Calls
Call for ‘seed’ funding LTU-999-2026
Background and Scope
To strengthen the development of the LTU research area “Natural Resources for Sustainability Transitions” (SUN), we launch a third call for “seed” projects. The overall goals of this call are to fund ‘seed’ projects that: (a) are in line with the aims and visions of the SUN research area; (b) are multi-disciplinary; and (c) lay the foundations for new or improved research activities with significant external funding.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) signify the blueprint to achieve a sustainable future, including seventeen global challenges such as climate change, improved health, equality, and economic development. Reaching the SDGs is a formidable task that stretches far beyond incremental changes in existing production processes.
The transformation is often characterized by disruptive technological change. Novel actor networks, value chains, and institutions (i.e., legal rules, norms) must be put in place. Technological change is therefore highly intertwined with societal change.
In SUN, we take stock in the fact that the natural resources of northern Sweden, in the form of minerals and metals, forest biomass, and hydropower (green electricity), play key roles in a sustainable society.
The SDGs presume green technological change and innovation, such as, for instance, electrification based on zero-carbon energy sources, energy storage and flexibility, resource and energy-efficient production processes, as well as an increased use of byproducts and waste materials. At the same time, though, it is important to address how such developments affect the pursual of different types of SDGs. Efforts involving attempts to reach one goal could make it more difficult to reach another one; this results in difficult trade-offs where the various dimensions of sustainable development – environmental, economic, and social – are not easily aligned (at least in the short term).
In this context, the vision for SUN is that LTU, through first-rate research on the emergence of sustainable industrial value chains and its societal implications is an indispensable partner for industries and other key actors in society. LTU should lead the way and make it possible for Sweden to develop novel technologies that will lead to a radical reduction in the environmental and carbon footprints, increase competitiveness, as well as the legitimacy of the transformation towards a sustainable society.
About the Call
In this call, we seek ‘seed’ applications of high quality from both the technical and philosophical faculties, and that can address the above vision of a natural resource-dependent sustainability transition. The total budget for the call equals SEK 1 000 000.
Each granted “seed” project is expected to last around 6-10 months and have a maximum budget of SEK 250 000. Submissions are due no later than March 18, 2026. Follow the instructions below and send the application in a PDF file to instregsbn@ltu.se with reference number LTU-999-2026. A decision will be announced in April, and projects can start on May 1, 2026, at the earliest.
Instructions
The application for ‘seed’ funding should be about five-six pages long, written in English, and be structured around the following sections/headings. Please use the attached template and submit your application as PDF
• Project title
• Personal details: name and title of the main applicant (needs to be a LTU employee), division, department, e-mail, and telephone number.
• Abstract: maximum 150 words.
• Background and motivation: description of the research field, research questions and the project’s contribution to existing research. The application must clearly address why the project is interesting and relevant in the context of the research area’s focus on the role of natural resources in the transition to a sustainable society. Moreover, in what ways does the project involve novel multi-disciplinary cooperation?
• Objectives: short-term goals (i.e. scientific goals, synergies between research groups within LTU, expected publications and external funding); and long-term goals (i.e. potential to develop the research scientifically and funding-wise over the coming years).
• Project description and implementation: what will be done in the project and what methodologies will be used?
• Dissemination of research results: type of reporting (e.g., internal report, conference paper, journal paper).
• Organization: description of the project manager and other participants in the project; as well as reference group (if applicable). Provide very short bios, and statements of key competences.
• Time plan: project start, project end, and important milestones.
• Project budget and co-funding (if applicable): Funding may be used to cover the costs of salary, material, and travel.
• References cited (keep them few and relevant)
Evaluation criteria
The applications for ‘seed’ projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria: (a) novelty and importance of research idea; (b) added value in relation to ongoing research at LTU; (c) the project’s fit with respect to the vision of the research area; (d) the multi-disciplinary content (new actor constellations are encouraged but not required); and (e) the long-term potential for substantial future funding (e.g., EU funding, excellence centers, larger Formas or VR grants).
Decision
The final funding decisions will be made by the SUN Steering Group and announced in April 2026. Successful applicants are expected to submit a final report and a financial statement at the end of the project period.
We look forward to your applications!
The steering group of the research area “Natural Resources for Sustainability Transitions” (SUN)
Contacts
Scientific leader:
Associate Professor Tobias Bauer
e-mail: tobias.bauer@ltu.se
Deputy Scientific leader:
Professor Maria Pettersson
e-mail: maria.pettersson@ltu.se
Project manager:
Betty Christakopoulou
e-mail: betty.christakopoulou@ltu.se
SUN Research School – Call for applications, Group B
The SUN Research School is now inviting applications for Group B: PhD students employed by Luleå University of Technology to join the SUN PhD courses starting in March 2026. The Research School focuses on natural resources and sustainability transitions, taking an interdisciplinary approach across all Luleå University of Technology research areas.
