International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies

Deadline: 03-Mar-2026

NordForsk’s International Joint Initiative funds interdisciplinary, international research leveraging disruptive technologies to address major global societal challenges. Projects must align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or other globally relevant challenges, involve multiple disciplines, and engage stakeholders across academia, industry, government, and communities. Funding of up to 17.1 MNOK per Nordic partner is available for projects lasting up to three years.

Overview of the Initiative

The NordForsk International Joint Initiative supports international, interdisciplinary, and transformative research projects that apply disruptive technologies to address significant societal challenges. The program encourages high-impact innovations that can replace or radically alter systems, processes, or behaviors, with potential localized or global effects.

Focus Areas and Sustainable Development Goals

Projects should address one or more of the 17 SDGs, including:

• Poverty eradication and hunger elimination

• Health and well-being

• Quality education

• Gender equality

• Clean water and sanitation

• Affordable and clean energy

• Decent work and economic growth

• Industry, innovation, and infrastructure

• Reduced inequalities

• Sustainable cities and communities

• Responsible consumption and production

• Climate action

• Life on land and below water

• Peace, justice, and strong institutions

• Partnerships for global development

An “Other” category allows projects that tackle critical global challenges not explicitly captured by the SDGs, provided relevance and alignment with program objectives are justified.

Disruptive Technology Definition

Disruptive technology is defined as innovation that fundamentally changes systems, processes, or behaviors to achieve transformative economic or societal impact. This may involve cutting-edge technologies or novel applications of existing innovations in new contexts.

Eligibility Criteria

• Transnational Research Partnership: Minimum of three co-principal investigators (co-PIs) from different participating funding organizations

• Disciplines Required: At least two of three areas—natural sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities, and health and life sciences

• Project Lead: One co-PI designated as project lead

• Participation Limit: Individuals may participate as co-PI on only one application

• New Frontiers in Research Fund: At least one co-PI must be eligible to apply

Stakeholder Engagement

Projects must include end-users and stakeholders in co-development and co-leadership, emphasizing collaboration across:

• Academia

• Government

• Not-for-profit and community organizations

• Private industry

Funding and Duration

• Maximum funding per Nordic partner: 17.1 MNOK

• Project duration: Up to three years

• No-cost one-year extensions may be allowed in specific circumstances

• Funding decisions: March 2027 with awards starting the same month

Application Process and Timeline

• Notice of Intent (Mandatory): March 3, 2026

• Letter of Intent Deadline: June 9, 2026

• Full Application Deadline: November 3, 2026

• Funding Decisions: Expected March 2027

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated on:

• Fit-to-program and alignment with SDGs or other global challenges

• Interdisciplinarity and strength of project consortium

• High-risk, high-reward potential and feasibility

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research practice

EDI Requirements

• Team composition and recruitment practices

• Training and development opportunities

• Inclusion strategies for all stakeholders

Review Process

• Letter of Intent Stage: Distributed peer review, all co-PIs act as reviewers

• Full Application Stage: Multidisciplinary and multisectoral panel review

• Final Decisions: Based on overall merit, with consideration of diversity across technologies, SDGs, and geographic focus

Why This Initiative Matters

This program accelerates transformative solutions to global challenges by funding disruptive technologies that integrate interdisciplinary expertise and stakeholder collaboration. It promotes innovation, global partnerships, and the practical application of research to societal and economic problems.

How to Apply

1. Form an international research consortium meeting eligibility criteria

2. Assign a co-PI as project lead

3. Ensure participation from at least two scientific disciplines and multiple stakeholders

4. Submit mandatory notice of intent by March 3, 2026

5. Submit Letter of Intent by June 9, 2026

6. Prepare full application and submit by November 3, 2026

7. Participate in the review process and respond to feedback as required

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Missing deadlines: Track all key dates carefully

• Weak interdisciplinarity: Ensure participation from multiple disciplines

• Poor stakeholder engagement: Include end-users and co-leaders across sectors

• Insufficient EDI commitment: Document strategies for equity, diversity, and inclusion

• Overlooking project coherence: Ensure alignment with SDGs or other global priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can participate? Transnational research partnerships with at least three co-PIs from different eligible organizations.

2. What is the maximum funding? 17.1 MNOK per Nordic partner.

3. How long can a project last? Up to three years with possible one-year no-cost extension.

4. Are interdisciplinary collaborations required? Yes, at least two of three areas: natural sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities, health and life sciences.

5. What is considered disruptive technology? Innovation that replaces or fundamentally alters systems, processes, or behaviors to achieve transformative impact.

6. Is stakeholder involvement mandatory? Yes, end-users and external partners must be included in co-development and co-leadership.

7. When are funding decisions made? Expected in March 2027, with awards starting the same month.

Conclusion

The NordForsk International Joint Initiative funds transformative, interdisciplinary research leveraging disruptive technologies to address global societal challenges. By emphasizing SDG alignment, stakeholder engagement, and EDI practices, the program strengthens international research partnerships and promotes high-impact innovations with lasting societal and economic benefits.

For more information, visit NordForsk.