OPUS, PRELUDIUM & SONATA: € 57 million offered to researchers

In the seventh edition of the OPUS, PRELUDIUM and SONATA funding schemes, researchers can apply for funding worth € 57 million. Calls for proposals will be open until 17^th June 2014.

The National Science Centre is committed to supporting the growth of science by means of funding basic research ˗ the very essence of science. Let’s not forget that science is so much more than just accomplishing one research project after another. Science is learning about the world so that we can one day change it. In the National Science Centre, we care about basic research, which by definition is directed toward understanding the ways of nature and the ways of humans and societies. Of course,  it is only a matter of time that this understanding yields practical results. Daring science is worth every effort as this is how the world advances, says professor Andrzej Jajszczyk, director of the NCN.

The Centre seeks to cater for the needs of different categories of researchers. PRELUDIUM is a scheme addressed to pre-doctoral researchers. Over € 7 million is allotted to this category of researcher in the current edition. The duration of the projects must be at least 12 months and the cost of a single project should be between PLN 50,000 and 150,000.

When outlining the terms of the new edition, The NCN Council was particularly intent on stabilising the current terms of application and proposal evaluation. Mostly fine corrective changes have been introduced in the current edition of calls. One major change, however, is the decision to stress the quality of the project itself rather than the achievements of the Principal Investigator or their supervisor when assessing proposals. Similar changes have been suggested by researchers themselves, says professor Michał Karoński, chair of the Council.

The scheme which has continually seen the largest participation is OPUS. It is open to all categories of researchers. Proposals submitted under this funding opportunity may include the purchase or construction of research equipment. In the new launch of the scheme, the National Science Centre will offer nearly € 43 million to those who are successful.

The third scheme, SONATA, welcomes the participation of Principal Investigators with a doctorate (held no longer than 5 years). Financial support worth ca. € 7 million euros  will facilitate the forging of an innovative scientific approach or piece of research equipment.

Please find out more at: http://www.ncn.gov.pl/finansowanie-nauki/konkursy/typy?language=en.