Public Sector PhD Project – Doctoral Project in the Public Sector 2026
The Public Sector PhD Project 2026 by the Research Council of Norway funds collaborative doctoral research to drive innovation and expertise development within public sector organizations.
Funder: Research Council of Norway
Due Dates: Open-ended (rolling) | Project start window: Aug 10, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027 | Latest completion: Jan 3, 2031
Funding Amounts: Up to NOK 715,000–852,000/year (3-year projects) or NOK 536,000–639,000/year (4-year projects); max 50% of total project costs; typical duration 36–48 months.
Summary: Supports collaborative doctoral research projects between public sector agencies and degree-conferring institutions to drive innovation and build expertise in the public sector.
Key Information: Applications are processed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted; candidate must be named at application.
Description
This program funds doctoral research projects embedded within public sector organizations, aiming to foster research-based innovation and build long-term expertise. Projects must be developed and managed collaboratively by a public agency (Project Owner) and a university or university college (degree-conferring institution). The call is thematically open, with additional earmarked funds available for projects in defense capability, sustainable health and care, labor and welfare, education, gender equality and non-discrimination, and the circular economy. The scheme is designed to ensure that research-driven knowledge is closely integrated into public sector development and addresses sector-specific needs.
