2026: Research projects with high scientific potential
Expired Nordic · Found: 2026-03-11 08:10
The Foundation supports projects with high scientific potential. Projects should be focused on a coherent research question.
Source: https://kaw.wallenberg.org/en/calls/2026-research-projects-high-scientific-potential
Funding Details
- Funder
- Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW)
- Funding Goal
- Support investigator-initiated research projects of the highest international standard with high scientific potential, primarily in natural sciences, technology, and medicine.
- Funding Amount
- SEK 15-40 million per project over 3-5 years. Up to 20% of awarded amount may cover indirect costs and rent. (15.000.000 € – 40.000.000 €)
- Deadline
- 2026-02-01 (Fixed)
- How to Apply
- Applications are submitted through a university nomination process. Each Swedish university is allocated a specific number of nominations (15 for major universities like Karolinska, Uppsala, Lund, Stockholm; 10 for mid-tier; 5 or 2 for smaller institutions). 40% of nominated projects must be led by a researcher from the underrepresented gender. The application period for 2026 was January 8 to February 1. A vice-chancellor's letter of support must accompany each application.
- Target Region
- Sweden
- Last Checked
- 2026-03-11 23:50
Application Checklist
Eligibility
Project Scope
Required Documents
Constraints
Summary
The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW) is one of Sweden's largest private research funders, established in 1917, distributing over 2.5 billion SEK annually. This call funds collaborative research projects with high scientific potential, requiring teams of 2-5 researchers with complementary expertise to address a coherent research question. The Foundation primarily supports natural sciences, technology, and medicine, though other disciplines may qualify if connected to these fields. Projects receive between SEK 15-40 million (approximately EUR 1.3-3.5 million) over 3-5 years. Principal investigators must maintain a long-term association with a Swedish institution of higher education and spend at least 70% of their working time in Sweden. Co-investigators must dedicate at least 50% of their time to work in Sweden. Up to 20% of the awarded amount may cover indirect costs. Applications are submitted through a university nomination process, with each Swedish university allocated a specific number of nominations. Major universities (Karolinska, Uppsala, Lund, Stockholm) receive 15 nominations each, mid-tier institutions receive 10, and smaller universities receive 5 or 2. A vice-chancellor's letter of support is mandatory, and 40% of nominated projects must be led by a researcher from the underrepresented gender. All resulting research must be published as open access. The 2026 call opened January 8 and closed February 1, 2026. This is a recurring annual program. Rejected applications cannot be resubmitted within 3 years using the same research question, unless the rejection was due to funding shortfalls.
Historical Context
The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation was established in 1917 and has awarded over 42 billion SEK in total grants. In 2025, the foundation distributed over 2.5 billion SEK annually. This is a recurring annual call for research project proposals.
Sources
- https://kaw.wallenberg.org/en/calls/2026-research-projects-high-scientific-potential
- https://kaw.wallenberg.org/en/about-foundation