Kraków Joins Malopolska Research Journey Project

2 March 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Kraków becomes an official partner of Malopolska – Inspiration for Your Research Journey, strengthening support for international researchers.

Kraków has become an official partner of the Malopolska – Inspiration for Your Research Journey project. The city hosted the inauguration on 28 January and gathered researchers, institutions and officials.

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Project launch and partners

The launch marked a step for regional research promotion. Moreover, the event brought together universities, research centres and local government. The programme runs under the NAWA–EURAXESS network. NAWA means the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange. EURAXESS connects researchers across Europe and beyond. Consequently, the network helps visiting scholars find jobs, funding and practical support.

Malopolska – Inspiration for Your Research Journey

The project aims to make the Małopolska region more attractive to international researchers. In addition, it will provide information services and mobility assistance. The city of Kraków will act as an official partner and local coordinator. Therefore, the initiative should improve access to research infrastructure. Furthermore, the programme will highlight cooperation opportunities with private and public labs.

Why this matters to foreign researchers

Foreign academics should note several practical benefits. First, they gain clearer routes to local employment and grants. Second, they access city-level help for relocation and networking. However, researchers should still complete formal registrations after arrival. For instance, long-term residents often need a PESEL number (PESEL is Poland’s national ID number). In addition, people who work must register with ZUS (ZUS is the social insurance institution). Moreover, access to public healthcare goes through the NFZ (NFZ is the National Health Fund). Therefore, planning these steps early saves time.

International researchers will also find advice about accommodation and permits. Consequently, the programme will share templates and contact points. Moreover, EURAXESS staff can guide scholars on visas and work permits. As a result, applicants face fewer surprises when they move here.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: When you arrive, register with local authorities and ask about residency rules. You will likely need a PESEL number (your Polish ID number). Also register for social insurance with ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) if you take a job. Apply for healthcare via NFZ (National Health Fund) or arrange private coverage. Keep proof of address to avoid fines or a mandat (mandat means a local fine). Finally, contact EURAXESS and Kraków’s research office for relocation help and job openings.

City officials say this partnership will boost Małopolska’s international profile. Moreover, local institutions expect new collaborations and talent flows. Therefore, expat researchers should watch for upcoming workshops and open calls. The programme will publish events and contact details soon.

Overall, Kraków’s role as an official partner underlines the city’s research ambitions. In addition, it gives foreign scholars a clearer path to working in Poland. Consequently, researchers who plan to move here should register early and use the programme’s services.

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