“Basic Sciences for Society needs: postdoctoral training” (BS4S) is a research training programme of the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF) for postdoctoral fellows (Experienced Researchers, ERs).

BS4S aims to reshape researchers’ mindsets, encouraging them to consider societal, market, and technological needs in their work. The project promotes a need-driven innovation approach, making research more accountable to society and enhancing knowledge flow between academia and business.

BS4S will support 20 researchers (fellowship duration: 36 months), selected through an open and transparent recruitment process. Candidates will have the option to choose research topics from IChF’s offer or propose their own interdisciplinary projects. Mentors will be drawn from IChF’s areas of excellence—advanced biomaterials, photonics, catalysis, and materials for sustainable technologies, which align with the objectives of Horizon Europe, the Green Deal, and Smart Specialisation Strategies.

BS4S fellows will have two mentors: one affiliated with IChF and one from a foreign institution.

20 ERC/EIC application-oriented holders have committed as partners to mentor fellows and host secondments. Researchers will develop their individual projects and take part in tailored training designed to teach them how to transform basic research into real-world products or services, with support from 12 businesses offering internships and mentorship. Partners such as Scope Fluidics (microfluidic devices), BASF (catalysts), Perosol (perovskite solar cells), ML System (photovoltaics), and EcoResources (sustainable solutions in chemistry and agriculture) will drive sustainable technology development. BS4S will equip fellows with skills to transfer knowledge, start businesses, incubate projects, and translate innovative research into societal-impact products. BS4S promotes a need-driven innovation approach, empowering scientists to translate fundamental research into products and services that address societal challenges, strengthen knowledge transfer, and foster entrepreneurship in Europe.

BS4S can advance future careers in academia/beyond by laying the foundation for: 

1. Becoming an independent PI: BS4S training will equip ERs with the skills needed to design/lead own research projects, secure/manage competitive funding & build a solid foundation for their independent research careers. 
2. Establishing a research group or a company: The hands-on training involving MSc/PhD students trains ERs to manage and form research groups, while entrepreneurial training supports those starting companies by providing guidance on business development and securing funding.
3. Receiving a tenure: BS4S’s emphasis on career advancement (research project, publication writing, conference speeches) will position ER as strong contenders for tenure & equip them to meet the rigorous demands of academia.
4. Starting significant collaborations: BS4S encourages ERs to engage in collaborations to gain exposure to various research fields and working cultures, enhancing their ability to work across different disciplines and borders.
5. Starting a career in industry: BS4S offers tailored training for applying research skills to practical problems, preparing ERs for roles such as CTO, Scientific Advisor, Consultant, Industry Scientist or Research Director.