In a short time, BalticWaters has established itself as an important research funder in the field of marine environment. Through the Foundation’s two call programmes, almost SEK 12 million has been allocated to research for a healthy Baltic Sea since 2022. As a private actor, BalticWaters plays an important role in accelerating the accumulation of knowledge to preserve and protect the sensitive ecosystems of the Baltic Sea. Through active advocacy and outreach efforts, the Foundation disseminates knowledge to where it is needed and makes a difference in decisions about the Baltic Sea.
Two call programmes for a healthy Baltic Sea
Since 2022, BalticWaters runs two programs that fund research related to the Foundation’s field of operations: the Program to fund research projects and pre-studies and the Scholarship program for early career researchers. Since the launch of the call programs, almost SEK 12 million has been awarded to a total of 9 different research projects and 17 early career researchers. The goal of both programs is the same – to develop knowledge that can contribute to better and more effective measures for a healthy Baltic Sea. There is a consistent focus on societal benefit and practical change, as the research funded should have the potential to increase knowledge about measures to restore and preserve the valuable ecosystems of the Baltic Sea.
Private funding is key to solving urgent environmental problems
The Baltic Sea faces extensive and complex environmental threats. This has led to an imminent need for new and in-depth knowledge on science-based measures. In Sweden, research is funded through a combination of private and public funds. Private funders are able to push knowledge building, but despite this, the Swedish contribution to the UN Decade of Marine Research for Sustainable Development emphasises that private investment in research and development in the marine environment area is lagging behind. Through BalticWater’s call programs, the foundation contributes to the development of knowledge, which is crucial in the work for the Baltic Sea environment. In the face of the major challenges facing the Baltic Sea, there is no time to wait – we must act today.
Knowledge in wider research areas is needed
To meet the wide-ranging challenges facing the Baltic Sea, more than increased natural science knowledge is needed. The environmental issues of the Baltic Sea are largely also social issues – both in terms of causes, understanding of the problems and solutions. Despite this, many traditional calls for proposals in the environmental field focus exclusively on natural science research. Through BalticWater’s call programs, the foundation aims to promote interdisciplinary initiatives and knowledge by funding both social and natural science research. This is important as a better understanding of how we manage the marine environment and how we can design real measures to restore and preserve it is crucial to improve the environmental status of the Baltic Sea.
Private funding supports new researchers’ careers
New researchers are an important resource for future research. They form a central part of the creative research base that contributes to the development of ideas and innovations. However, making the transition from doctoral and postdoctoral student to independent researcher can be difficult and requires both public and private funding. Fierce competition and lack of targeted funding can lead to new researchers seeking career opportunities outside Sweden. This is not only a loss for Swedish academia, but ultimately for the Baltic Sea environment. Through the Scholarship program for early career researchers, the foundation can support new researchers and promote innovation and idea development, which is needed to meet the urgent challenges facing the Baltic Sea.
Research funder – but also steward of knowledge
BalticWater’s call programmes are initiatives that go beyond academic corridors. With the aim of influencing decisions and implementing measures on a scientific basis, the foundation also works to manage and disseminate the knowledge from the funded projects. Research results are often communicated by both government funders and the university, but lack of financial muscle often limits the scope of this type of work. BalticWaters conducts active advocacy work and ensures that the results of funded projects reach the public, authorities and decision-makers – because the Baltic Sea cannot wait and the knowledge needs to reach those who are able to put it into action.
The call programmes are enabled through external support
BalticWaters is a fundraising foundation with long experience in evaluating research projects focusing on actions that can make a difference for the Baltic Sea. The call programmes are run with the support of the foundation’s main funder and founder Ann-Sofi Mattson and Kerstin Skarne and her family. However, to maintain and develop the programmes in the long term, the Foundation is dependent on support from external donors. It is possible to contribute to the financing of the programmes, both as a private individual and as a company, by sending a contribution. It is also possible to contact the Foundation directly and explore different types of in-depth cooperation. Together we can increase knowledge and promote a vibrant Baltic Sea.
Want to know more about BalticWater’s two call programs?
Read more about “Program to fund research projects and pre-studies” here and “Scholarship program for early career researchers” here.
