The EEA and Norway Grants research programme in Poland is expected to enhance research cooperation between Norway and Poland and strengthen the research capacity and application of research results. Poland’s National Centre for Research and Development manages the programme, and the Research Council of Norway is involved as a donor programme partner.
In the period 2009-2014, support will be provided for joint research in the areas of environment; climate change including polar research; health; social sciences and bilateral relations, including the issues of migration, social cohesion, the role of minorities and the social dimension of sustainable development; gender equality and work-life balance.
In addition to the €36.8 million in support from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, Poland contributes with about €6.5 million to the programme.
The results of the call for project proposals will be published in March 2013. A small grant scheme for research projects conducted by Polish female researchers in technical sciences has also been announced. The online submission system is available from 1 December 2012, and the deadline for applications is 31 January 2013. The total allocation earmarked for this open call is €2.3 million (grants available of €50 000 to €100 000).
Professor Krzysztof Jan Kurzydlowski, Director of the National Centre for Research and Development, said the previous Polish-Norwegian research fund have functioned as a catalyst for cooperation. “The significant number of submitted proposals proves that the collaboration established under the previous round of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism by Polish and Norwegian research institutions has been developing,” the Professor said, adding, “We believe that the projects which will be implemented under this financial period will have a substantial impact on science and, in a long-term perspective, on a socio-economic development of both countries.”