In this call for proposals you can apply for project grants for the period 1 July 2023–30 June 2026, given within the framework of the national research programme on working life. The research shall be carried out jointly by researchers and users, so called co-production, and contribute knowledge that supports the sustainable development of working life. A total of SEK 36 million has been allocated for the period 2023–2025.

Focus areas

There are major changes and challenges facing today’s working life. The national research programme on working life, operated by Forte, shall increase our understanding of how we create a well-functioning working life. But also how we contribute to increasing the societal impact of research results. The programme focuses on three identified challenges: Creating a sustainable, inclusive working life; Promoting good working conditions; Achieving a health-promoting working life.

The strategic agenda of the national research programme on working life (in Swedish) includes a number of strategies for how research can meet these challenges in more delimited areas of research. Several of these areas are suited for research through co-production*. While the areas described below should be viewed as suggestions for themes that your research might address, you application can also be directed at any of the other strategies in the strategic research agenda.

  • Adapting working life to demographic changes and creating the conditions for sustainable participation in the labour market

  • Increased inclusion of underrepresented groups

  • Developing organisations and leadership in order to improve working conditions and efficiency

  • Secure implementation and utilisation of work environment knowledge

Forte’s work is also expected to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. This call is part of that work. The research funded by this call is expected to be relevant to several of the national objectives adopted by the Riksdag as the core of Sweden’s efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda.

* Co-production in research
Co-production can be considered as an in-depth form of collaboration. Co-production of research is a method by which those who will benefit from or use the results of the research are actively involved in the research process. Involving the users of the knowledge in the research process increases the likelihood that the results will be utilised and contribute to meeting the identified challenges. Often, the intention is to solve a complex problem where additional perspectives will increase the chances of finding a solution that will actually be implemented. One point of departure is that everyone involved has experience and expertise that may generate relevant, high-quality knowledge. The project must be both beneficial to users and of general interest in terms of developing knowledge in the field in question. Read more about co-production and the focus areas in the attached document “Information about the call”.

About the grant

Grant type: Project grants for individual research projects.

Limitations: The same person can submit one application as main applicant.

Grant length: 3 years

Budget limit: Maximum SEK 5 million for the whole project period 1 July 2023–30 June 2026. Please note that the maximum amount include so-called indirect costs. Applications exceeding the specified limit will be rejected.

Eligibility requirements: To apply for a project grant you must have completed a doctoral degree no later than the date of the call closing.

The administering organisation must have an account

To be able to apply for a grant, a Swedish university or another research funding body must administrate the funding and have an organisational account in Prisma. The administering organisation should apply for this in due time via Prisma.

Forte’s criteria for administering organisations.

Time plan

The call opens: 20 October 2022 10:00 CEST
Deadline for applications: 17 January 2023 14:00 CET
Forte’s board decides on funding: May 2023
Decisions are published: Shortly after Forte’s board decision
Project start: 1 July 2023