to be announced by 31 July 2026. Projects will be implemented between 2026 and 2032.
Rudolf Weigl
The programme’s patron, Prof. Rudolf Weigl (1883–1957), was a distinguished Polish biologist, physician and the inventor of the world’s first effective vaccine against epidemic typhus. Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and associated with the University of Lviv and the Jagiellonian University, he was a pioneer in the fields of biology and immunology.
His work not only saved thousands of lives during the Second World War but also solidified the international standing of Polish science. Today, his name symbolizes courage, scientific integrity and the global dimension of research — values that the NAWA TOP200 Weigl Programme aims to foster and promote.
