What can you apply for?
You can apply for initiatives that will result in applications to external funding bodies, and for initiatives communicating science. The initiatives should be transdisciplinary, take a systems approach, and contribute to one or several of the six priorities in the Policy for SLU’s global contribution to Agenda 2030.
Applications should be within one or several of the following three areas:
- Research and innovation. This area is for initiatives that will result in research proposals to external funding bodies (e.g. EU Horizon or Formas). New and innovative research is encouraged. Activities may include, for example, consortium meetings, feasibility studies, pilot studies or literature reviews. Only main applicants that have received a doctoral degree 2015 or later are eligible for this area.
- Capacity development. This area is for initiatives that develop capacity development proposals to external funding bodies. Activities may include, for example, consortium meetings, feasibility studies, pilot studies or literature reviews.
- Science communication. This area is for initiatives that facilitate policy makers’ and practitioners’ use of science-based knowledge. Activities may include, for example, development of synthesis reports, policy briefs, opinion papers, videos, web-based presentations, organization of courses, seminars, or workshops.
Who can apply?
-
The main applicant should be employed at SLU, hold a PhD, and should not have received SLU Global seed funding during the last two years (not later than 2022). For research and innovation applications (area 1), the main applicant should have received a doctoral degree 2015 or later.
-
At least one co-applicant should be based in a “least developed country”, “low-income country” or “lower middle income country” as defined in the DAC list of ODA recipients 2024-2025.
-
At least one co-applicant should be a practitioner or policy maker (e.g. be based within a farmers’ organisation, civil society organisation, business, government, or regional or international organisation). The role of the practitioner or policy maker should be clearly described in the application.
-
A diverse team with regards to gender and career stage is encouraged.
-
Any travels by SLU staff must follow SLU guidelines and can only take place to regions where the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs do not advise against travel.
How much can you apply for?
Up to SEK 250,000. The funds can be used for staff costs and operational costs during 2025-2026. Up to four grants may be awarded.
How do you apply?
Fill out the online application form and attach a completed SLU project calculation form and CVs (max 2 pages, or link to online CV) of all applicants by 28 May 2025, 14:00 CEST. NB: Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Assessment
Proposals will be assessed by a SLU Global assessment team. Conflict of interest will be handled according to SLU guidelines.
Assessment criteria
- Relevance to the call
- Potential for impact
- Feasibility of the project plan including time plan, budget and capacity of the team
- Systems approach*
- Transdisciplinarity*
- Gender balance and career stage diversity.
* See ‘Background information’ below.
Conditions
The funds will be transferred to, and managed by, the main applicant’s department. Funded projects shall adhere to the Nagoya Protocol; see support available to SLU researchers.
Awardees may be requested to join 1-2 events to present their on-going project work with SLU’s global network.
A final report should be sent to global@slu.se by 1 December 2026, or the funding may be requested back.
The report should include: A description of the achievements in relation to the planned results.
For areas a and b, this shall include a description and proof of the proposal submitted to an external funding body, and whether it was granted funding.
A financial report in relation to the approved budget.
Published material, photographs and other relevant outputs.
What the next steps will be.
SLU Global may use the reported material for communication purposes.
For questions regarding the call, please contact:
global@slu.se
We look forward to receiving your application!
