# Maestro 18

**Funder:** NCN (Narodowe Centrum Nauki)
**Deadline:** 15 September 2026
**Eligible countries:** PL
**Official call:** https://www.ncn.gov.pl/en/ogloszenia/konkursy/maestro18
**Last verified:** 22 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

MAESTRO 18 call from Poland's National Science Centre (NCN), funding basic research across all disciplines. Open to researchers at Polish host institutions; the international Weave-UNISONO and Trans-Atlantic Platform calls additionally involve foreign partner teams.

## Summary

MAESTRO 18 funds basic research projects across all disciplines at Polish host institutions, with support open to established researchers leading independent teams. This is the latest iteration of NCN's MAESTRO programme, which emphasizes scientific excellence and methodological rigor. International variants, Weave-UNISONO and Trans-Atlantic Platform, enable partnerships with foreign research groups.

## Who should apply

- Established researchers leading independent research groups
- Applicants hosted at a Polish academic institution
- Any scientific discipline (fundamental and applied research both eligible)
- Researchers seeking to form international consortia via Weave-UNISONO or Trans-Atlantic Platform variants

## Key dates

- Deadline: 15 September 2026
- MAESTRO 18 is a competitive single-stage call with written evaluation

## Tips for applicants

- If applying to Weave-UNISONO or Trans-Atlantic Platform variants, partner letters from foreign research groups strengthen the international angle and demonstrate commitment.
- NCN panels prioritise methodological soundness and feasibility, include clear risk mitigation and workplan detail even for ambitious projects.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for MAESTRO 18?

Established researchers leading independent research teams at Polish host institutions, across any scientific discipline.

### What is the deadline for MAESTRO 18?

The deadline is 15 September 2026.

### Can I include international partners in a MAESTRO 18 application?

Yes, the Weave-UNISONO and Trans-Atlantic Platform variants of MAESTRO 18 explicitly support international consortia alongside the standard call for Poland-based projects.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ncn-narodowe-centrum-nauki-maestro-18-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.