Q&A

24/06/2025

A. Application system

1. How can I update my email address in the application system?

Contact the Foundation’s secretariat to request an email update. Changes cannot be made by applicants directly.

2. Can I modify a submitted application?

Applications cannot be altered after submission. Contact the Foundation’s secretariat for assistance before the application deadline.

3. Do I need a new application for stage 2?

  • No, revise your existing application in the system and attach updated documents.
  • Practicallly in the application system: select “create application” and stage 2 for the respective form of support. Then the application system retrieves information from your application in stage 1 (except for the attachments).

4. Is my application submitted? I have not received confirmation from the application system.

The application system does not send confirmation that an application has been submitted. To verify its submission, log in to the application system and check that the space under ‘Status’ for the application shows ‘Submitted’. There, the application submitted can also be downloaded as a PDF file.

B. Applicants

1. Can I apply for funding if I’m not employed at Södertörn University?

Yes, to apply, you do not need to be employed at Södertörn University. If the project is approved, the project manager must be employed at Södertörn University during the project period. For other participants, some time must be spent at Södertörn University.

2. Do I need a doctoral degree to apply for funding?

  • Two- and three-year projects: All researchers must have a doctoral degree by the application date.
  • Postdoctoral projects: Doctoral students may apply on condition that they will obtain the degree before the grant period starts.
  • Grand projects: All researchers must have a doctoral degree by the application date. Exception: funds can be applied for PhD students, these are recruited after the project start.
  • Research networks: Doctoral students can participate.

3. What is considered to be equivalent to Swedish doctoral degree?

The Foundation follows the assessment by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR).

4. Can Baltic Sea and Eastern Europe Programme researchers (professors and associate senior lecturers) apply for funding?

Regular yearly calls: Yes, but they cannot apply for their own salary for the project period.

Thematic call “the war in Ukraine and its consequences”: Yes, researchers who receive funding from the Baltic Sea and Eastern Europe Programme (professors and associate senior lecturers) can apply for up to 15% salary funding for participation in a grand project or three-year project.

5. Can I apply for funding if I am over 67 years old or retired?

There is no age limit, but salaries can only be paid to employed researchers.

C. Project budget

1. How should salaries for external researchers be calculated?

Coordinate with the Södertörn University, Head of School (prefekt), to specify salaries, social security contributions and overhead costs.

2. How do I account for non-research staff in my budget?

List their costs under “other costs”, including salaries and social security contributions. Specify and justify these in the budget commentary.

3. Can I apply for conference or workshop funding within a project?

Yes, if they are integral and well-motivated parts of the research design.

4. What are the rules for calculating costs for stays abroad?

  • Short stays (up to 90 days): Follow government reimbursement regulations. Travel costs for family members are not covered during shorter stays abroad.
  • Longer stays: Use the URA government agreement for calculations (especially when costs concern family members).
  • Questions concerning detailed cost calculations should be posed to the grant administrator.

5. Are long-term accommodation costs for international researchers covered?

Long-term accommodation in Sweden is not covered. Contact the Foundation’s secretariat for guidance.

D. Research networks

1. Can ongoing research networks apply for continuation?

Yes, you can submit a new application concerning continuation in the call for research networks. Include a clear description of previous achievements and future plans.

E. Approved projects

1. What if I cannnot start my project on the date of project start specified in the agreement?

Research projects (two- and three-year projects, postdoctoral projects and grand projects) have a one-year of extra grant availability period beyond the original project time. This means that projects can start later, during the first project year.

Thematic call “the war in Ukraine and its consequences”: A longer period of additional grant availability is added to grants that will be awarded under the thematic call to allow flexibility with the start date of the project. Please refer to the call instructions for more detailed information on the grant availability period.

2. What are the rules for project participant employment?

Employment terms are the responsibility of the grant administrator. Coordinate with the Head of School (prefekt).

3. Can I continue as a project manager after retirement?

It depends, a full-time retiree cannot be project manager. A part-time retired researcher, who retains a part-time employment, can continue to be a project manager.