Public Sector PhD Project – Doctoral Project in the Public Sector 2026
The Public Sector PhD Project by the Research Council of Norway funds collaborative doctoral research to address real-world challenges and build research capacity in Norway’s public sector.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: Rolling (applications open until funds are exhausted) | Earliest project start: August 10, 2026 | Latest project start: January 4, 2027 | Latest project completion: January 3, 2031
Funding Amounts: Up to NOK 715,000/year (3-year) or NOK 536,000/year (4-year); max 50% of total project costs; project duration 36–48 months.
Summary: Supports collaborative doctoral projects to build research-driven innovation and capacity in Norway’s public sector.
Key Information: Applications are processed on a rolling basis and funding is awarded as long as funds remain.
Description
This program funds doctoral projects conducted in close collaboration between Norwegian public sector agencies (as Project Owners) and degree-conferring institutions (universities or university colleges, Norwegian or foreign). The initiative aims to foster research-based innovation, address real-world public sector challenges, and build long-term competence within public agencies. Projects can address a wide range of thematic areas, including but not limited to defense capability, sustainable health and care services, labour and welfare, education, gender equality and non-discrimination, and circular economy.
Funding is non-competitive and awarded to eligible applications on an ongoing basis until the allocated budget is exhausted.
