International exchange grants for doctoral students' research environment

Brief background

This call is part of the faculty’s aim to increase the internationalization of research through increased exchange with research environments outside Sweden with a focus on doctoral students.  

In the faculty’s 2023 budget, SEK 800,000 is allocated for international exchange within and outside the Nordic region. There are three different amounts to apply for as listed below.

How much funding can be applied for and by whom?

The funds consist of three fixed amounts for exchanges within and outside the Nordic countries:

• SEK 15,000 for exchange within the Nordic region, applied for by a supervisor
• SEK 20,000 for exchange outside the Nordic region, applied for by a supervisor
• SEK 50,000 for longer visits within and outside the Nordic region, applied for by subject representatives

What can the funds be used for?

• Incoming researchers/doctoral students in connection with mini-conferences, seminars, and workshops to cover parts of travel costs/accommodation/expenses. The research group may freely dispose of the funds provided, and may choose to use the funds to contribute to extending the visit (time/number of people). The aim should be to invite established senior researchers of intended collaboration groups, who may obviously bring along colleagues or doctoral students.
• Outgoing visits other research groups, which could include all or part of the research group. This may apply to similar activities as for incoming external researchers but also for short visits for doctoral students (from a few days to a few weeks) at another university. This can also be further supported via Erasmus in cases where the visit is to one of our partner universities, which will allow for longer visits. Note that it is not primarily a travel grant but a contribution to strengthen strategic internationalization through travel.

When to apply

Applications for international exchange grants will be processed on an ongoing basis during 2023.  Applications submitted are processed at regular FUR meetings. Granted funds must be spent in 2023.

How to apply

The application is addressed to the Council for Third-cycle Education (FUR), which decides on the support in consultation with the head of department concerned. The application (maximum 1 page) should contain:

• Brief description of the doctoral student/researcher/research group to which the exchange relates
• Brief justification of why the group needs this contact where the doctoral student perspective is highlighted
• An overview of the plan of the exchange
• A signature by a supervisor supporting the application, if the application is for SEK 15,000 or SEK 20,000.
• A signature by the subject representative supporting the application, if the application is for SEK 50,000 for a longer visit.

What happens next?

• Those whose applications are granted will receive additional information about financial management and follow-up after the completion of the exchange.
• A somewhat expanded report of the completed exchange for the granted application of SEK 50,000 can be expected.