Explore – Innovative research for the environment, agricultural sciences and spatial planning 2026
Formas' Explore 2026 grant funds innovative research in environment, agricultural sciences, and spatial planning to drive scientific breakthroughs and support sustainable development.
Funder: Formas
Due Dates: October 7, 2026 (full application submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: SEK 5–6 million per project over 4 years (48 months); project start September 1, 2027
Summary: Supports ambitious, innovative research in environment, agricultural sciences, and spatial planning with strong potential for scientific breakthroughs and societal impact.
Key Information: Strict eligibility for Swedish institutions; projects must be highly novel and relevant to Formas’ remit.
Description
This call funds innovative research projects addressing pressing challenges in the environment, agricultural sciences, and spatial planning, or taking an overarching perspective on sustainable development. The aim is to foster scientific breakthroughs and long-term societal benefits by supporting ambitious projects that challenge current knowledge, propose creative solutions, and take relevant scientific risks. Both basic and needs-driven research are welcome, across all disciplines and interdisciplinary combinations, provided the work aligns clearly with Formas’ areas of responsibility.
Projects should demonstrate high scientific quality, novelty, and the potential to advance or challenge the state of the art. A strong emphasis is placed on contributions to sustainable development, resilient ecosystems, food systems, animal welfare, land use, and the development of inclusive, safe, and sustainable built environments.
