National Research Consortium for Participation in SOLSTICE II – Social Cohesion in the Context of Climate Policy
Funds a Norwegian consortium to collaborate internationally on research into social cohesion, public support, and policy legitimacy for climate action under the SOLSTICE II initiative.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: September 23, 2026 (full application)
Funding Amounts: NOK 20 million (approx. €1.7M–€2M) for one project; project duration 36–60 months
Summary: Funds a Norwegian research consortium to collaborate internationally on social cohesion and public support for climate policy through the SOLSTICE II initiative.
Key Information: Only approved Norwegian research organisations may apply; consortium must include 4–5 partners.
Description
This opportunity supports the selection and establishment of a single Norwegian research consortium as Norway's partner in the international SOLSTICE II initiative, focused on social cohesion in the context of climate policy. The selected consortium will collaborate with German and other international partners to advance policy-relevant knowledge about the societal prerequisites for climate mitigation, adaptation, and transformation processes.
Key aims include analyzing societal conditions for public support and legitimacy of climate policy, exploring the dynamics and risks of climate action, and developing evidence-based frameworks for policymaking. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary research, synthesis of existing knowledge, and integration of insights to inform policy instruments at both national and European levels.
Thematic areas of focus:
- Societal dynamics in climate policy (e.g., public perceptions, social cleavages, political contestation)
- Strengthening acceptance and legitimacy of climate policy (e.g., justice, participation, democratic legitimacy)
- Impacts of global and geopolitical developments on climate transitions and social cohesion
Project activities are organized in interdisciplinary cycles, producing synthesis reports and policy-relevant outputs to support democratically legitimate and socially just climate action.
