Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The SPI FOREL Grant Program provides funding support to researchers conducting short-term polar and sub-polar coastal research projects using the FOREL Research Platform. The programme supports ship time, field logistics, scientific collaboration, Indigenous participation, capacity building, and innovative research in remote Arctic environments.
Researchers affiliated with Swiss institutions can apply for up to CHF 50,000 to support research activities, with priority given to ship time funding. The 2026 research campaign will focus on less frequently visited areas of South-East Greenland.
Overview of the SPI FOREL Grant Program
The SPI FOREL Grant Program supports scientists undertaking short-term research projects in polar and sub-polar coastal regions using the FOREL Research Platform.
The programme provides access to:
- Research vessel facilities
- Ship time
- Field deployment support
- Scientific equipment
- Arctic research logistics
The grant is designed to enable innovative research ideas, pilot studies, additional field investigations, and new scientific collaborations.
Purpose of the SPI FOREL Grant Program
The programme aims to strengthen scientific understanding of polar and sub-polar coastal environments through collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
The key objectives include:
- Supporting polar and coastal research
- Advancing land–ocean–atmosphere studies
- Encouraging technological innovation
- Supporting early-career researchers
- Promoting Indigenous participation
- Building research capacity
- Encouraging sustainable scientific practices
- Strengthening international research partnerships
2026 Research Focus: South-East Greenland
The 2026 FOREL research campaign will focus on the less frequently visited areas of South-East Greenland.
Research projects are encouraged to investigate remote Arctic environments and contribute to improved understanding of coastal processes.
Research Areas Supported
The programme welcomes projects related to polar and sub-polar coastal research, including:
- Land–ocean–atmosphere interactions
- Environmental monitoring
- Climate-related research
- Marine and coastal processes
- Technological solutions for polar research
- Sustainable Arctic practices
- Community-based research approaches
Projects from multiple academic disciplines are encouraged.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The programme is open to researchers working in polar and sub-polar research areas.
Eligible Principal Investigators (PIs) include:
- Established researchers
- Postdoctoral researchers
- PhD candidates
Applicants must be employed by:
- Academic institutions
- Government research institutions
- Northern organizations
Institutional Eligibility
Researchers affiliated with Swiss institutions are eligible to apply through the Forel Heritage Association.
Researchers connected with Canadian institutions or northern organizations may explore eligibility through:
- NSERC
- Amundsen Science
Eligible Research Disciplines
The programme welcomes researchers from diverse fields, including:
- Engineering
- Materials science
- Medicine
- Environmental sciences
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Other disciplines relevant to polar and sub-polar contexts
Projects must be conducted in a polar or sub-polar environment.
Support for Indigenous Participation
The programme encourages meaningful Indigenous involvement in research activities.
Amundsen Science will support participation of at least one Inuvialuit participant in the FOREL component of PAP-27.
Priority will be given to projects that include:
- Land–ocean process research
- Indigenous knowledge integration
- Capacity-building activities
- Community collaboration
Inuvialuit participants may:
- Join existing research teams
- Develop dedicated research projects
- Participate as project leaders where appropriate
Funding Information
Researchers affiliated with Swiss institutions can request funding through the programme.
Funding details include:
- Maximum grant amount: CHF 50,000
The funding primarily supports:
- Ship time
- Field research logistics
- Research deployment activities
Ship Time and Field Logistics Support
Applicants should prioritize funding requests for ship time.
Other costs, such as:
- Research consumables
- Additional logistics
- Operational expenses
should be covered through additional funding sources whenever possible.
FOREL Research Platform Costs
The programme provides access to vessel-based research facilities.
Per diem costs are:
- CHF 1,000 per person per day
This includes:
- Onboard accommodation
- Meals
- Access to scientific equipment
- Vessel deployment operations
How the Grant Works
The SPI FOREL Grant allows researchers to use the FOREL Research Platform for short-term scientific activities.
Supported activities may include:
- Pilot research projects
- Additional fieldwork
- New collaborative research activities
- Complementary research linked to existing grants
The programme can complement larger research funding programmes, including:
- Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) projects
- European Union-funded research projects
How to Apply for the SPI FOREL Grant Program
Applicants must prepare a complete application package.
Step 1: Develop a Research Proposal
The proposal should explain:
- Research objectives
- Scientific importance
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Relevance to polar or sub-polar research
Step 2: Prepare Project Information
The application form should include:
- Applicant contact details
- Project information
- Research description
- Provisional budget
Step 3: Include Research Team Information
Applicants must provide:
- CV of the applicant
- CVs of main project partners
- Publication lists
Each CV should not exceed:
- Four pages per person
Step 4: Submit the Application
The complete application must be submitted as:
- One single PDF document
The submission should contain all required forms and supporting documents.
Why This Grant Matters
Polar regions are experiencing rapid environmental changes due to climate change and human activity.
Research supported through the SPI FOREL Grant helps:
- Improve understanding of Arctic systems
- Develop solutions for environmental challenges
- Strengthen international scientific cooperation
- Support responsible polar research
The programme also promotes collaboration between scientists and northern communities.
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Projects Without Clear Polar Relevance
Research activities must clearly connect to polar or sub-polar environments.
Ignoring Ship Time Requirements
Applicants should prioritize vessel access and field deployment costs.
Limited Collaboration Plans
Strong proposals should demonstrate partnerships and interdisciplinary approaches.
Incomplete Application Documents
Applicants should ensure all required forms, budgets, and CVs are included.
Weak Community Engagement
Projects involving northern communities should clearly explain collaboration approaches.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their proposals by:
- Defining clear scientific objectives
- Explaining the importance of the research location
- Demonstrating interdisciplinary collaboration
- Including Indigenous and community perspectives where relevant
- Providing a realistic budget
- Highlighting expected scientific outcomes
- Showing how the project complements existing research programmes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the SPI FOREL Grant Program?
The SPI FOREL Grant Program supports short-term polar and sub-polar coastal research projects using the FOREL Research Platform.
How much funding can researchers receive?
Swiss-based researchers can apply for up to CHF 50,000.
What does the grant mainly support?
The programme prioritizes funding for ship time and field research logistics.
Who can apply as Principal Investigator?
Established researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD candidates employed by eligible institutions can apply.
Can researchers from all disciplines apply?
Yes. Researchers from engineering, science, medicine, social sciences, humanities, and related fields can apply if their research is conducted in polar or sub-polar contexts.
Where will the 2026 research campaign take place?
The 2026 campaign will focus on less visited areas of South-East Greenland.
How should applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF containing the application form, project details, budget, and CVs of applicants and partners.
Conclusion
The SPI FOREL Grant Program provides an important opportunity for researchers to conduct innovative polar and sub-polar coastal studies through access to the FOREL Research Platform. By supporting ship-based research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and Indigenous participation, the programme contributes to stronger scientific understanding and sustainable solutions for Arctic environments.
For more information, visit SPI.