Request for Proposals: Starting Grant Program (Sweden)

Deadline: 19-Mar-2026

The Starting Grant Program supports junior researchers in establishing independence and advancing their academic careers by funding two- or three-year research projects. Grants of up to SEK 3.75 million enable researchers to lead their own projects, including partial international work, with a focus on Swedish relevance. Applications are assessed on scientific quality, societal impact, feasibility, and career development, with a total budget of SEK 100 million for 2027–2029.

The Starting Grant Program is designed to help junior researchers establish themselves in their independent research careers, develop skills, and promote mobility. It provides financial support for early-career researchers to lead defined research projects relevant to Sweden. This program encourages academic independence, high-quality research, and societal impact while fostering career progression for junior researchers.

Program Objectives

The main objectives of the Starting Grant Program are to:

• Support skills and career development for junior researchers

• Promote researcher independence by allowing them to lead their own projects

• Encourage researcher mobility, including partial research abroad

• Fund research with relevance to Sweden and Swedish societal conditions

Grant Details

Funding Duration

• Two-year projects: Maximum SEK 2.5 million

• Three-year projects: Maximum SEK 3.75 million

Maximum amounts include indirect costs and overheads. Applications exceeding limits are automatically rejected.

Total Budget

• Approximately SEK 100 million for the period 2027–2029

Eligible Projects

• Projects can be conducted fully or partially abroad, provided they remain relevant to Swedish research conditions.

• Additional funding for extra expenses and accommodation abroad may be granted after justification and dialogue with Forte.

Who Is Eligible?

To apply, the following criteria must be met:

• Applicant must be a junior researcher who has obtained a doctoral degree no later than the call closing date

• Application can be submitted up to three years after obtaining the doctoral degree

• Project leader must be the sole applicant; participating researchers are not permitted, though doctoral students and support staff may be involved under specific conditions

• Applicant must have a minimum 50% activity level in the project

• Applicant must be employed by a Swedish administrating organisation approved in the Prisma system

Application Process

Step-by-Step

1. Register in Prisma

   • Create a personal account with an updated CV and publication list

   • Ensure the administrating organisation is approved in Prisma

2. Prepare the Application

   • Write the application in Swedish or English

   • Include all required project details and budget information

   • Justify relevance to Sweden and any international work

3. Submit Before Deadline

   • Closing date: 19 March 2026, 14.00 CET

4. Assessment Process

   • Eligibility check

   • Review by Forte’s expert panels

   • Evaluation based on relevance and alignment with Forte’s goals, scientific quality and feasibility, societal relevance and utilisation, skills and career development potential, and independence

5. Decision and Project Start

   • Funding decisions announced: 26 October 2026

   • Approved projects begin: 1 January 2027

Tips for a Successful Application

• Clearly demonstrate scientific independence and leadership

• Ensure relevance to Swedish research and society

• Provide a detailed budget within limits

• Highlight career development and skill-building opportunities

• Justify any international research components with documented need

• Maintain clarity and conciseness to facilitate panel review

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting applications exceeding the maximum funding limits

• Including co-applicants or participating researchers incorrectly

• Failing to demonstrate independence or career development potential

• Omitting justification for relevance to Sweden or for international work

• Using AI-generated text outside Forte’s guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

• SEK 2.5 million for two-year projects and SEK 3.75 million for three-year projects, including indirect costs.

2. Who can apply?

• Junior researchers with a doctoral degree obtained within the eligible period, employed by a Swedish administrating organisation.

3. Can the project include international research?

• Yes, partially or fully, but it must be relevant to Swedish conditions and justified in the application.

4. Can co-applicants or other researchers be included?

• No. The project leader must be the sole applicant. Doctoral students and support staff can be included only under specific conditions.

5. How is the application assessed?

• Applications are evaluated for scientific quality, societal relevance, feasibility, skills and career development, and independence.

6. When is the application deadline?

• 19 March 2026, 14.00 CET.

7. When are funding decisions announced?

• Funding decisions will be announced on 26 October 2026.

Conclusion

The Starting Grant Program is a strategic funding opportunity for junior researchers to develop independence, lead their own projects, and advance their academic careers. With up to SEK 3.75 million available, the program encourages high-quality research that is relevant to Swedish society and promotes mobility and skill-building. Early-career researchers with clear project plans, strong relevance, and well-justified budgets are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit Forte.