Call for Proposals: SSMF Consolidator Grant Program (Sweden)

Deadline: 01-Apr-2026

The Swedish Society for Medical Research (SSMF) invites applications for its Consolidator Grant Program, designed to strengthen the research careers of prominent medical researchers. The grant provides SEK 11,000,000 over five years to advance independent research trajectories and support research group development. Applications run from March 1 to April 1, 2026, and eligibility is limited to researchers 7–12 years post-PhD.

About the SSMF Consolidator Grant

The SSMF Consolidator Grant supports researchers in all medical fields, including both basic and applied research. Its purpose is to:

• Strengthen the position of researchers as independent investigators

• Support the ongoing development of the applicant’s research group

• Advance a previously initiated research trajectory

The grant is administered by Swedish universities or colleges and is intended for individual researchers affiliated with Swedish institutions.

Grant Funding and Period

• Total funding: SEK 11,000,000, including indirect costs

• Grant period: 5 years

• Disposition period: 6 years

• Commencement: January 1 of the year following application

• Disbursement: Semi-annual, in advance, via the grant administrator

• Reporting requirements:

  • Scientific progress report after 2 years

  • Annual financial report in January

  • Final scientific and financial reports at the end of the grant

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be 7–12 years post-PhD at the end of the application period (deductible time of up to 24 months for sick leave, parental leave, AT/ST service, or military service may be considered)

• Be in the consolidation phase of their research career

• Demonstrate that the grant will significantly impact research group development

• Be employed by or affiliated with a Swedish university or college acting as grant administrator

• Dedicate at least 50% of full-time employment to the project

Exclusions:

• Previous recipients of consolidator grants from ERC, the Swedish Research Council, or equivalent funding bodies within the same calendar year are not eligible

• Smaller grants primarily for salary or support for researchers 7–12 years post-PhD may be accepted

Application Process

• Application period: March 1 – April 1, 2026 (system closes at 23:59)

• Submission: Electronic via SBS Manager system

• Language: English

• Application structure: Two-part process

  1. Letter of Intent (LOI A): Reviewed by three experts; must be submitted before Full Application B

  2. Full Application (B): Reviewed by four reviewers from SSMF’s review board; requires signatures from both applicant and Head of Department via BankID

Required attachments:

• Research proposal

• Publication list

• Documentation of doctoral degree

Limitations:

• Only one application per call

• Incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be considered

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated on a five-point scale from not sufficient to excellent based on:

• Innovation of the research

• Scientific quality

• Applicant’s skills and expertise

• Project feasibility

Selection Process

• Shortlisted applicants from LOI A proceed to Full Application B

• Highly qualified applicants are invited for a mandatory interview in Stockholm in September

• 6–8 applicants per grant type are selected for interviews

• Final decisions are communicated via email

How the Grant Can Be Used

• Covers all project-related costs according to the grant administrator’s regulations

• Additional costs beyond the grant are assumed to be covered by the grant administrator

Tips for Applicants

• Discuss terms and budget details with the intended grant administrator before the call opens

• Ensure your research proposal clearly demonstrates independence and impact on research group development

• Submit a complete, accurate application with all required attachments

• Prepare for the mandatory interview if shortlisted

Conclusion

The SSMF Consolidator Grant Program provides a unique opportunity for medical researchers in Sweden to strengthen their independent research careers and expand their research groups. With SEK 11,000,000 in funding over five years, eligible applicants can advance significant research trajectories while contributing to the growth of Swedish medical research. Applications must be submitted electronically by April 1, 2026, following all guidelines for eligibility, structure, and reporting.

For more information, visit SSMF.