Warsaw is introducing a new form of cooperation with the academic community by announcing a grant competition aimed at higher education institutions. The initiative aims to bring scientific topics closer to residents' everyday experiences, going beyond the traditional walls of universities. The city emphasizes that this is the first financial instrument in the country to engage universities in such a broad range of activities for the local community.
The main assumption of the competition is to present scientific knowledge in an accessible, understandable, and attractive way for people outside the academic environment. City authorities hope that the projects will demonstrate how research findings translate into improvements in the quality of life in the capital, from designing safe streets to developing public transport or creating digital tools. Financial support is intended to encourage researchers to share research methods and explain social phenomena and the challenges facing modern cities.
Activities under the competition are to take place in public spaces, in places that are widely accessible and well known to residents. This includes, among others, libraries, culture houses, parks, city squares, and local activity centers. Such locations are designed to facilitate the integration of scientific knowledge with the environment, inspiring question-asking and active participation in city life. Warsaw authorities point out that better access to knowledge supports the development of critical thinking and information analysis skills, which is crucial in the face of the energy transition, climate change, and the problem of disinformation.
Competition participation conditions provide that universities from all over Poland may apply, but the projects must be implemented within the territory of Warsaw. The total budget allocated for this purpose is 300,000 PLN, with the maximum grant amount for an individual project not exceeding 150,000 PLN. Applications will be accepted until December 2, 2026. Selected initiatives will be implemented in the first half of 2027. This initiative aligns with the city development directions defined in the #Warszawa2030 strategy and the #Warszawa2040+ strategy currently in preparation, which emphasize the importance of residents' knowledge and competencies for the future of the capital.