The exact nature of the collaboration between the IRAP implementing unit and a local partner institution will depend on the legal form of the new unit. The main fields of cooperation include:

• Access to existing infrastructure and equipment
• Scientific collaboration
• Training for Master’s and PhD students

An existing unit of a Polish research institution may be transformed into a IRAP implementing unit (e.g. a joint unit), based on the following procedure:

• Evaluation of employees by the International Scientific Committee after the first 12 months (I mid-term evaluation )
• Termination of cooperation (within 3 years) with employees who have not received a positive evaluation from the ISC
• From the end of third year of the project onwards new research groups should make up at least 50% of the research teams in the institution (II mid-term evaluation )
• Employees previously employed in the unit may apply for re-employment no sooner than after 3 years