Agata Kowalewska, biology student (specializing in palaeobiology) at the University of Opole has won the Diamond Grant competition organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. This is the first award of this kind offered to a student of the University of Opole.

The laureate conducts research in the field of the fauna of Palaeozoic arthropods from Gdynia’s cliff coasts. She will receive almost 144,000 PLN for her scientific activities.

In the 9th competition, the jury selected 69 winners of 173 applicants. The winners can spend the obtained grants on the implementation of their first independent research projects, lasting from 12 to 48 months. During the project implementation, they will be able to collect remuneration of up to 2.5 thousand PLN per month. Approximately PLN 14 million has been allocated to finance the projects of the competition’s winners – outstandingly talented students.