Polish and Swiss scientists can apply for funding for joint projects in the field of applied research. The call for proposals, launched on April 22, will last until July 1, 2024. Almost PLN 67 million is available.
"This is the first call for proposals in the field of applied research under Swiss Funds. We are planning another one in 2025. This is a huge opportunity for Polish science - Swiss scientists are the world's elite, which is why we are even more pleased with the opportunity to work together, because our specialists also have very high ratings in the scientific world" - says Konrad Wojnarowski, Deputy Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy.
"Switzerland is convinced that through bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements, joint research infrastructures and diplomatic dialogues, we can make a difference at the interface of science, politics and society. And thus create a sustainable and prosperous future for all" - said State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation of the Swiss Confederation, Martina Hirayama on April 10, 2024 at the conference officially opening the Research and Innovation Programme.
About the call for proposals
Until July 1, at 4 p.m., consortiums consisting of at least two entities - one Swiss and one Polish - will be able to submit applications for funding for joint research projects in the field of applied research.
At least one of the entities in the consortium must be an enterprise based in Poland or Switzerland. In addition to companies, the consortium may also include universities, research institutes and other entities conducting research and employing researchers.
"We do not limit or impose research topics. They can cover any area. It is important that these are industrial research or experimental development projects" - explains Deputy Minister Konrad Wojnarowski.
The call for proposals was announced by the National Center for Research and Development (NCRD) - operator of the Research and Innovation Programme financed by the Swiss Funds. The call for proposals announcement is available on the NCRD website.
Nearly PLN 67 million is available for applicants. The minimum co-financing for one project may amount to over PLN 2.2 million, and the maximum to nearly PLN 4.5 million. The project implementation period is from 24 to 36 months.
"We know how difficult it is for young scientists to break through. That is why in this call for proposals we have introduced a requirement that a consortium applying for funding must also submit a mentoring program for a young scientist. The mentor and the young scientist will have to be involved in the implementation of the project" - notes the Deputy Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy.
On April 24 and 25, 2024, NCRD is organizing online information meetings regarding the call for proposals. The rules of the programme, the application submission procedure and project evaluation criteria will be presented at the meetings.
Questions about call for proposals can be asked to employees of the NCRD's Department of International Cooperation - Agnieszka Bulska and Anita Lasocka (phone: +48 519 683 891, +48 519 683 802, email: sppw@ncbr.gov.pl).
About the Research and Innovation Programme
The programme is intended to improve the quality of applied research in Poland by strengthening scientific and research cooperation between Poland and Switzerland. It is also intended to increase the internationalization of basic research. The program supports applied and basic research.
Roles in the programme:
- applied research - the National Center for Research and Development is responsible for the part related to applied research (it cooperates with the Swiss innovation agency - Innosuisse),
- basic research – the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is responsible for the part of the program related to basic research (it works in partnership with the Polish National Science Center).
Call for proposals in the area of basic research was announced on April 2, 2024.
The Research and Innovation Programme is a chance to:
- tighten cooperation between research centers (but also enterprises) in Poland and Switzerland,
- achieve a synergy effect thanks to cooperation between research centers and enterprises in both countries,
- strengthen scientific excellence and innovative capabilities of Polish research units, universities and enterprises (with emphasis on the SME sector).
About the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme
Switzerland allocated 1.3 billion Swiss francs to 13 countries. This is money to reduce socio-economic differences in the EU. Poland is the largest beneficiary of the second edition of the Swiss Funds.
Switzerland granted Poland 320.1 million Swiss francs for the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme (informally: Swiss Funds). The national contribution should also be added to this pool, which gives a total amount of over 375 million Swiss francs.
The breakdown of these funds is as follows:
- Polish-Swiss Programme for Development of Towns – almost 328 million Swiss francs (278.7 million Swiss contribution and over 49 million Polish contribution),
- Research and Innovation Programme – over 41 million Swiss francs (35 million from Switzerland and over 6 million from Poland),
- Technical Assistance (including the Preparatory Fund) - 6.4 million Swiss francs.