Forte Starting Grant Program 2026

About Forte Starting Grant Program 🌟

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
• Societal impact
• Career progression for junior researchers

Benefits of Forte Starting Grant Program 💰

• Maximum funding:
  • SEK 2.5 million for two-year projects
  • SEK 3.75 million for three-year projects
• Total budget: About SEK 100 million available for the years 2027-2029

Eligibility Criteria ✅

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 Date and Process 📝

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
  • Independence

5. Decision and Project Start

• Funding decisions announced: 26 October 2026
• Approved projects begin: 1 January 2027

Application Deadline 📅

19 March 2026

Application Portal 🌐

• View details of the Forte Starting Grant Program
• Apply via Prisma

• Maximum of SEK 2.5 million for two-year projects and SEK 3.75 million for three-year projects. For this call a budget of about SEK 100 million is available for the years 2027-2029.