ERC Grants: How can Poland attract researchers from abroad?

Researchers from outside Europe have recently become eligible for an additional €2 million funding if they implement an ERC grant on the European continent.

This new initiative of the European Research Council aligns with the European Union’s policy of supporting scientific excellence regardless of nationality, attracting global talent, and retaining it within Europe under the “Choose Europe for Science” program.

The measure is expected to strengthen the international dimension of ERC grants and to enhance Europe’s overall scientific potential.

However, an important question arises: can all European countries benefit equally, given that some are more effective than others at attracting foreign researchers, including those working on ERC projects?

• Which European countries are most successful in attracting researchers from abroad?
• How can Poland succeed in encouraging foreign scientists to implement ERC grants at Polish host institutions?
• And why does the new ERC initiative represent both an opportunity and a potential risk for Poland?

These issues are addressed by Dr Joanna Błogowska from the Polish Academy of Sciences’ Excellence in Science Department in an article on the Academia portal (available in Polish): https://academia.pan.pl/granty-erc-czy-polska-jest-atrakcyjna-dla-naukowcow-z-zagranicy/