Program for research projects and pre-studies

About the program

There is a great need to continuously develop knowledge that can contribute to better and more effective measures for healthy and prosperous running waters, archipelagos and marine environments which in turn contributes to good conditions for plant and animal species richness. For that purpose, BalticWaters finances a long-term program to support research within social and natural sciences, aiming at a better understanding of our local environments and contributing to knowledge development about measures that can restore and preserve them.

What we support

A precondition is that the research focuses on the Baltic Sea and aims to increase knowledge of measures that can improve the environment, from both a short- and long-term perspective. BalticWaters can award research grants and feasibility studies that relate to the Foundation’s focus areas. The Foundation will prioritise projects that deliver societal benefits and have a clear link to concrete measures for a healthier Baltic Sea. It is positive if the project applications have an innovative approach and can contribute to new or further develop existing knowledge. The projects can, for example, be case studies on a smaller scale where a new method or an equipment is tested.

The Foundation funds research projects, field studies and feasibility studies within the natural sciences and technology, as well as the social sciences (with an emphasis on economics, law and political science). Applications from other social science disciplines will also be considered. Funding may also be awarded to interdisciplinary projects in environmental communication where researchers and practitioners work together to bridge the gap between knowledge and practical action in new and innovative ways. Communication projects based on the Foundation’s focus areas will also be considered.

All projects must clearly and concretely demonstrate how they can generate societal benefits, that the research has the potential to contribute to a healthier Baltic Sea environment, and that they can form the basis for knowledge-based decisions for better management of our inland sea.

Scope of funding and who can apply

Funding may be sought for equipment, field and interview studies, materials and travel necessary to carry out the research project. Funding for salaries may be awarded to either the applicant researcher or an external party involved in the project. The Foundation funds costs ranging from SEK 500,000 to SEK 1 million for projects and feasibility studies lasting one to two years. Grants may be awarded a maximum of twice to the same applicant. The Foundation intends to award SEK 5 million per year to 5–8 projects. The funding is awarded to researchers with a PhD employed at universities, and research institutes.

Why BalticWaters supports research projects and feasibility studies

This type of initiative is important from several perspectives. It enables the Foundation to allocate funds on an ongoing basis to knowledge-building projects in areas where new knowledge, the development of existing knowledge or pilot trials of new innovative measures are needed. It also gives the Foundation the opportunity to continuously seek out initiatives or projects that create societal benefits and have the potential to make a difference to the Baltic Sea environment, and which could eventually be scaled up to full-scale demonstration projects.

Another important aspect is that the projects continuously collaborate with authorities and decision-makers. This means that the Foundation will work to ensure that the knowledge produced contributes to decision-making processes and the implementation of measures.

Assessment criteria and selection

Applications will be considered by the Foundation’s board and, where necessary, with the support of external experts. The criteria to be used in the selection process are:

• Relevance to the Foundation’s focus areas
• The projects’ potential to generate societal benefits and contribute to effective measures for the Baltic Sea
• The project’s potential to be scaled up
• Scientific rigour in methodology and implementation
• The applicant’s qualifications

Application

Applications may be written in Swedish or English, but the popular science summary must always be written in Swedish. Please complete all details in the aplication form and attach your CV. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Send your application with your CV to: projektutlysning@balticwaters.org.

Final report

A report on the project’s implementation, results and published work, as well as how information about the results has been disseminated to the public and stakeholders, is expected no later than one year after the end of the project period.

Payment of research funding and overheads

Research funding is paid to the department against incurred costs two to four times a year. In addition, the Foundation may pay a small advance (up to 20% of the amount applied for to facilitate the start-up of the project). BalticWaters reimburses up to 20% of general overheads (OH).

Equipment and instruments

Instruments or equipment purchased with funds granted by the Foundation normally belong to the university where the researcher is affiliated. BalticWaters reserves the right to assess on a case-by-case basis whether the instrument or equipment may be of use to the Foundation’s future work. If this is the case, the instrument or equipment shall be returned to the Foundation after the completion of the project, which shall also be stated in the agreement signed between the Foundation and the beneficiary.

Previous year’s funded projects

Read about the four projects that were funded 2024 here.
Read about the six projects that were funded 2023 here.
Read about the four projects that were funded 2022 here.