Call for the funding of Visiting Scholars

To strengthen the Centre for Advanced Mining and Metallurgy – Critical Raw Materials (CAMM-CRM) at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), we invite applications for funding of visits by distinguished visiting scholars. This call supports both shorter study visits and longer sabbatical stays at LTU within the CAMM-CRM framework.

Background and Scope

To strengthen the Centre for Advanced Mining and Metallurgy – Critical Raw Materials (CAMM-CRM) at Luleå University of Technology (LTU), we invite applications for funding of visits by distinguished visiting scholars. CAMM-CRM is a national research initiative dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge, technology, and competence across the entire critical raw material (CRM) value chain, including but not limited to geological understanding and exploration to processing, recycling, environmental performance, and societal aspects.

The overall goal of this call is to support visits by internationally leading or highly promising researchers whose expertise can significantly enhance CAMM-CRM’s research environment, strengthen international collaboration, and contribute to path-breaking research, high-impact publications, and future joint funding applications. An important requirement is that the visit should provide clear added value to CAMM-CRM researchers, doctoral candidates, and early-career researchers through seminars, workshops, supervision, short courses, or other structured academic interactions that can strengthen LTU’s critical raw materials research profile.

Visiting scholars who can act as catalysts for interdisciplinary collaboration across CAMM-CRM’s Research Pillars and the CRM Arena are particularly encouraged.

About the Call

This call supports both shorter study visits and longer sabbatical stays at LTU within the CAMM-CRM framework. Visits may range from a few weeks up to several months. Funding granted in this call must be used for costs incurred during 2026. There will be a possibility to apply for a continuation during 2027.

Applications should be aligned with one or more of CAMM-CRM’s strategic research areas, including but not limited to Graphite, Battery Metals, Critical Raw Materials in Base Metal Systems, Rare Earth Elements, and cross-cutting CRM value-chain perspectives.

Funding and Eligibility

• Maximum funding: Up to SEK 1,000,000 per application (We expect applications with a budget of approximately SEK 200,000 on average).
• Funding level depends on duration, scope, and strategic importance.
• Funding must be used during 2026.
• Start of visit: From April 2026.
• Co-funding may be required for longer stays.

Evaluation

Following an internal review conducted by CAMM-CRM and input from external committees, final decisions on funding will be taken by the CAMM-CRM Board.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on scientific qualifications, strategic relevance to CAMM-CRM and connection to CAMM-CRM goals, potential for high-impact research, quality of the visit plan including seminars, and a reasonable and transparent budget.

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• Scientific qualifications of the visting researcher
• Strategic relevance to CAMM-CRM and alignment with its goals
• Potential for high-impact research outcomes
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed visit plan, including seminars, networking and other planned activities
• Adequacy and transparency of the proposed budget

Application Instructions

Applications must be in English and submitted as a single PDF using the CAMM-CRM Visiting Scholar Application Template to instregsbn@ltu.se with reference number LTU-945-2026.

Deadline for applications: 26 February 2026.

Contacts

Coordinator: Betty Christakopoulou betty.christakopoulou@ltu.se
Director: Nils Jansson nils.jansson@ltu.se
Deputy Director: Charlotte Andersson charlotte.andersson@ltu.se