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Polish funder enables grantees to hire Ukrainian researchers

Image: European Union

National Science Centre says scheme is in addition to forthcoming “special programme” of support

Poland’s public agency for basic research, the National Science Centre, has moved to allow recipients of its funding to use their grant money to hire Ukrainian researchers as a provisional means of support for those affected by the Russian invasion, and pending the launch of a dedicated help scheme.

Money can be reallocated from any part of the grant agreement, the NCN announced on 18 March. However, there are some conditions: a maximum of PLN 100,000 (about €21,300) per grant can be used for the purpose, the Ukrainian researchers must hold a PhD and have worked in research before the invasion, and the host institution must be able to assign a supervisor with appropriate expertise.

“I have no doubt this initiative will stand as a testament to the solidarity of the Polish research community with the Ukrainian nation in this dramatic time, also allowing all NCN-funded research teams to draw on the expertise, energy and potential of our friends, who have arrived in Poland in recent weeks,” said NCN director Zbigniew Błocki.

Jan Palmowski, the secretary general of the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities, described the scheme as “an example to inspire others”.

Indeed, on the day the scheme was announced, the European Research Council confirmed a report from Research Professional News that it was encouraging its grantees to offer positions to Ukrainian researchers where possible.

The NCN said its move was being taken as an extra means of providing support while it waits for the Polish research ministry to approve the launch of “a special programme targeted at Ukrainian researchers and other scientists, no matter their citizenship, who have sought or will seek refuge in Poland”.

Other European countries and institutions have also allocated dedicated funding to support Ukrainian academics, including €1 million from the Austrian Science Fund for Ukrainian scientists to be integrated into ongoing research projects.