INSTYTUT FIZYKI MOLEKULARNEJ POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK

Their core work

The Institute of Molecular Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznań is a physics research institute specializing in condensed matter physics, with particular strength in magnonics and spin wave dynamics. Beyond core research, they actively participate in European Researchers' Night events, combining science outreach with environmental education through edutainment formats. Their dual identity — serious physics research plus public engagement — reflects a commitment to making complex science accessible to broader audiences.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their H2020 participation began with a substantial MSCA-RISE mobility project in magnonics (MagIC, 2015-2019), reflecting their core condensed matter physics identity. From 2020 onward, they shifted entirely to Coordination and Support Actions focused on Researchers' Night events with strong environmental messaging. This pivot suggests the institute is increasingly investing in science-society engagement alongside its traditional physics research.

Moving toward public engagement and environmental education activities, likely as a complement to their core physics research rather than a replacement of it.

How they like to work

Exclusively a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, joining consortia led by others. With 14 unique partners across only 3 projects and 4 countries, they form moderately sized networks but do not appear to drive consortium building. Their role is that of a contributing partner who brings specific expertise or local reach to broader initiatives.

They have worked with 14 distinct partners across 4 countries, suggesting a modest but geographically diverse European network. The partner spread is reasonable for their project volume, indicating they do not repeatedly work with the same groups.

What sets them apart

As a Polish Academy of Sciences institute, they carry strong institutional credibility in fundamental physics research, particularly in the niche field of magnonics. What distinguishes them is their willingness to bridge hard physics with public engagement — few condensed matter physics labs actively run Researchers' Night programs with environmental themes. For consortium builders, they offer a reliable Polish partner with both deep physics capability and demonstrated outreach experience.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MagIC
  Their largest H2020 project (EUR 54,000) and only research-focused action, addressing the specialized field of magnonics and spin wave dynamics via MSCA-RISE researcher exchange.
• SOSNIGHT
  Most recent project combining European Green Deal messaging with Researchers' Night edutainment, showing the institute's evolution toward sustainability-themed public engagement.