Scholarship program for researchers at the beginning of their careers

BalticWaters has temporarily closed the Scholarship program for researchers at the beginning of their careers to evaluate the results. If the program is resumed, it will be announced on the website.

About the programme

Researchers who have recently completed their PhDs are a vital resource for future research and form the creative research base that contributes to the development of ideas and innovations. To support researchers at the beginning of their careers, BalticWaters is launching a grant programme to provide funding for equipment, materials and travel necessary to carry out scientific studies.

The Baltic Sea faces extensive and complex challenges such as overfishing, eutrophication and the discharge of harmful chemicals. Climate change is also a growing threat to the Baltic Sea’s environment. Achieving a healthier sea requires strong measures based on science. It requires a knowledge building on functioning measures from different perspectives, both natural and social sciences. For this reason, BalticWaters awards grants to new researchers working in natural sciences, engineering and the social sciences (with an emphasis on economics, law and political science). Applications from other social science disciplines will also be considered. The aim of the applicant’s research, regardless of subject orientation, should build up knowledge about measures that can lead to reduced eutrophication, functioning ecosystems, and a better management of our inland sea.

The grant programme for new researchers was funded by Kerstin Skarne and her family between 2022 and 2025.

Applicants and scope of the scholarship

The grant programme is aimed at PhD students, recently qualified researchers, postdoctoral researchers and assistant professors hired at universities and research institutes (the PhD must not be more than 5 years old at the time of application), who have funding for their salary but require additional support to carry out their research. Applications from various disciplines are welcome – including natural sciences, engineering and the social sciences (with an emphasis on economics, law and political science). Applications from other social science disciplines will also be considered.

PhD students may apply for up to 100,000 SEK for equipment, field studies, materials and travel necessary to carry out the research. Others, i.e. researchers with a PhD, postdoctoral researchers and assistant professors, may apply for up to 200,000 SEK for the same purposes. Funding for salaries may be granted in exceptional cases. The application must clearly state what the funds are to be used for. BalticWaters reimburses a maximum of 20% of overheads (OH). The grant may be awarded maximum twice to the same applicant. The Foundation intends to award a maximum of 1.5 million SEK per year for this purpose.

Assessment criteria and selection

The applications will be handled by the Foundation’s board and, if necessary, with the support of external experts. Criteria that will be used in the selection of candidates are: · Relevance to the Foundation’s focus areas

• The degree of innovation in the research approach or project
• The project’s potential to create public benefit and contribute to effective measures for the Baltic Sea
• Scientific rigor in method and implementation
• The applicant’s qualifications

Projects that clearly demonstrate how the research contributes to effective measures for the Baltic Sea environment will be prioritised.

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 application form and attach your CV. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Send your application with CV to: stipendium@balticwaters.org. If you have any questions about the programme, please email Helene Limén at helene.limen@balticwaters.org.

Reporting

A brief report on the project’s implementation, results and any published work, as well as how information about the results has been disseminated to the public and stakeholders, must be sent to the Foundation no later than one year after the study has been completed. The report must include supporting documents for purchases.

Why BalticWaters is establishing the grant programme

The Foundation wishes to support research in the natural and social sciences that develops new knowledge about measures that can help maintain good ecological status in surface waters, archipelagos and marine environments.

In the long term, the Foundation hopes that the programme will become self-financing through external donations and gifts from individuals, companies and organisations. However, it takes time to build awareness of the initiative, which is why funding for the first five years will be provided by the Foundation.

We welcome your applications!