Travel grants to prominent research environments in 2023

Short background

This announcement is part of the faculty’s aim to increase the internationalization of research through an increased exchange with prominent research environments outside of Sweden. In the faculty’s 2023 budget, SEK 900,000 is set aside for these exchanges through competitive applications.

The application must reach FUR no later than May 1 2023 and follow the guidelines below.

The purpose of the travel grants

These beneficial travel grants of SEK 300,000 per doctoral student aim to give doctoral students who have shown good results a financial opportunity to visit a foreign university for a longer period of time. The assessment is based on the criteria listed below.

The goal of the visit is for the doctoral student to conduct research in a stimulating environment, develop his/her international academic network, make progress with the thesis and initiate potential future collaborations.

The call places high demands on the receiving environment being both qualified in the area in question and being able to contribute to a productive visit.

Criteria for the applying doctoral students

The following criteria must be met and described in the application for it to be considered.

• The visit must be at least 3 months, the majority of which in 2023.
• The doctoral student must have shown particular progress in his/her doctoral studies and keep a regular study pace, taking into account illness, parental leave and similar circumstances.
• The doctoral student must have passed the mid-way review or licentiate seminar.
• For doctoral students writing a synthesis thesis, at least one scientific article must have been published in a reputable journal in their specialist field or have had at least 3 conference contributions accepted at high-ranking international conferences.
• For doctoral students writing a monograph, it is required that at least half of the thesis work has been completed and that the student has participated in at least one international conference. The thesis work refers to the planned part of the doctoral studies that are not courses according to the current ISP.
• The doctoral student must have experience collaborating with external researchers and preferably have co-published.

Criteria for the receiving institution

• The following criteria must be met and described in the application for it to be considered.
• The department and/or university must be internationally recognized in the research area
• The receiving supervisor must be an internationally recognized researcher, for example demonstrated by one or some of the following points:
  • Highly cited within their subject or otherwise highly ranked according to subject-relevant measures.
  • Have published important works in the subject area.
  • Recipient of external research funds from contributors such as ERC, NSF, etc.
  • Awarded or otherwise recognized for their research by an external organization of high repute.
  • Extensive experience in supervising doctoral students and postdocs.
• The receiving institution should have a larger number of senior researchers and doctoral students within the intended environment and adjacent research topics. If the environment is smaller, special requirements are placed on receiving supervisors to have high availability.

What to include in the application?

• CV of applying doctoral student.
• Updated ISP from the research database where completed milestones and courses must be listed.
• Publications that the applicant cites to fulfill the criteria above.
• A justification (2–3 pages) stating the purpose of the research visit and expected results.
• Extended CV of receiving researchers.
• Certificate from the main supervisor or subject representative that the doctoral student has distinguished him/herself through special progress or achievements. For doctoral students who intend to present a monograph, special importance is attached to this certificate.
• Certificate from the receiving institution that the doctoral student is accepted and what resources etc. are provided.
• Budget (travel, accommodation, allowances, etc.). The budget may only include overheads that are justified by the student’s doctoral studies. The budget must contain clear accounts and calculations of, for example, foreign allowances for the entire visit.
• Co-financing by the institution is considered meritorious. The institution can contribute funds to cover overhead costs in connection with the stay. Any co-financing must be shown in the budget and certified by the head of department.
• Plan for possible future collaborations.

How and when to apply?

The application is submitted to the Council of Third-cycle Education (FUR), which decides on the funding.

• The application must be received by FUR no later than May 1, 2023.
• The applications are prepared by FUR and decisions are made at the regular FUR meeting on May 10. Notification to those whose application has been granted is expected to be given on May 12.
• The selection takes place with regard to each applicant’s special ambitions. Important for the assessment are the applicant’s previous studies and work record, the goals and the plan the applicant has for the visit, and the overall picture that the application and the included certificates give.

What’s next?

• Those whose applications are granted will receive further information on financial management of running costs.
• The applicant is responsible for any administrative measures regarding the visit, such as arranging accommodation, visas, residence permits etc.
• Two months after the end of the visit, a written report and a summary of costs are required.
• Following the visit, the scholarship recipient must hold an open seminar and report on his/her experiences.