BalticWaters Foundation - Baltic Sea Marine Research Grants

Enriched Nordic · Found: 2026-03-10 15:32

Dedicated Baltic Sea research funder. Since 2022, allocated nearly SEK 12M to 9 research projects and 17 early-career researchers. Two programs: research projects/pre-studies and scholarships for early-career researchers. Focus on societal benefit and ecosystem restoration.

Source: https://balticwaters.org/en/a-unique-funder-of-baltic-sea-research

Funding Details

Funder

BalticWaters Foundation (BalticWaters2030)

Funding Goal

Research grants for natural science and social science projects aimed at preserving and restoring Baltic Sea ecosystems. Focus areas include eutrophication reduction, ecosystem restoration, sustainable water and marine management, fisheries, and biodiversity. Also funds pre-studies and interdisciplinary environmental communication projects.

Funding Amount

SEK 500,000 to SEK 1,000,000 per project (approx. EUR 44,000–88,000). Foundation distributes approximately SEK 5 million per year to 5–8 projects. (500.000 € – 1.000.000 €)

How to Apply

Currently on pause — the foundation is waiting for some funded projects to complete before opening new calls. New calls will be announced on the website (balticwaters.org/en/our-calls/). Applications submitted by email to projektutlysning@balticwaters.org using the provided application template. CV must be attached. Incomplete applications not considered.

Target Region

Baltic Sea Region (Sweden focus, but research topic must relate to Baltic Sea environment)

Contact

BalticWaters, Österlånggatan 18, 111 31 Stockholm, Sweden. Email: info@balticwaters.org, projektutlysning@balticwaters.org

Official Page

https://balticwaters.org/en/utlysning/program-for-smaller-research-projects-and-pre-studies/

Last Checked

2026-03-15 11:01

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant must hold a Ph.D. and be employed at a university or research institute

Project Scope

• Research must focus on the Baltic Sea environment and measures to restore or preserve it

Required Documents

• Popular science description must be written in Swedish (even if application is in English)
• Complete the provided application template and attach CV before submission
• Submit application and CV by email to projektutlysning@balticwaters.org when call is open

Constraints

• An applicant may receive funding from this call a maximum of twice (lifetime limit)
• Project budget must be between SEK 500,000 and SEK 1,000,000
• Project duration must be one to two years

Summary

BalticWaters (also known as BalticWaters2030) is an independent Swedish fundraising foundation dedicated to improving the health of the Baltic Sea. The foundation runs a long-term research grant programme for projects in natural and social sciences that develop knowledge about measures to preserve and restore Baltic Sea ecosystems. The programme funds research projects and pre-studies addressing the foundation's core focus areas: eutrophication reduction, ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries, and coastal and marine biodiversity. Both natural science and social science disciplines are eligible, with emphasis on economics, law, political science, and environmental communication. Interdisciplinary projects bridging research and practice are particularly valued. Funding amounts range from SEK 500,000 to SEK 1,000,000 per project (approximately EUR 44,000–88,000), covering projects and pre-studies running one to two years. The foundation intends to distribute approximately SEK 5 million per year to 5–8 projects. Research grants can cover equipment, field and interview studies, consumables, travel, and salary costs. Overhead is reimbursed at up to 20%. Eligibility is strictly limited to PhD-holding researchers currently employed at a university or research institute. The research must focus on the Baltic Sea with clear potential for public benefit and practical contribution to ecosystem improvement. Applications can be submitted in Swedish or English, but must include a popular science summary in Swedish. As of early 2026, the foundation is not actively accepting applications — they are monitoring current-cycle projects before announcing the next call. Interested researchers should monitor the foundation's website for announcements. Previous funded projects have addressed eutrophication, fisheries, coastal management, and biodiversity topics.

Historical Context

BalticWaters has run two call programmes since 2022: the research project programme and a scholarship programme for early career researchers. As of early 2026, the foundation has funded 14 research projects across three funding rounds (2022, 2023, 2024) and awarded scholarships to 19 early career researchers. Total disbursed: nearly SEK 12 million. The foundation is temporarily pausing new calls until current projects are completed.

Why it was added

Directly focused on Baltic Sea marine research funding - core match for marine conservation and ecosystem restoration

Sources

• https://balticwaters.org/en/a-unique-funder-of-baltic-sea-research
• https://balticwaters.org/en/our-calls/
• https://balticwaters.org/en/utlysning/program-for-smaller-research-projects-and-pre-studies/

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