University of Silesia in Katowice

The results of two calls for proposals within the Research Excellence Initiative (IDB), “Green Horizon” and “Post-COVID Horizon,” have been announced. The calls for proposals were addressed to interdisciplinary research teams focused on ecology, climate protection as well as functioning and development of the society facing the coronavirus pandemic. A total of 15 applications were submitted for both competitions. The work of the teams is directed by team leaders who are research or research and educational employees of the University of Silesia.

“Green Horizon” call for proposals was addressed to representatives of natural sciences, exact sciences, and technology. Altogether nine applications were submitted, six of which have received funding. The leaders of the winning teams are scientists from the Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection; Institute of Chemistry; Institute of Social and Economic Geography and Spatial Management; and the Institute of Earth Sciences.

“Post-COVID Horizon” call for proposals was addressed to representatives of social sciences, humanities, and theology. Altogether six applications were submitted, four of which have received funding. The leaders of the winning teams are scientists from the Institute of Pedagogy and the Institute of Law.

Team for evaluation established at the Scientific Council of the Research Excellence Initiative assessed applications in terms of: scientific scope of research, its interdisciplinary nature, chance to apply and receive the Horizon Europe grant, development potential, and a project coherence with a call for proposals goals. Another criteria is establishing cooperation with scientists from units occupying high positions in the international rankings of universities (ARWU, QS, THE). The decision on awarding funds will be taken by the Rector University of Silesia, based on the recommendation from the Evaluation Team of Research Excellence Initiative. The projects that have received funding got more than 60% of the total points to obtain.

In both calls for proposals altogether the scientists will receive financial support of more than PLN 1,100,000. The period for realisation scientific and research actions stipulated in application forms ends on 30 June 2023. All project leaders have declared submitting grant application in the Horizon Europe programme before finishing the realisation of their project. A project team will make use of the Project Department support during their actions, the effect of which is to prepare and apply for the grant.