The Weigl TOP200 programme, implemented by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) in cooperation with the National Science Centre (NCN) and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), was launched at the University of Warsaw. This initiative aims to actively attract scholars from the world’s best research centres – universities ranked in the top 200 (TOP200) international rankings – to Poland.
The National Agency for Academic Exchange announced admissions for the new Rudolf Weigl TOP200 programme. The inauguration took place at the University of Warsaw Library.
The event was attended by, among others, Dr Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, Prof. Andrzej Szeptycki, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Dr Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Jerzy Małachowski, Director of the National Centre for Research and Development, Dr Wojciech Karczewski, Director of NAWA, Dr Łukasz Gołota and Dr Damian Syjczak – Deputy Directors of NAWA. The University of Warsaw was represented by its Rector, Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak.
Prof. Alojzy Nowak, the UW Rector, emphasised the importance of the programme both for the Polish academic community and for the University itself. “The programme announced by NAWA is an investment in Polish science. It is an important and necessary undertaking. We very much hope that the University of Warsaw will benefit greatly from it by developing international cooperation in the field of research and teaching. I am glad that the programme was launched at the University of Warsaw, the best Polish university,” he said.
The project aims to actively attract scholars from the world’s best research centres – from universities ranked in the top 200 (TOP200) in international rankings – to Poland.
“The Ministry of Science and Higher Education consistently supports the development and internationalisation of Polish science. That is why moments such as today’s inauguration of the new NAWA TOP200 programme are so welcome. In a globalised world, where the exchange of ideas, experiences and talents is a value in itself, the NAWA TOP200 programme is another step in building scientific bridges with the best researchers from around the globe,” said Dr Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education.
Dr Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was present at the launch of the programme, emphasised: “As part of its visa policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced special priority pathways for researchers and participants in international academic and research programmes. We are already seeing the first results and we hope that the fast-track procedures will allow us to recruit the people we are particularly interested in.”
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 scientists from abroad for a period of two to four years, with the possibility for them to set up their own project groups and conduct research of key importance for science and the economy.
“The Weigl TOP200 programme is our decisive response to global competition for talent. Our goal is to make Poland a natural and dynamic place for outstanding researchers from around the world. We want to create an inspiring environment where scientists from leading international universities can not only continue their ground-breaking projects, but also build their own global research teams. The Weigl TOP200 programme is our official invitation: join us, develop your visions and co-create science at the highest level – right here in Poland, in cooperation with our universities and scientific institutes,” said Dr Wojciech Karczewski, Director of NAWA.
The total budget for the pilot admissions to the programme is approximately PLN 20 million.
More information about the programme is available on the website of the National Agency for Academic Exchange: www.nawa.gov.pl/en/