On 21–22 May 2026, representatives of the National Science Centre (NCN) and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) visited Reykjavík and Akureyri (Iceland) to discuss the new edition of the EEA and Norway Grants in the field of R&I. The events were organised by the Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís) in cooperation with partners from Poland and Norway.
The meetings brought together representatives of the Icelandic research community, universities, research institutes and institutions interested in international cooperation under the new funding schemes. The attendees included representatives of the Polish Embassy in Reykjavík, the Ambassador of Poland to Iceland Aleksander Kropiwnicki and Counsellor Maciej Duszyński.
Ambassador of Poland to Iceland Aleksander Kropiwnicki
New EEA and Norway Grants calls
The purpose of the visit was to present the opportunities offered by the fourth edition of the EEA and Norway Grants in the areas of basic research, applied research and innovation. During the meetings, attendees discussed the calls organised by NCN and NCBR, as well as cooperation opportunities for Polish, Norwegian and Icelandic research institutions.
The NCN representatives presented the Basic Research Programme, including GRIEG BIS, LANGSPIL, and Coordination & Capacity Kick-off and Follow-up calls. They also introduced the SPARK polar research project supporting the involvement of Icelandic partners in the research cooperation previously developed by Poland and Norway.
NCBR presented the POLNORIS call supporting applied research and innovation projects carried out by international consortia of research organisations and businesses.
Polish-Icelandic cooperation and matchmaking tool
The Polish-Icelandic research collaboration was one of the major themes of the event. The hosts emphasised the importance of long-term research partnership building and enhanced internationalisation of research by Polish and Icelandic institutions.
The new matchmaking tool developed by NCN generated considerable interest from the participants. The tool, which can be used by partners looking for projects, facilitates the formation of international research consortia ahead of the upcoming calls. The meetings demonstrated that the Icelandic research community is keen to expand cooperation with Polish research institutions and participate in new funding opportunities offered under both EEA Grants research programmes.
Shared experiences and international perspective
Marzena Oliwkiewicz-Miklasińska
The programme also featured presentations by representatives of Rannís and the Research Council of Norway. A representative of the Research Council of Norway (RCN) discussed the experiences from previous editions of the EEA and Norway Grants. The attendees had the opportunity to discuss prospects for the future cooperation between Poland, Iceland and Norway.
The importance of international cooperation was given particular attention, especially for research development and for addressing contemporary social, technological and environmental challenges.
NCN and NCBR representatives
The National Science Centre was represented by Marcin Liana, Anna Wiktor, Marzena Oliwkiewicz-Miklasińska, Joanna Węgrzycka and Michał Olejnik. Maciej Jędrzejek represented the National Centre for Research and Development.
