Research programme on mental health

Mental ill-health is one of the greatest societal challenges we face today, with far-reaching consequences. It causes significant suffering in people’s lives and affects society as a whole, both socially and economically. The national research programme on mental health is a ten-year initiative launched in 2021, forming part of the government’s efforts to improve knowledge in this field.

What the programme aims to achieve

The programme’s vision is to promote good, equitable, and gender-equal mental health throughout the population. This vision supports the overarching public health policy goal adopted by the Swedish Parliament, which aims to achieve more equitable living conditions and, consequently, the potential for equal health.

Forte has defined three knowledge goals where there is a clear need for further research:

  • a deeper understanding of how mental health and mental ill-health develop in different groups
  • strengthend knowledge of effective methods and interventions for mental illness and mental ill-health
  • strengthened knowledge of effective, health-promoting, and preventative measures.

The programme aims to ensure that research and evidence-based knowledge reach relevant stakeholders and target groups so that they can be put to practical use.

Facts and figures

8

Number of calls

We have launched eight calls within the program since its start in 2021, two of which are international.

257,5

Research funding granted

Forte has granted SEK 257.5 million in research funding within the program.

245

Contributed to the strategic agenda

245 people participated with input on knowledge gaps and research needs for the program's strategic agenda.

4 types

Different types of grants

We have issued calls for proposals under four different types of grants: project grants, programme grants, research overviews, and planning grants.

Calls within the programme

We have so far launched seven calls for proposals within the research programme. The next call is planned for autumn 2025.

Calls within the programme

A strategic agenda sets the programme’s direction

Read about the program's purpose and goals, prioritized research areas, calls for proposals and strategies.

Contact information

Lidija Kolouh

Emilie Löfgren-Jarl

Last published: 7 May 2025