The Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) invites applications for its Research Project Grant Program, designed to support investigator-driven research across disciplines. The program gives researchers full academic freedom to define the research question, methodology, and execution within a clearly defined project period.
Key Facts at a Glance
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Funding body: Swedish Research Council
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Grant type: Research Project Grant (individual project leader)
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Project duration: 1–4 years (normally up to 3 years)
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Project start date: January 2027
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Application deadline: 10 February 2026, 14:00 (CET)
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Submission system: Prisma
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Decision announcement: No later than mid-September 2026
Funding Amount and Eligible Costs
Annual funding ranges from 400,000 SEK to 1,700,000 SEK, including indirect costs. The grant may be used for salaries, premises, consumables and operating expenses, depreciation of equipment, and other justified project-related costs. All costs must be necessary for the execution of the proposed research project.
Project Duration and Timeframe
Projects may run for one to four years, with most projects expected to be completed within three years. A fourth year is permitted only when a clearly justified scientific need is demonstrated. All funded projects must begin in January 2027.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The call is open to individual researchers acting as project leaders with full scientific responsibility. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Hold a doctoral degree awarded no later than the application deadline
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Be affiliated with a Swedish administrating organisation, such as a higher education institution or other approved body
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Be employed by the administrating organisation for at least 20% full-time equivalent throughout the grant period
Research Team and Collaborators
Applicants may include up to six participating researchers with doctoral-level competence whose expertise is essential to the project. Doctoral students and other collaborators may also be included in the research plan but do not count toward the six-participant limit.
Restrictions and Overlapping Funding
The proposed research project must be clearly distinct from ongoing or previously funded projects supported by the Swedish Research Council or other funding bodies. Restrictions apply to overlapping grants and simultaneous applications, and applicants must ensure compliance with all council regulations before submission.
Why This Grant Matters
This funding opportunity supports long-term, curiosity-driven research and strengthens Sweden’s research ecosystem. By prioritizing scientific quality and researcher independence, the program enables innovative projects with the potential for high academic and societal impact.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
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Prepare the research proposal, ensuring scientific originality and clarity.
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Draft an English abstract that clearly summarizes the research objectives and methods.
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Write a popular science description in Swedish for non-specialist audiences.
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Develop a detailed research plan, including objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes.
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Address ethical considerations relevant to the research.
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Create a justified and itemized budget aligned with project needs.
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Compile CVs, publication lists, and merits for the applicant and participating researchers.
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Submit the complete application through the Prisma system by 10 February 2026 at 14:00.
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Ensure the administrating organisation approves the application within seven calendar days after the deadline.
Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed primarily on scientific quality. Expert review panels composed of Swedish and international researchers evaluate originality, feasibility, methodological rigor, and the applicant’s competence. Funding decisions are expected to be published by mid-September 2026.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting a project that overlaps with previously funded research
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Providing an insufficient justification for a four-year project duration
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Incomplete budget explanations or missing indirect costs
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Weak alignment between research questions, methods, and objectives
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Late submission or delayed organisational approval
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 10 February 2026 at 14:00 (CET).
When do funded projects start?
All projects start in January 2027.
What is the maximum annual funding available?
Up to 1,700,000 SEK per year, including indirect costs.
Can doctoral students be included in the project?
Yes, doctoral students may be included as part of the research plan.
How many participating researchers can be added?
Up to six researchers with doctoral-level competence.
What is the main evaluation criterion?
Scientific quality is the primary assessment criterion.
When will results be announced?
Funding decisions will be published no later than mid-September 2026.
Conclusion
The Swedish Research Council Research Project Grant Program offers a significant opportunity for researchers in Sweden to pursue independent, high-quality research with flexible funding and strong institutional support. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and present scientifically rigorous, clearly differentiated projects stand the best chance of securing funding for the 2027–2030 period.
For more information, visit Swedish Research Council.