Applications open for Franco Nordic Programme

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

The Foundation House of Human Sciences (FMSH) Franco Nordic Programme supports trilateral research collaboration in human and social sciences between France, Norway, and other Nordic countries. Grants of €10,000–€20,000 over three years fund travel, meetings, and publications for projects involving at least three researchers, with a Norwegian coordinator from a hosting Norwegian institution. Projects prioritize scientific quality, interdisciplinarity, innovation, and involvement of early-career researchers.

Overview of the Programme

The Franco Nordic Programme promotes research collaboration and the development of new scientific cooperation projects between French and Nordic researchers, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. The initiative encourages interdisciplinary approaches and fosters long-term Franco-Nordic scientific partnerships.

Funding Details

• Grant amount: €10,000–€20,000 over three years

• Co-financing is encouraged

• Funding agreement signed between the Norwegian institution, CUNP, and FMSH

• Eligible costs: travel and accommodation, research missions, publications, organization of meetings

• Ineligible costs: personnel salaries, equipment (e.g., computers)

• Grant disbursed upon signing of the agreement

Eligibility Criteria

• Researchers from all disciplines in human and social sciences, starting at doctoral level

• Trilateral project teams of at least three researchers:

  • One Norwegian coordinator (from University of Oslo, University of Bergen, NTNU, or Norwegian Arctic University)

  • One French researcher

  • One researcher from another Nordic country (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, or Sweden)

• Other team members may include PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, or researchers affiliated with a higher education institution

• Optional fourth partner from outside Nordic countries if justified with co-financing

• All activities must take place within the countries represented by the project teams

• Norwegian coordinator must hold a permanent position at hosting institution

Project Duration and Scope

• Project duration: three years

• Activities include collaborative research, workshops, publications, and meetings within represented countries

• Focus on innovation, scientific interdisciplinarity, and complementarity of expertise

• Strong emphasis on early-career researcher involvement (2–7 years post-PhD)

Assessment Criteria

Projects will be evaluated based on:

• Scientific quality and innovation

• Interdisciplinary collaboration

• Complementarity of expertise among team members

• Involvement of young researchers (PhD candidates, postdocs, early-career researchers)

• Clarity of deliverables and project outcomes

• Prospects for continuing cooperation after project conclusion

• Added value of Franco-Nordic cooperation

Reporting Requirements

• Norwegian coordinator responsible for:

  • Annual scientific and financial reports to CUNP and FMSH

  • Final report within three months of project completion

Application Process

• Applications submitted in English or French by the Norwegian coordinator

• Application file must include:

  • Online application form

  • Provisional budget

  • At least three suggested internationally recognized peers for external evaluation, with no conflicts of interest

How to Apply

1. Form a trilateral project team with required researcher representation

2. Confirm the Norwegian coordinator’s eligibility and hosting institution

3. Prepare project plan with scientific objectives, interdisciplinary approach, and timeline

4. Prepare budget detailing eligible expenses

5. Identify at least three external peer reviewers

6. Submit complete application in English or French through the official online system

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Including ineligible costs such as salaries or equipment

• Failing to demonstrate clear interdisciplinary collaboration

• Overlooking involvement of early-career researchers

• Submitting incomplete application files or missing external reviewer suggestions

• Including activities outside the countries represented without justification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can coordinate a project? Norwegian researchers with a permanent position at a hosting institution.

2. What is the funding amount? €10,000–€20,000 over three years.

3. Which countries are eligible for project participation? France, Norway, and another Nordic country (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden).

4. Can early-career researchers be part of the team? Yes, involvement of PhD candidates, postdocs, and early-career researchers is encouraged.

5. Are salaries or equipment funded? No, only travel, publications, research missions, and meetings are eligible.

6. What is required in the application? Online form, provisional budget, and at least three suggested external evaluators.

7. Can activities take place outside the represented countries? Only if a fourth partner is included with clear relevance and secured co-financing.

Conclusion

The Franco Nordic Programme by FMSH fosters collaborative human and social sciences research, promoting innovation, interdisciplinarity, and long-term Franco-Nordic partnerships. With structured funding, clear eligibility criteria, and emphasis on early-career researcher involvement, the program supports high-quality, transformative scientific projects.

For more information, visit Foundation House of Human Sciences.