Public Sector PhD Project – Doctoral Project in the Public Sector 2026
Public Sector PhD Project – Doctoral Project in the Public Sector 2026 supports public agencies’ collaborative doctoral research to address service needs, strengthen innovation and build long-term expertise.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: Rolling (applications, while funds remain) | August 10, 2026 (earliest start) | January 4, 2027 (latest start) | January 3, 2031 (latest completion)
Funding Amounts: NOK 109 million presumed available; annual funding limits apply to 36–48-month projects, covering up to 50% of approved costs
Summary: Supports doctoral research addressing public agencies’ needs, strengthening research-based innovation and long-term expertise.
Key Information: A specific candidate with an approved master’s degree must be named when applying and employed throughout the project.
Description
The Research Council of Norway’s Public Sector PhD scheme supports collaborative doctoral projects between public agencies and degree-conferring institutions. Projects must address public-sector needs and challenges, reflect the agency’s development plans, and help build long-term expertise. The scheme seeks closer collaboration between public agencies and research communities so that research-based knowledge can be used more readily in public services and innovation.
The 2026 call supports projects across all public-sector areas, with additional earmarked funding for six thematic priorities. It is not a competitive funding arena: applications meeting all requirements are funded in receipt order while funds remain. The degree-conferring institution, rather than the Research Council, assesses scientific quality and ensures that the project meets its doctoral standards.
