Explore – Innovative research for the environment, agricultural sciences and spatial planning 2026
Forecasted
Explore – Innovative research for the environment, agricultural sciences and spatial planning 2026 supports researchers pursuing original, researcher-led science to advance knowledge and sustainable development.
Funder: Formas
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: SEK 5–6 million per project for four years (48 months); no co-funding required
Summary: Supports innovative research in environment, agricultural sciences and spatial planning that advances knowledge and contributes to sustainable development.
Key Information: Project leaders need at least four years since their doctorate and must commit at least 20% full-time effort.
Description
Explore is Formas’ recurring call for researcher-initiated projects seeking scientific breakthroughs in environment, agricultural sciences and spatial planning, including their intersections and overarching perspectives on sustainable development. It welcomes basic and needs-driven research across all disciplines and combinations of disciplines. Projects must demonstrate high scientific quality and credible potential for societal benefit in the short or long term.
The call emphasises originality, creativity and justified scientific risk-taking. Research may generate empirical knowledge in underexplored areas, develop new methods or models, challenge established assumptions or introduce radically different perspectives. A project’s contribution to Formas’ remit must be clear and substantial—not minor or indirect—and the application must explain its contribution to sustainable development.
