Modern science knows no borders – its advancement relies on international collaboration, the exchange of experience, and access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure. In response to these challenges, the Research Travel Grants programme was established as part of the Excellence Initiative – Research University. The programme aims to support the scientific mobility of faculty members, doctoral students, and early-career researchers at the Medical University of Gdańsk by funding visits to renowned research centres abroad. These research stays enable participants to carry out planned projects, develop new skills, and establish international contacts for collaborative scientific work.
To date, 75 MUG faculty members and doctoral students have participated in the programme, conducting research at leading international institutions across the fields of biomedical and clinical sciences in countries such as Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and China. Collaboration with prestigious research centres has provided participants with access to advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and the opportunity to work in international research teams, resulting in joint publications and grant applications.
For participants, a key benefit of the programme is the opportunity to develop their research expertise and to establish long-term international collaborations.
Both visits allowed me to learn new laboratory techniques. They were also an important step in strengthening collaboration with the University of Amsterdam and the University of Macau, says Marika Frańczak, Ph.D. from the Department of Biochemistry at the MUG.
Similarly, Joanna Wojtas, from the Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University Clinical Centre, the MUG hospital, emphasises the significance of the programme in her scientific career:
It was only during my doctoral studies that I felt it was the right moment to broaden my scientific perspective and take advantage of the opportunities offered to doctoral candidates. The research stay turned out to be a transformative experience.
Participants consistently highlight the programme’s transparent and efficient application process and the value of administrative support provided.
The research stays not only allowed participants to acquire advanced research skills but also to experience different scientific cultures. Both Bartosz Wilczyński, Ph.D. from Department of Immunobiology and Environmental Microbiology and Bartosz Sobocki, Ph.D. from the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy agree on that.
The greatest value was performing experiments that could not have been conducted using infrastructure at our home institution and gaining a new perspective on how scientific research can be conducted. Participation in the programme is not just about travelling abroad; it is a real opportunity to make the most of the time spent at the host institution. Careful preparation of a detailed research plan and specific project is crucial – it allows participants to focus on research from day one rather than on administrative improvisation.
For many participants, the programme has served as a catalyst for further scientific development, grant applications, and planning new research projects:
My research stay in Amsterdam enabled me to pursue a dual doctoral programme and obtain a PRELUDIUM grant. The collaborations I established resulted in publications and subsequent research visits, says Marika Frańczak, Ph.D.
This experience has raised my ambitions and expectations of myself considerably, adds Bartosz Wilczyński, Ph.D.
Participants unanimously emphasise that the Research Travel Grants programme accelerates scientific development and is highly recommended.
The benefits of these visits exceed expectations. The programme provides adequate funding, covers all travel and living expenses, and—most importantly – offers the opportunity to gain perspective, contacts, and international experience in the scientific world, say Marika Frańczak, Ph.D. and Bartosz Sobocki. Ph.D.
Do not hesitate – apply. This is an investment not only in your CV but in your experience, professional contacts, and future international collaborations, adds Joanna Wojtas.
Bartosz Sobocki, Ph.D. further advises – The shortest and most precise advice: it can be done. There is no perfect time to go abroad, but the sooner, the better. The key is having excellent mentors and a well-prepared research plan.
Applications for the programme will close on 28th February 2026. Further details are available [HERE].
Funding allocated for the Research Travel Grants under the Excellence Initiative – Research University programme from 2022 to 2026 totals nearly PLN 3 million.
