The National Science Centre (NCN) has announced new calls for proposals for two major funding schemes: MAESTRO 17 for experienced researchers and SONATA BIS 15 for researchers aiming to establish a new research team. The total budget for both calls is PLN 195 million.
MAESTRO 17 supports advanced, pioneering basic research, including interdisciplinary projects. Applicants must hold a PhD and meet strict scientific criteria. Projects can last 36, 48, or 60 months, and must include at least 72 months of work by postdocs or PhD students selected via open calls. There is no fixed funding limit per project; the total budget for this scheme is PLN 25 million.
SONATA BIS 15 funds the creation of new research teams led by researchers who obtained their PhD between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2020. Projects may last 36–60 months and must involve PhD students (minimum 36 months of engagement). The team must consist of researchers without senior academic titles or previous funded collaboration. Each researcher can receive SONATA BIS funding only once. The total budget is PLN 170 million.
Applications will undergo formal and two-stage merit evaluation by interdisciplinary expert panels. Applications must be submitted via the OSF system between June 18 and September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM CEST. Results will be announced by March 2026.
