Launch of the BS4S project and the first call for applications to the programme

On 1 September 2025, the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS (IChF) officially launched the project “Basic Science 4 society needs: postdoctoral training” (BS4S) with the opening of the programme’s first call for applications. We welcome research proposals from PhD holders in chemistry, physics, materials science, or biotechnology with limited prior residence in Poland.

Applications can be submitted until 31 December 2025 through the application module available at the project webpage. The programme will support 20 researchers for 36 months.

BS4S is the third research training project awarded to the Institute by the European Commission under the MSCA-Cofund Programme (Horizon Europe). This time, our goal is to encourage researchers to consider societal, market, and technological needs in their research work and seek to generate long-term benefits for science, academia–industry collaboration, and innovation. Candidates accepted to the programme will carry out their proposed research and take part in tailor-made training designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to translate fundamental research into real-world applications, including products and services.

IChF developed this programme drawing on its own experience. While the Institute primarily focuses on basic research, it is also recognised for successful commercialisation. A prime example is its spin-off, Scope Fluidics, which developed the PCR|ONE technology, later sold to Bio-Rad Labs for USD 170 million. This led us to conclude that scientific research is too often guided mainly by literature and academic discourse, overlooking societal needs, market demands, and existing technological solutions. In addition, researchers are frequently discouraged from pursuing high-risk projects, which may result in missed opportunities for breakthroughs. That is why BS4S was designed to foster a need-driven approach to research, motivating scientists to tackle real contemporary challenges. Through BS4S, researchers are motivated to propose their research topic beyond standard academic frameworks and engage closely with business and other sectors. Facilitating knowledge transfer and increasing the practical value of research will help strengthen the link between science and the economy and reinforce the role of researchers in technological and societal development.

To guide researchers along this challenging path, BS4S has engaged numerous outstanding senior researchers from our institute, focused on basic research but also seeking broader impact. Most come from IChF Core Areas of Excellence: Advanced Biomaterials & Technologies for Health, Photonics & Light-Driven Processes, and Catalysis & Materials for Sustainable Transformations. IChF mentors will be complemented by mentors who are ERC/EIC grant holders. They combine research excellence with leadership in high-risk, high-reward projects, and many contribute as panellists, founders, equality advocates, or science communicators. In addition, several companies have joined the programme, offering joint research, mentoring, and hosting opportunities. With this support, the fellows will receive the necessary tools and resources to pursue their projects and learn how to transfer knowledge to industry, launch their own ventures, and communicate their ideas to diverse audiences. By this, BS4S will prepare them to continue their careers in academia and beyond.

For more details and information, visit the BS4S website:  https://www.bs4s.edu.pl/.