FAQ – 5th Call for Dioscuri Centres of Scientific Excellence in Poland

What is the Dioscuri Programme?

The Dioscuri Programme supports the development of internationally competitive scientific excellence in Central and Eastern Europe. It is a person-centred initiative launched by the Max Planck Society (MPG) and funded by the German Federal Government and the host countries, including Poland.

What is a Dioscuri Centre (DC)?

A Dioscuri Centre is more than a standard research project. It is built around a distinguished researcher (the DC Leader) and is expected to become a leading hub (“lighthouse”) of scientific excellence meeting international standards.

What does the 5th Call involve?

The 5th Call aims to establish two interdisciplinary Dioscuri Centres of Scientific Excellence in Poland.

What funding is available?

Each Centre receives:

• Up to EUR 300,000 per year for five years (in PLN)
• Possible extension for another five years after a positive evaluation
• Additional minimum support from the Host Institution (at least EUR 25,000 annually)

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be outstanding, internationally competitive researchers of any nationality and discipline
• Have obtained a PhD no more than 15 years before the deadline
• Demonstrate international mobility
• Have completed PhD and postdoctoral work at different institutions
• Not have been employed at the Host Institution in the past three years
• Propose an excellent interdisciplinary research project
• Collaborate with a German research partner

What fields are eligible?

Projects must be interdisciplinary and involve at least two or three disciplines within:

• Humanities, Social Sciences and Art Sciences (HSS)
• Life Sciences (LS)
• Physical Sciences and Engineering (STEM)

What does the Dioscuri Centre Leader receive?

The Leader is offered:

• Full-time employment with a competitive salary
• Annual research funding
• Office/lab space and equipment
• Administrative and coordination support
• Relocation assistance and career support options
• Long-term career prospects at the Host Institution

What is required in the application?

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

• Research proposal (max. 10 pages + references and budget)
• Required declarations (Applicant, Host Institution, German Partner)
• CV of the Applicant and German Partner and their publication lists
• Names of six reviewers
• Signed application form

When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 15 September 2026 via the online platform.

How are applications evaluated?

Evaluation is based on:

• Scientific excellence of the applicant
• Quality, innovation, and interdisciplinarity of the research concept

The process includes:

1. External peer review
2. Committee assessment
3. Interviews with shortlisted candidates

When will interviews and results take place?

• Interviews: December 2026 (in Kraków, NCN headquarters)
• Final decisions: by the end of December 2026

What happens after selection?

Selected applicants will:

• Sign a grant agreement with the National Science Centre Poland (NCN) and Host Institution
• Negotiate working conditions and infrastructure
• Launch the Centre (ideally within one year)

What costs are covered by the funding?

Eligible costs include:

• Salaries (Leader and research team)
• Research expenses (travel, materials, publications, outreach)
• Collaboration with the German partner

Infrastructure, equipment, and overheads must be covered by the Host Institution.

Is there a mid-term evaluation?

Yes. After about four years, each Centre undergoes an external evaluation, which determines whether funding will be extended for another five years.

What is the role of the German Partner?

Each applicant must select a senior researcher from a German institution who will:

• Support scientific development of the Centre
• Collaborate on joint activities
• Contribute to international cooperation

Is a Scientific Advisory Board required?

Yes. Each Centre is expected to establish an international Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

Are there info-webinars for applicants?

Yes. Webinars will be held to support applicants:

• 21 May 2026, 16:00–17:30 (CET)
• 16 June 2026, 16:00–17:30 (CET)

Registration is available via the webinar registration form.