Medical Research Agency Activity Plan for 2026

The Medical Research Agency (MRA) has published its Activity Plan for 2026, outlining strategic directions for the development of Polish biomedical research in response to European and global trends in clinical research, healthcare digitalisation and personalised medicine.

The document defines the scope of funding calls, agency-led projects, system analyses, as well as educational and international activities planned for 2026.

The full document is available here: Medical Research Agency Activity Plan for 2026 (PDF)

Key Priorities for 2026

• development of non-commercial clinical trials, including studies in new therapeutic indications;
• launch of a funding call for international non-commercial clinical trials with Polish institutions acting as National Coordination Centres;
• the second edition of the TRANSMED I programme supporting translational medicine and innovative technologies;
• development of novel pharmaceutical formulations, generic medicines and biosimilars;
• digitalisation of clinical trial processes and further development of the National Data Management System;
• strengthening the competencies of researchers and Clinical Research Support Centres;
• expansion of international cooperation, including ECRIN, WHO and European Union programmes.

What’s New in 2026?

In 2026, the MRA will launch, for the first time, a funding call for international non-commercial clinical trials conducted under a single protocol, with Polish institutions serving as National Coordination Centres.

Another new initiative will be the “Returns” programme, implemented jointly with the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), aimed at researchers returning to Poland.

Health Priorities

The Activity Plan incorporates analyses from the National Health Needs Maps and reflects current European and global trends in biomedical research.

Priority areas include:

• cardiovascular diseases;
• cancer and oncology;
• rare diseases;
• neurodegenerative diseases and dementia;
• mental health;
• personalised medicine;
• digital health solutions, artificial intelligence and telemedicine.

Digitalisation and Process Optimisation

Together with the Polish Medicines Agency (URPL), the MRA will continue developing the National Data Management System, integrating the submission, assessment and monitoring of clinical trial applications while ensuring interoperability with the CTIS platform.

The goal is to shorten application review timelines, increase transparency and improve the quality of clinical trial oversight in Poland.

Capacity Building and Education

Training programmes for researchers, Clinical Research Support Centres and early-career scientists will continue throughout 2026.

• the P-CSRT programme delivered in collaboration with Harvard Medical School;
• training on regulatory documentation compliant with EMA requirements;
• risk management in clinical trials;
• development of digital competencies and implementation of modern technological solutions.

Importance for Research Institutions

The MRA Activity Plan for 2026 strengthens the position of Polish research institutions in international clinical research projects and highlights the importance of professional clinical research support structures.

The document serves as an important reference point for organisations planning to apply for MRA funding opportunities and further develop their research infrastructure.