The EIC Pathfinder Masterclass brought together 50 representatives from the worlds of science and innovation to jointly explore the intricacies of successfully applying to the prestigious EIC Pathfinder program. The event served as an inspiring platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and strategies that can bring Polish Academy of Sciences’ research institutes closer to becoming European leaders in breakthrough innovations.
On March 20, 2025, the EIC Pathfinder Masterclass workshop was held at the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) in Warsaw. It was organized by the PolSCA PAS Office in Brussels, in cooperation with representatives of the European Innovation Council (EIC), the National Contact Point, and experts from Polish research institutions. Co-organizers included the Institute of Physics PAS and the Centre for Theoretical Physics PAS. The event aimed to enhance the application effectiveness of Polish research institutes, particularly PAS institutes, in EIC Pathfinder program calls. It gathered 50 scientists, experts, grantees, and representatives from administration and innovation support institutions.
Strategy and vision of innovation
The meeting was divided into three main parts. The first focused on an overview of the innovation landscape in Poland and its connections with the EIC ecosystem. The session was opened by Dr. Tomasz Poprawka from the PolSCA PAN Office in Brussels, followed by speeches from Prof. Krzysztof Pawłowski – Director of the Center for Theoretical Physics PAS, and Prof. Leszek Sirko – Director of the Institute of Physics PAS. A highlight of this session was the presentation by experts on innovation development strategies and internationalization of research, featuring:
- Prof. Jerzy Langer – EIC Ambassador and member of Academia Europaea, who discussed the transformation of the FET program into EIC and its role as a gateway to the future of European breakthrough research. He emphasized the need for disruptive innovation and building synergy between science and industry on a European scale.
- Dr. Marcelina Firkowska – Expert at the Foundation for Polish Science, who discussed the FNP’s support for innovative scientific projects and initiatives to facilitate commercialization of research results. She highlighted the importance of science-business cooperation and presented specific support tools offered by the Foundation – such as Team-Net, Proof of Concept, and PRIME programmes.
The second part – Informational – featured Dr. Grzegorz Ambroziewicz, representative of EISMEA (European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency), who presented key details about the EIC Pathfinder Open and Challenges calls for 2025, including program updates and the evaluation process.
The next session included expert presentations by:
- Prof. Barbara Piętka (University of Warsaw);
- Prof. Michał Matuszewski (Centre for Theoretical Physics PAS / Institute of Physics PAS);
- Prof. Daniel Gryko (Institute of Organic Chemistry PAS);
- Prof. Małgorzata Zimniewska (EIC Expert);
- Prof. Marian Marciniak (EIC Expert; National Institute of Telecommunications – National Research Institute).
In the third, workshop part, participants had the opportunity to present their research ideas and receive personalized comments and recommendations from representatives of the National Contact Point – Piotr Olszowski and Milena Żuchowska (NCBR/KPK). Valuable guidance was also provided by EIC Experts and invited scientists who have successfully applied for EIC Pathfinder grants, including Prof. Barbara Piętka, Prof. Michał Matuszewski, and Prof. Daniel Gryko.
From the participants’ perspective, the most valuable elements of the event were:
- Access to practical information about EIC proposal evaluation, including detailed criteria: Excellence, Impact, and Implementation;
- Presentations by experienced applicants and reviewers, sharing behind-the-scenes insights on successful proposal preparation – from consortium building to project management;
- Discussion of the Pathfinder Challenges 2025 thematic priorities, such as: biotechnology for climate, generative AI in oncology, autonomous construction systems, or waste-to-value devices;
- Understanding the importance of interdisciplinarity, open science, gender balance, and potential socio-economic impact of the project.
Many experts emphasized the importance of a well-thought-out project narrative – not only scientific but also applicative – which often determines evaluation success.
The EIC Pathfinder Masterclass fulfilled its role as a catalyst of ambition and a knowledge source for the Polish scientific community. Participants left the event with new insights and motivation, convinced that PAS institutes have the potential to become leaders of breakthrough innovation in Europe. However, the key to success remains early planning, building strong consortia, and a strategic approach to proposal writing. The workshop demonstrated that with proper expert support and determination, Polish scientists can effectively compete in the most demanding European competitions. This is evident in the projects presented during the event and implemented with the participation of PAS units, such as:
- Q-ONE – Quantum Optical Networks based on Exciton-polaritons
- PolART – NEUROMORPHIC POLARITON ACCELERATOR
- QUOND – QUONDENSATE
- APACE – Towards a bio-mimetic sunlight pumped laser based on photosynthetic antenna complexes.
Additionally, on April 2–3, 2025, the EIC Summit, is taking place in Brussels – the most important event in Europe where technology and innovation meet policy. This coincides with the just-announced results of the EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024. We are pleased to share that researchers from the University of Łódź received funding for their project Bio4Pack – Biodegradable Bio-based Bioactive Packaging Technology for Supporting Food Safety. Congratulations! More on the results: » The European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced the selection of 31 groundbreaking research projects under the EIC Pathfinder Challenges 2024 call. University of Łódź among the beneficiaries!
Materials
Event summary – version PL| version EN
Breakthrough innovations – a global challenegs for tomorrow. EU responds – EIC – prof. J. Langer
Reaching for change. Perspective from the Foundation for Polish Science – dr M. Firkowska
EIC Pathfinder Overview and application process. Novelties and calls in 2025 – dr G. Ambroziewicz
EIC PATHFINDER CHALLENGES – prof. dr hab. M. Zimniewska
EIC Pathfinder Challenges: Evaluator’s perspective – prof. M. Marciniak
EIC Applicant’s perspective – prof. M. Matuszewski
Sun-pumpedlaser. EIC Pathfinder – challenges 2023 – prof. D. Gryko
Reports
THE FUTURE OF FET: A possible nucleus for the European Innovation Council, 2015
FET: The Engine of pan-European Research and Innovation Effort, 2018
Links
» EIC Pathfinder Masterclass – workshops for Institutes of Polish Academy of Sciences
