The “UMO” as an example of scientific project implementation

Abstract

PURPOSE: The article aims to present the implementation of scientific projects on the example of "the Young Discoverer's University" – in Polish "Uniwersytet Młodego Odkrywcy" (further in the text referred to as the UMO). In 2016-2017, the project was financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and in 2018-2021 by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD). The objectives, insights, and significance of science projects are presented.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The paper presents the types and structure of the project pyramid to characterize the affiliation between the ongoing project and the group. The research is based on a case study as a research method, focus interviews, and a literature review. The research objective of the paper is to evaluate the implementation of scientific projects on the example of the UMO based on the author's own experience. The research contributes to the formulation of the research aim if there is a regular pattern for implementing scientific projects on the example of the UMO.

FINDINGS: The research results allow the author to verify the research hypothesis. The subjective scope of evaluation includes both young people participating in implementing projects from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship and academic staff. The subject of evaluation pertains to the implementation of scientific projects.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The case study relating to the phenomenon in question at a specific time, place, and conditions on the target population is used to obtain the relevant data to verify the validity of the research hypothesis.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: According to the research, there is a regular pattern for implementing scientific projects on the example of UMO; therefore, it is worthwhile to engage in such initiatives. The choice of the topic is due to the current issues related to applying for various types of funding from various institutions, i.e., the National Science Center (NSC), the National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD), the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MSHE) and Associations, which are increasingly crucial for scientific units.