SEK 361 million for research shaping the welfare society of the future

– This is our largest and broadest call. It gives researchers the opportunity to formulate research questions based on identified needs within Forte’s core areas. The result is a diversity of projects that together contribute new knowledge on some of the most pressing challenges of our time, says Jonas Björck, Director General of Forte

This year’s funded projects show how research can contribute to understanding and addressing contemporary challenges – not only by explaining what is happening, but also by developing solutions, methods and models for a more equitable, sustainable and inclusive society.

– Several projects address groups that often end up in the shadows of public debate: young people with neuropsychiatric diagnoses, individuals without sickness benefits, families affected by economic violence, or older people with complex care needs. By enabling researchers to work with questions that are both scientifically challenging and socially significant, Forte helps strengthen the knowledge base for decision-makers, professionals and civil society, says Jonas Björck.

Three prominent themes in this year’s funded projects:

Mental health and changing life circumstances

Mental ill-health is a growing public health challenge affecting people of all ages – from children to older adults, from young women to people with neuropsychiatric conditions or a migration background. How is mental health shaped by living conditions, social relationships and societal structures?

Several projects focus on particularly vulnerable groups, such as adoptees, youth at risk of criminal involvement, people with co-occurring disorders or those falling between the cracks of the healthcare system. Others are developing new digital tools and AI-based support to improve diagnostics and treatment.

Examples of funded projects:

• Syskonskap som stöd och risk – en studie av unga syskon till kriminella Project manager: Sara Eldén, Malmö University
• Det dynamiska samspelet mellan ekonomiska svårigheter och depressiva symtom i ett livsförloppsperspektiv Project manager: Jette Möller, Karolinska Institutet
• Mot en kunskapsbaserad behandlingspraxis – ADHD, beroendetillstånd och vägen till jämlik vård Project manager: Jonas Berge, Region Skåne
• Användarcentrerad utveckling och utvärdering av ett beslutsstöd för psykiatriska bedömningar baserat på AI-analyser av ett inledande, digitalt videosamtal Project manager: Viktor Kaldo, Karolinska Institutet
• Våldet och verkställigheten – dömda tjejers och unga kvinnors livsvillkor innan och under anstaltsvistelse Project manager: Linda Arnell, Umeå university

Equitable care and health-promoting interventions

Access to good and equitable healthcare is a fundamental right, yet major differences still exist depending on gender, age, socioeconomic background and geography. Several of this year’s projects aim to advance healthcare towards more personalised, coordinated and preventive approaches.

Some researchers focus on critical care transitions – from child health services to adult psychiatry, from maternity care to postnatal support, or from home to hospital. Others examine how digital solutions, person-centred models and continuity in care contacts can improve both health outcomes and efficiency.

Examples of funded projects:

• Re@Home – utvärdering av hemrehabilitering: vad fungerar för vem och under vilka förutsättningar Project manager: Susanne Guidetti, Karolinska Institutet
• För jämlik och nära vård – två digitala interventioner för ungdomar med posttraumatiskt stressyndrom Project manager: Inga Dennhag, Umeå University
• PICNIC inom svensk barnhälsovård – samskapat digitalt föräldrastödsprogram för hälsosamma kostvanor Project manager: Maria Henström Engblom, Karolinska Institutet
• Att optimera kliniska, psykosociala och ekonomiska utfall av vård efter förlossning Project manager: Hanna Grundström, Linköping University
• Främja kontinuitet i vården för ungdomar med neuropsykiatriska tillstånd – Stepstones-programmet Project manager: Ewa-Lena Bratt, University of Gothenburg

Social sustainability, vulnerability and societal change

Society is changing rapidly – and with it, people’s living conditions, needs and opportunities. Several of this year’s projects focus on how social relationships, migration, gender, sexuality and socioeconomic factors influence people’s access to support, security and participation.

The projects include research on intimate partner violence, homelessness, young trans people’s working life, the limits of welfare systems and municipalities’ exposure to undue influence.

Examples of funded projects:

• Alternativa infrastrukturer i storstadens marginaler – frivilliga verksamheter för människor i utsatthet Project manager: Emma Söderman, Linnaeus University
• Skadereducerande socialt arbete för hemlösa personer med drogproblem och psykisk ohälsa Project manager: Frida Petersson, University of Gothenburg
• Unga transpersoners inträde och utanförskap på arbetsmarknaden Project manager: Ylva Moberg, Stockholm Universitet
• Välfärdsstatens flöden – hur sjuka utan sjukpenning rör sig genom stödsystemen Project manager: Niklas Altermark, Lund University
• Arbete och välfärd i Sveriges nya era av migration – temporära uppehållstillstånds påverkan Project manager: Emma Holmqvist, Uppsala University

A full list of all funded projects is available on the call’s webpage.