Eligible applicants are:
– Doctoral students employed by Luleå University of Technology
– Not funded by SUN
– Working within themes related to natural resources and sustainability transitions
SUN covers all course-related costs.
Application period:
25 November – 31 january 2026.
How to apply:
Please use the mandatory SUN Research School Group B Application Template (attached) and submit your application to instregsbn@ltu.se, including the reference LTU-2582-2025.
More information is available in the attached Call text.
For questions, please contact the SUN Research School directors:
– Karin Beland Lindahl – karin.beland.lindahl@ltu.se
– Joel Andersson – joel.bh.andersson@ltu.se
Call for PhD Projects – SUN Graduate School
Are you interested in researching how natural resources can support a sustainable industrial transition? SUN Graduate School at Luleå University of Technology now invites interdisciplinary PhD project proposals focused on forests, water or minerals. Nine PhD students will be recruited in 2025/26. Projects must relate to sustainability, industrial transformation, and governance of natural resources. Deadline: September 30, 2025.
SUN OPEN CALL FOR THE FUNDING OF VISITS OF QUEST SCHOLARS
The SUN budget for 2025 for the funding of visits by guest scholars is now fully allocated. We will welcome new applications in 2026.
Open Call for funding of visiting scholars
Background and Scope
To strengthen the LTU research area “Natural Resources for Sustainable Development – SUN, we launch an open call for funding of visiting scholars. The overall goal of the call is to help fund short-term visits of prolific researchers that can help expand the university’s network in the academic world, make possible path-breaking research and prestigious publications, and/or secure new research funding together with excellent research groups internationally. An important requirement for funding is that the visit should make it possible for LTU researchers and Ph.D. candidates to learn more about the research frontier in important fields directly relevant to SUN, e.g., through seminars and/or Ph.D. courses. Visiting scholars that could be a catalyst for multi-disciplinary research collaboration at LTU are particularly encouraged.
About the Call
In this call, we seek applications for shorter guest scholar visits. We anticipate visits over 1-3 months, but they could be longer and shorter (if this is aptly reflected in the total budget). Applications from both the technical and the philosophical faculties are encouraged as long as they are in line with the SUN vision of a natural resource-dependent sustainability transition.
We expect the total budget for each application to differ, e.g., depending on the length of the stay and what the visiting scholar will do while at LTU. Still, the maximum amount that can be applied equals SEK 100 000. If this sum does not cover all anticipated costs for the visit (e.g., in the case of longer visits), the applicant’s research group needs to co-fund the remaining costs.
Evaluation criteria
The applications for guest scholar visits will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
(a) the qualifications of the visiting scholar (strong researchers in the middle of their careers are encouraged); (b) added value in relation to ongoing research at LTU, and the project’s fit with respect to the vision of the SUN research area (multi-disciplinary research is encouraged); (c) potential for path-breaking research and/or long-term funding opportunities; (d) good plan for the visit at LTU, including interactions with LTU staff and Ph.D. candidates (the scholar giving a seminar at the SUN seminar series is a requirement); and (e) a reasonable and transparent budget.
Instructions
- Use the SUN Visiting Scholar Application template for the application.
- The application should be in English.
- Submit the application in a Pdf file to instregsbn@ltu.se with ref.nr. LTU-1159-2025
- This is an open call, so there isn´t any specific deadline for the submission of applications.
- The decision will be taken by the SUN steering group and will be announced within one month after the submission of the application.
For any additional info and/or questions you may contact:
- SUN Scientific leader: Tobias Bauer, e-mail: tobias.bauer@ltu.se
- Maria Pettersson, e-mail: maria.pettersson@ltu.se
- Project manager: Betty Christakopoulou, e-mail: betty.christakopoulou@ltu.se
SUN call for the funding of “Seed” projects
SUN-Natural Resources for Sustainability Transitions is announcing a call for funding for “Seed” projects. The overall goals of this call are to fund ‘seed’ projects that: (a) align with the aims and vision of the SUN research area; (b) are multidisciplinary; and (c) lay the foundation for new or improved research activities with significant external funding.
Applications from both technical and philosophical faculties that can address the vision of a natural resource-dependent sustainability transition are welcome.
Each granted “seed” project is expected to last approximately 6-10 months and have a maximum budget of SEK 250,000.
Submissions are due no later than May 2, 2025.
Updated: