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Call for Joint Research Proposals under Italy–Sweden Cooperation

Deadline: 08-Sep-2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), in partnership with the Swedish Research Council, has launched a call for joint research proposals under the Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation 2027–2029. The programme supports collaborative research projects in Quantum Technology and Solar Science, with funding of up to SEK 2 million per year available from the Swedish Research Council.

About the Italy–Sweden Joint Research Programme 2027–2029

The Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation aims to strengthen scientific collaboration between Italy and Sweden by supporting high-quality joint research projects. The programme encourages long-term partnerships between research institutions in both countries while promoting scientific excellence, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

Selected projects will run for three years (2027–2029) and will be jointly implemented by Italian and Swedish research teams. Both countries will co-fund the programme, and proposals that include young researchers and early-career scientists will receive positive consideration during the evaluation process.

Priority Research Areas

Applications must focus on one of the following research areas:

Quantum Technology

Eligible topics include:

  • Quantum computing
  • Quantum optics
  • Quantum metrology
  • Related quantum technologies

Solar Science

Eligible topics include:

  • Solar physics
  • Solar thermal energy
  • Solar-based technologies
  • Other research related to solar science

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

  • Strengthen scientific cooperation between Italy and Sweden.
  • Support collaborative international research.
  • Promote innovation in quantum technologies and solar science.
  • Encourage knowledge exchange between research institutions.
  • Support early-career researchers and young scientists.
  • Build long-term scientific partnerships.

Funding Information

The Swedish Research Council will provide:

  • Up to SEK 2 million per year
  • Funding includes eligible project overhead costs.

For the Italian component:

  • Funding is provided by MAECI.
  • The requested budget should be distributed approximately equally across the three-year project period.

Project Duration

  • 2027–2029 (Three Years)

Who Can Apply?

Italian Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

  • Public research institutions.
  • Private non-profit research institutions.

The Italian Principal Investigator must:

  • Hold Italian or another European Union nationality.
  • Be legally resident in Italy.
  • Be affiliated with an eligible Italian research institution.
  • Have obtained a Ph.D. no more than eight years before the application deadline (subject to eligible extensions described in the call).

Swedish Applicants

The Swedish Principal Investigator must:

  • Hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign Ph.D.
  • Be employed by an eligible Swedish higher education institution or another approved organisation throughout the grant period.
  • Have obtained a Ph.D. no more than eight years before the application deadline, with eligible deductible time applied according to Swedish Research Council regulations.

Project Requirements

Applications must:

  • Be submitted jointly by Italian and Swedish Principal Investigators.
  • Be written entirely in English.
  • Use identical project titles in both countries.
  • Include identical project plans submitted to both funding agencies.
  • Meet all scientific and financial requirements.
  • Focus on one of the designated priority research areas.

Each Principal Investigator may submit only one proposal.

Why This Programme Matters

International scientific collaboration enables researchers to combine complementary expertise, share advanced research infrastructure, and address global scientific challenges more effectively.

By focusing on Quantum Technology and Solar Science, this programme supports research areas with significant potential for technological innovation, sustainable development, and future economic growth while strengthening research partnerships between Italy and Sweden.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

  1. Identify an eligible research partner in the other participating country.
  2. Develop a joint research proposal.
  3. Ensure the project fits one of the priority research areas.
  4. Prepare identical project titles and project plans.
  5. Complete all scientific and financial documentation.
  6. Submit applications to both MAECI and the Swedish Research Council.
  7. Ensure both submissions comply with all programme requirements before the deadline.

Application Tips

  • Develop a genuinely collaborative research project.
  • Clearly explain the scientific objectives and expected outcomes.
  • Demonstrate complementary expertise between the Italian and Swedish teams.
  • Include opportunities for young scientists and early-career researchers.
  • Present a realistic work plan and budget.
  • Carefully follow both countries’ application requirements.
  • Ensure both submissions are fully consistent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting different project titles in Italy and Sweden.
  • Providing inconsistent project plans.
  • Applying under different research areas.
  • Submitting incomplete documentation.
  • Exceeding eligibility limits for Principal Investigators.
  • Failing to meet financial or scientific requirements.
  • Missing submission deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the programme?

Eligible applicants are collaborative research teams consisting of Principal Investigators from eligible research institutions in Italy and Sweden.

What research areas are supported?

The programme supports projects in Quantum Technology and Solar Science.

How much funding is available?

The Swedish Research Council provides up to SEK 2 million per year, including project overhead costs. Funding for Italian partners is provided separately by MAECI.

How long do funded projects last?

Projects will run for three years, covering the period from 2027 to 2029.

Can early-career researchers participate?

Yes. The inclusion of young scientists within research teams is positively considered during project evaluation.

Can a Principal Investigator submit more than one proposal?

No. Each Principal Investigator may submit only one application.

What can make an application ineligible?

Applications may be rejected if they are incomplete, fail to meet eligibility requirements, contain inconsistent project titles or plans, or are submitted under different research areas by the collaborating Principal Investigators.

Conclusion

The Italy–Sweden Joint Research Programme 2027–2029 offers an excellent opportunity for researchers to build international collaborations in Quantum Technology and Solar Science. By supporting three-year joint research projects, encouraging the participation of early-career scientists, and providing substantial funding, the programme strengthens scientific excellence, innovation, and long-term cooperation between Italian and Swedish research institutions.

For more information, visit MAECI.