In order to maintain the level of science in Poland at an appropriate standard, as well as to contribute to its improvement, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education has developed a special programme called Inicjatywa Doskonałości – Uczelnia Badawcza (IDUB). What functions does it perform? Who can receive funding? You will find answers to these and other questions in our article.
What is the IDUB programme, and why was it launched?
Inicjatywa Doskonałości – Uczelnia Badawcza (IDUB) – is a state programme developed and introduced by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland. Its main goal is to help the best Polish universities reach the level of leading European research centres and significantly increase the international visibility of Polish science.
This programme is inspired by successful European counterparts but adapted to Polish realities. How does it function?
IDUB does not simply provide funding to research universities; it ensures their strategic development in order to increase the competitiveness of institutions at the international level. The implementation period of the programme is 6 years, during which the winners will receive additional funding amounting to 10%.
The allocated funds can be used in several key areas, including:
- the creation of new scientific projects and research teams
- conducting interdisciplinary research
- experimental work and laboratory programmes
- participation in major international research projects and partnerships
- scholarships for young scientists
- academic mobility of students
Who can participate in the programme?
The programme is designed exclusively for the best Polish universities, classified as higher education institutions with strong scientific potential. In particular, in the first, and so far the only, competition held in 2019, 20 universities with A and A+ categories were eligible to participate. You can read more about these categories in our article.
These institutions were pre-selected on the basis of parameters such as profile diversification, number of scientific achievements, and development potential. All 20 participants received basic support for preparing applications, but only the top 10 became full winners with increased funding. The remaining 10 receive only +2% to the basic subsidy.
In 2026, an evaluation and possible launch of a new competition are planned, in which other universities not included in the first twenty will be able to participate. However, the specific dates of the next cycle have not yet been announced.
Who won the first competition?
In 2019, an international expert commission selected 10 out of the 20 universities that would become research centres in the future. These are:
- University of Warsaw
- Gdańsk University of Technology
- AGH University of Science and Technology (Kraków)
- Warsaw University of Technology
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
- Jagiellonian University (Kraków)
- Medical University of Gdańsk
- Silesian University of Technology
- Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
- University of Wrocław
These higher education institutions are required to implement detailed development plans, which are evaluated every three years. The interim evaluation in 2023 showed positive results for all, but in 2026 at least two of them will lose their status. Those who remain among the leaders will be able to continue receiving funding for the next 6 years.
Responsibilities of universities within the IDUB programme
As mentioned above, this programme is designed to help universities realise their potential. Higher education institutions that rank among the ten winners must fulfil several obligations in order to implement the goals outlined in their strategic development plans. These include:
- Improving the quality of scientific research and education. The development of high-quality research programmes, increasing the number of publications in leading journals, and creating interdisciplinary teams and laboratories. Universities present an analysis of their own potential and action plans aimed at improving the quality of scientific and educational activities.
- Internationalisation and mobility. Attracting foreign scientists, students, and partners, as well as participating in global programmes (for example, Horizon Europe). The aim is to strengthen international staff exchange and increase the visibility of Polish science.
- Development of human resources. Supporting young researchers, providing opportunities for career growth, and creating programmes for talented doctoral candidates and academic staff. This includes scholarships, grants, and improved working conditions to retain talent.
- Cooperation with business and the innovation ecosystem. Stimulating the commercialisation of research results, creating spin-offs and joint laboratories with industry.
- Improving management and organisational culture. Enhancing internal processes, implementing quality monitoring systems, and regularly organising conferences for the exchange of experience.
As can be seen, this initiative of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland has a significant impact on the development of national science. IDUB provides comprehensive assistance to higher education institutions and offers guidance throughout the implementation of their strategic development plans.
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