The activities carried out under the “Excellence Initiative – Research University” programme play a key role in the implementation of the “HR Excellence in Research” strategy at the University of Warsaw. One of its main objectives is to develop and implement comprehensive solutions designed to support the professional development of academic employees.
The “Excellence Initiative – Research University” (IDUB) is the largest programme in decades designed to support Polish universities conducting high-quality scientific research.
Since 2020, the University of Warsaw community has benefited from an additional source of funding for a variety of research activities – both those falling within one of the five Priority Research Areas and those of a university-wide nature. In open calls for proposals, applicants could apply for microgrants for doctoral candidates, funding for trips abroad, support for mentoring visits, the development of academic journals, or the renewal of research infrastructure. The implementation of the Programme at the UW is coordinated by the Research Services Office.
Mentors and soft skills
Key initiatives supporting the development of academic employees include the “Mentor Programme” and the “Program for the Development and Improvement of Researchers’ Soft Skills”.
The aim of the “Mentor Programme”, which forms part of IDUB, is to organise visits to the UW by leading researchers from around the world, including Nobel Prize laureates. The resulting research collaboration, participation in seminars, workshops and meetings with distinguished guests has a significant impact on enhancing the skills of researchers at the University of Warsaw. This initiative provides particular support to young researchers, helping them to establish international contacts, consult on projects, and gain invaluable experience working with recognised experts. Over the six editions of the “Mentor Programme”, a total of 87 mentoring and expert visits have been funded.
The “Program for the Development and Improvement of Researchers’ Soft Skills” involves organising comprehensive training courses tailored to the organisational and managerial needs of UW researchers. The programme has included a series of the Academy for the Development of Science Leaders’ Competences and specialist workshops in collaboration with Springer Nature, training in professional writing and presenting articles, as well as project, team, and time management. In total, nearly 1,100 training places were provided across 85 completed training sessions.
Other university-wide IDUB initiatives implementing the “HR Excellence in Research” strategy:
- the development of an Open Science Policy and the establishment of an Institutional Repository (carried out by the University of Warsaw Library);
- support for the relocation of employees from abroad (activities carried out by Welcome Point);
- individual counselling and career development plans as part of the “From a Diamond Grant to an ERC Grant” programme (implemented by the Office of International Research and Liaison);
- the “Tandems for Excellence” programme for visiting researchers and the integration of young, talented researchers into research teams (coordinated by the International Cooperation Office);
- implementation of a systemic Knowledge Management Platform, support for the Women PhD Students Network and the Programme for Young Female Researchers and Teachers (implemented by dedicated central units, such as the Human Resources Office or the Equality Team).
Key outcomes of the IDUB Programme at the UW:
- an increase in the number of articles published in prestigious academic journals;
- an increase in the number of prestigious European grants, including ERC grants;
- an increase in the number of publications in the most recognised and most cited journals;
- the establishment of over a dozen modern research centres, including the Centre for Machine Learning, the Centre of Excellence in Social Sciences and the Centre for Research on Ancient Civilizations;
- the development of international research collaboration;
- support for young researchers, including scholarships for over 350 doctoral candidates and over 1,200 microgrants;
- the recruitment of over 300 young researchers;
- support for students on their first research trips;
- over 6,000 microgrants awarded for study visits, conference participation, research trips, etc.;
- increased internationalisation (grants for research collaboration in international teams, study visits, and visits by scholars from around the world).