# Sonatina 2026

**Funder:** NCN
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026
**Eligible countries:** PL
**Official call:** https://www.ncn.gov.pl/konkursy-krajowe
**Last verified:** 19 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For early-career researchers who obtained their PhD within the last 3 years, employed full-time at a Polish scientific institution. Includes a mandatory research internship abroad. Basic research across all disciplines.

## Summary

The Sonatina 2026 grant from NCN funds early-career researchers in Poland with PhDs awarded within the last three years to pursue basic research across all disciplines. The call includes a mandatory research internship abroad, supporting independent research development at Polish scientific institutions.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with a PhD awarded within the last 3 years
- Full-time employees at a Polish scientific institution
- Early-career investigators across all disciplines
- Applicants willing to undertake a mandatory research internship abroad

## Key dates

- One edition planned in 2026; exact deadline to be announced
- Annual programme
- Includes mandatory international research internship component

## Tips for applicants

- The mandatory research internship abroad is a core requirement, not optional, plan this into your budget and timeline from the outset.
- NCN evaluates basic research merit across all disciplines; frame your proposal in terms of fundamental scientific contribution rather than applied outcomes.
- Ensure your Polish host institution will support and employ you full-time during the grant period; employment status is a gating criterion.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for the Sonatina 2026 grant?

Researchers who obtained their PhD within the last 3 years and are employed full-time at a Polish scientific institution.

### What does the Sonatina 2026 grant fund?

Basic research across all disciplines, with a mandatory research internship abroad as an integral component.

### Is the Sonatina 2026 grant offered every year?

Yes, it is an annual programme; one edition is planned for 2026, with the exact deadline to be announced.

### Can I apply to Sonatina 2026 if I am based outside Poland?

No, you must be employed full-time at a Polish scientific institution at the time of application.

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

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