Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The Nordic Mensa Fund supports scientific research on intelligence and the human brain through research grants of up to €10,000 and Article of the Year Awards worth €1,000 each. The programme funds research in medical, psychological, sociological, and educational aspects of intelligence while encouraging the communication of research findings to wider public audiences.
Researchers affiliated with Sweden, Finland, Norway, or Denmark may apply for project funding, while outstanding peer-reviewed articles published since 1 January 2024 may be nominated for annual article awards.
Programme Overview
The Nordic Mensa Fund promotes research that improves understanding of human intelligence and brain function. The programme supports both new research projects and recognition of published scientific work that contributes valuable insights into intelligence-related fields.
Funding is available for projects examining intelligence from medical, psychological, sociological, educational, and broader neuroscience perspectives. The Fund also encourages researchers to communicate their findings beyond academic circles to increase public understanding of intelligence research.
Funding Opportunities
The programme consists of two funding streams:
1. Research Project Grants
- Funding amount: Up to €10,000 per project
- Supports direct research costs
- Available for new or ongoing research activities
- Encourages public dissemination of findings
2. Article of the Year Awards
- Award value: €1,000 per article
- Up to five awards granted annually
- Recognizes outstanding peer-reviewed scientific publications
- Eligible articles must be published after 1 January 2024
Research Areas Supported
Projects may focus on:
- Medical aspects of intelligence
- Psychological aspects of intelligence
- Sociological aspects of intelligence
- Educational aspects of intelligence
- Human brain research
- Cognitive science
- Learning and intelligence studies
- Intelligence assessment and measurement
- Brain function and development
- Intelligence-related social outcomes
- Educational interventions related to intelligence
- Neuroscience research connected to intelligence
Grant Amount and Eligible Expenses
Successful applicants may receive funding of up to €10,000.
Eligible expenses include:
- Research staff salaries and wages
- Associated indirect personnel costs
- Academic travel and conference participation
- Dissemination of research findings
- Public communication and outreach activities
- Data collection and analysis costs
- Research materials and supplies
- Equipment directly related to the project
- Other justified research expenses
Overhead Costs
- Maximum overhead rate: 15%
- Applied only to eligible direct project costs
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must demonstrate a connection to one of the Nordic countries listed below through nationality, residence, or academic affiliation.
Eligible countries include:
- Sweden
- Finland
- Norway
- Denmark
Applicants may qualify through:
- Citizenship
- Residency
- University-based affiliation
The main applicant or nominated author must meet at least one of these requirements.
Application Requirements for Research Grants
Applications must be submitted in English and include:
Research Plan
- Maximum length: 2 pages
- Clear project objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Detailed budget
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Maximum length: 1 page
- Main applicant only
Public Project Description
- Short non-technical summary
- Written for a general audience
Reference Contact
- Contact information for a supporting reference person
Grant Payment Conditions
For Grants Up to €5,000
- Full amount may be paid upon approval
For Grants Above €5,000
Funding is disbursed in two stages:
- 80% paid after approval
- Remaining 20% released after final report approval
Final Reporting Requirement
Recipients must:
- Submit a final project report
- Complete reporting within 12 months
- Demonstrate appropriate use of funds
Failure to meet reporting obligations may result in withdrawal of funding or withholding of final payments.
Article of the Year Awards
The Nordic Mensa Fund also recognizes exceptional published research through its annual Article of the Year Awards.
Award Details
- Value: €1,000 per award
- Up to five awards annually
- Focus on intelligence-related research
- Recognizes outstanding scientific contributions
Eligible Articles
Articles must:
- Be peer-reviewed
- Have been published after 1 January 2024
- Be relevant to intelligence or human brain research
- Align with one or more supported research fields
Who Can Nominate an Article?
Nominations may be submitted by:
- Researchers
- Academic colleagues
- Institutions
- Members of the public
- Article authors themselves
Nomination Requirements
Nominations must be submitted in English and include:
- Full article details
- Author information
- Justification of up to 500 words
The justification should explain:
- Main findings
- Scientific contribution
- Research significance
- Relevance to intelligence studies
- Potential impact on the field
Why This Programme Matters
Understanding intelligence remains one of the most important challenges in science. Research in this area influences education, healthcare, psychology, social policy, and cognitive development.
The Nordic Mensa Fund helps advance evidence-based knowledge by supporting innovative research and rewarding high-quality scientific publications. It also encourages researchers to share their findings with broader audiences, helping bridge the gap between science and society.
How to Apply for a Research Grant
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you have a qualifying connection to Sweden, Finland, Norway, or Denmark through nationality, residency, or university affiliation.
Step 2: Develop Your Research Proposal
Prepare a concise research plan outlining:
- Research objectives
- Methods
- Expected outcomes
- Budget requirements
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Include:
- One-page CV
- Public project summary
- Reference contact information
Step 4: Submit Application in English
Ensure all required documents are complete and clearly presented.
Step 5: Complete Reporting Requirements
If funded, submit the required final report within 12 months to receive any remaining funds.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Exceeding page limits
- Providing unclear research objectives
- Submitting incomplete budgets
- Missing reference details
- Failing to explain public impact
- Not demonstrating relevance to intelligence research
- Forgetting final reporting obligations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding can researchers receive?
Applicants may receive up to €10,000 per project.
Which research fields are eligible?
Medical, psychological, sociological, educational, intelligence-related, and broader human brain research are eligible.
Can equipment costs be funded?
Yes. Equipment expenses may be included as part of direct project costs.
Who can apply for project grants?
Researchers connected to Sweden, Finland, Norway, or Denmark through nationality, residence, or university affiliation.
What is the maximum overhead rate allowed?
A maximum overhead of 15% may be charged on eligible direct costs.
Can authors nominate their own articles for the award?
Yes. Authors may submit nominations for their own eligible publications.
How many Article of the Year Awards are available?
Up to five awards may be granted annually, each worth €1,000.
Conclusion
The Nordic Mensa Fund Research Grants and Article Awards provide valuable support for advancing scientific understanding of intelligence and the human brain. Through funding of up to €10,000 for research projects and recognition awards for outstanding publications, the programme encourages high-quality research, knowledge dissemination, and innovation across medical, psychological, sociological, educational, and neuroscience disciplines.
For more information, visit Nordic Mensa Fund.