For the period 2021–2027, Forte has allocated SEK 200 million for research on the challenges in working life. The research shall contribute to addressing the challenges of working life by generating and disseminating new knowledge. The call is conducted within the national research programme for working life research.

The specified budget level applies provided that the Swedish Riksdag decides to allocate funds to Forte for the programme on working life research, in accordance with the parliament’s Research and Innovation Bill Research, freedom, future – knowledge and innovation for Sweden (Govt. Bill 2021/21:60).

Focus areas

Forte has prioritised a number of challenges with a great need for new knowledge. Applications within the call must focus on one of the following four sub-challenges:

  • Ensuring a well-functioning labour market when structural changes occur
  • Increasing the inclusion of under-represented groups in the labour market
  • Reducing the occurrence of intimidation, violence and harassment in the workplace
  • Creating opportunities for people to be able to work for their entire professional career

The sub-challenges are described in the file “Information about the call“.

Grant type

There is one type of grant available within this call – programme grants. The same person can submit one application as main applicant and one application as co-applicant, or two applications as co-applicant.

Grant length

Programme grants are granted for six years.

Budget limit

Maximum SEK 18 million for the whole programme period. The annual budget may not exceed SEK 3 million (including indirect costs).

Time plan

The call opens: 4 March, 2021 at 10:00

The call closes: 20 May, 2021 at 14:00

Forte’s board decides on funding: 30 September, 2021

Decisions are published: 8 October, 2021 (preliminary)

Project start: 1 November, 2021