After defending their dissertation, young researchers often find themselves at a crossroads: in which direction should they move? Many of them have ambitious project ideas, but due to a lack of funding they cannot implement them. In such cases, international grant programmes come to the rescue. Today, we will review four of them – those that best help young scientists successfully start their careers and make themselves known within the academic community.
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NCN (National Science Centre)
Let us begin with the Polish national agency that funds fundamental research for both young researchers and experienced scientists.
It covers several key areas, including:
- supporting talented youth: scholarships for doctoral students and grants for the first independent postdoctoral projects
- promoting international scientific cooperation and researcher mobility
- funding innovative fundamental research in all fields of science
- providing opportunities for leading scientists to implement innovative ideas
- thorough support and monitoring of each funded project
NCN offers a wide range of programmes adapted to different stages of a scientific career. The main ones are PRELUDIUM (for those who do not yet have a doctoral degree) and SONATINA (for researchers who defended their PhD within the last three years). However, if you are unsure which specific call matches your skills and experience, use the special form on the National Science Centre website.
The principle of its operation is extremely simple: you answer several questions (for example, whether you already have a PhD, how many years have passed since your defence, whether you plan to involve a foreign supervisor, etc.), and the system instantly provides a list of all current calls you can apply for right now. This significantly saves time and helps avoid mistakes when selecting a programme. To learn more about NCN opportunities, read our article on this topic.
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe – is the flagship research and innovation funding programme of the European Union. It is particularly useful for young scientists, as it provides support at early career stages.
The programme performs a number of important functions, including:
- providing scholarships for doctoral students and grants for the first independent postdoctoral projects
- promoting international scientific cooperation and researcher mobility
- funding innovative fundamental research in all scientific fields
- providing opportunities for leading scientists to implement innovative ideas
- thorough support and monitoring of each funded project
Currently, several programmes are aimed at supporting young scientists. The first is Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), which offers two main areas:
- Doctoral Networks – international doctoral programmes within consortia.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships – individual postdoctoral fellowships for 1–3 years for researchers whose research experience does not exceed 8 years after obtaining a PhD.
In addition, one of the most popular initiatives is the ERC Starting Grant – one of the most prestigious individual grants in Europe. Scientists who defended their PhD 2–7 years ago and are ready to lead their own independent research group may apply for it.
NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange)
NAWA – is a Polish agency that specialises in academic mobility and exchanges. It is ideal for young scientists who are looking for opportunities for internships abroad or collaboration with foreign colleagues.
NAWA has adapted its calls for researchers at different career stages: from doctoral candidates to postdocs. Among the most relevant is the Bekker Programme, which funds individual internships abroad lasting 6–24 months for researchers with a PhD (usually with no more than 7 years of professional experience).
It is also worth mentioning the Ulam Programme, which works in the opposite direction. It allows Polish scientific institutions to invite foreign researchers with a PhD degree for a period of 6 to 24 months, providing them with funding for their stay and creating conditions for joint projects and long-term collaboration.
Erasmus+
Erasmus+ – is the EU programme for education, training, youth, and sport. Although it does not have separate calls exclusively for young scientists, many of its initiatives allow doctoral candidates, young researchers, and postdocs to participate in international mobilities, educational programmes, and innovative research projects.
For young researchers, the two most relevant opportunities are Key Action 1 (KA1) and Key Action 2 (KA2).
Key Action 1 (KA1) "Mobility" allows doctoral students to undertake research internships lasting 2–12 months, and young lecturers and researchers to go on short visits (from 2 days to 2 months) for teaching or research. Erasmus+ reimburses travel and accommodation costs at a fixed daily rate.
Key Action 2 (KA2) "Partnerships and Innovation" gives young researchers the opportunity to participate in large international projects and take on different roles:
- Cooperation Partnerships – inter-university cooperation in research
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters – the possibility to participate as a lecturer, mentor, or researcher
- Innovation Alliances – collaboration with large companies and businesses
Polish researchers have access to many interesting initiatives that will support their professional growth. All the above-mentioned programmes are designed to help talented youth realise their ideas, enter the international arena, and build a world-class career.
If you need to prepare a publication in order to apply for a grant programme, contact the company Scientific Publications. We will help you select an appropriate scientific journal, conduct an article audit, and support you at all stages of the process. To receive a free consultation, fill out the form below, and our manager will answer all your questions. Together towards new scientific achievements!
