CFPs: Major call in Swedish-Taiwanese Research Program

Deadline: 11-Feb-2026

The Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) invite Swedish and Taiwanese researchers to apply for collaborative projects in strategic research areas, including 6G, AI, biotechnology, quantum science, and space. A total of SEK 70 million will fund ten high-impact projects over five years, supporting personnel, mobility, events, and consumables while fostering long-term international research partnerships.

Overview of the SSF-NSTC Joint Research Program

The SSF-NSTC program is a strategic initiative designed to strengthen research collaboration between Sweden and Taiwan. This joint effort provides funding for cutting-edge projects that address globally significant scientific and technological challenges while fostering international partnerships and innovation.

Strategic Research Areas

Eligible projects must focus on at least one of the following priority areas:

• 6G technology and advanced telecommunications

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Biotechnology for precision medicine

• Drones and robotics

• Green energy solutions

• Semiconductors and microelectronics

• Quantum science

• Marine and ocean exploration

• Neuroscience

• Space research

Funding Details

• Total Allocation: Over SEK 70 million for ten collaborative projects.

• Per Project Funding: Approximately MTWD 8 or MSEK 5 per project per region over five years.

• Eligible Expenses:

  • Salaries for senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD candidates.

  • Costs for joint events, seminars, conferences, workshops, and researcher exchanges.

  • Travel, accommodation, and relevant consumables.

• Non-Eligible Expenses: Large or expensive equipment purchases.

• Intellectual Property: Remains with the project teams, who are responsible for management.

Who is Eligible?

• Principal Investigators: Must be Swedish and Taiwanese researchers submitting parallel applications to SSF and NSTC.

• Collaborating Teams: Should demonstrate complementary expertise, ongoing research activities, and capacity to achieve high-impact outcomes.

• Language Requirement: All proposals must be submitted in English.

Application Process

1. Parallel Submission:

   • Taiwanese PI submits to NSTC.

   • Swedish PI submits to SSF.

2. Proposal Requirements:

   • Collaborative structure and roles of participating researchers.

   • Expected scientific outcomes and industrial or societal relevance.

   • Strengths of both research groups and added value of collaboration.

   • Plans for long-term cooperation between Sweden and Taiwan.

3. Evaluation Procedure:

   • National evaluations conducted independently in Sweden and Taiwan.

   • Joint assessment by a bilateral committee for final prioritization.

4. Key Dates:

   • Application Deadline: February 11, 2026

   • Decision Announcement: June 11, 2026

   • Project Start Date: August 1, 2026

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Relevance to the strategic call

• Scientific quality and innovation

• Strength and cohesion of the consortium

• Mobility and exchange plans for researchers

• Added value of joint research for both countries

Why This Program Matters

• Fosters international collaboration between Sweden and Taiwan.

• Advances high-impact research in globally significant strategic areas.

• Supports the next generation of scientists through personnel funding and researcher exchanges.

• Promotes knowledge transfer and long-term partnerships in industry-relevant scientific domains.

H2: Common Tips for Applicants

• Ensure alignment with at least one strategic research area.

• Clearly define collaborative roles and responsibilities.

• Provide detailed mobility and knowledge-sharing plans.

• Emphasize the societal and industrial relevance of your research.

• Include measurable objectives and expected outcomes.

FAQ

Q1: Can a project cover multiple strategic areas?
A: Yes, proposals may address more than one priority area, but at least one must be included.

Q2: Are large equipment purchases eligible?
A: No, funding does not cover large or expensive equipment.

Q3: Can a PI submit individually to both countries?
A: No, a Swedish PI must submit to SSF, and a Taiwanese PI must submit to NSTC, with aligned proposals.

Q4: Is English mandatory for the proposal?
A: Yes, all proposals must be written in English.

Q5: How long is the funding period?
A: Five years per selected project.

Q6: Who manages intellectual property from the projects?
A: Intellectual property rights remain with the project teams.

Q7: How many projects will be funded?
A: Ten collaborative projects of the highest international standard.

Conclusion

The SSF-NSTC Joint Research Program 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for Swedish and Taiwanese researchers to collaborate on cutting-edge science and technology. With substantial funding, structured support, and an emphasis on long-term partnerships, the initiative aims to produce world-class research outcomes that benefit both countries and advance global innovation.

For more information, visit SSF.