Long-term program to support Ukrainian research teams
Long-term program to support Ukrainian research teams at the Polish Academy of Sciences, carried out in collaboration with the U.S. National Academy of Sciences with the support of external partners. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) through its Scientists and Engineers in Exile or Displaced (SEED) program[1] is collaborating with the Polish Academy of Sciences[2] to award grants to facilitate the pursuit of research projects by teams of Ukrainian scientists and researchers hosted by the institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Program objectives
As part of efforts to build and sustain a healthy science and research ecosystem in Ukraine, the program aims to support the development and implementation of research projects. The principal investigator (PI), who will lead the team, shall conduct research at one of the units of the PAS and will have the flexibility to build their research teams. Research team members may carry out their research tasks from Ukraine if feasible.
The design of the grant program allows scholars in Ukraine to continue research under the supervision of experienced PI from Ukraine, hosted for up to 3 years at the PAS. During the project, all team members will hold a double affiliation. All team members must demonstrate a clear plan to maintain coordination and productivity between Poland and Ukraine.
Addressees of the program
The grant program is open to competitive Ukrainian scientists, researchers and engineers who intend to strengthen and rebuild Ukrainian science.
Minimum requirements for the PI
- a doctoral degree (i.e. Ph.D.),
- documented scientific achievements (e.g. research grants, patents, publication records) and at least one letter of recommendation
- Ukrainian citizenship or official employment at a recognized scientific institution in Ukraine (universities, scientific units of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) as of 24 February 2022,
- fluency in English
Duration and Reporting
The projects can be funded for up to three (3) years, provided that annual progress reports are accepted by PAS and NAS. Annual reports should highlight milestones, successes, and challenges. Periodic project updates may also be requested by PAS or NAS on an ad-hoc basis.
Research Team Composition
Research teams must be led by a PI. If the PI is not based in Poland at the time of application, they must be willing to relocate to Poland for the duration of the project. Other research team members may include undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, research scientists, assistant researchers, research administrators, and similar profiles. All research team members must have a meaningful function, be justified and accounted for in the proposal. Research team members could be based in Ukraine, Poland or elsewhere.
Research Disciplines
The program is open to all research disciplines. Preference will be given to teams undertaking activities in the fields of:
- mathematics
- computer science and engineering
- telecommunications
- energy and environmental engineering
- materials sciences
- agriculture
- physics
- chemistry
- life sciences and biomedical sciences
Funding
The maximum funding limit for a project under this program is up to 900.000 PLN (approx. $200,000 USD) per year for up to three years; in total up to 2,700,000 PLN (approx. 600.000 USD)[3]. Initial contracts will be valid for 12 months with a possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory review of progress reports and contingent upon funding availability. The budget may include:
- competitive monthly salary commensurate with research experience
- accommodation allowance in Poland
- research expenses: travel, conferences, small-scale equipment (under PLN 10.000), research materials and supplies, access to large-scale research apparatus, publication costs, etc. or other justified expenses
Timeline
The deadline for applications is January 16, 2023. Interviews with candidates for PIs will be conducted in February 2023. Funding decisions are expected by March 2023.
