Call for pilot projects in biological control

The SLU Centre for Biological Control (CBC) promotes the long-term development of knowledge in the field of biological control of pests, diseases and weeds, in close collaboration with stakeholders. One of the centre’s aims is to maintain a strong university-wide research environment in this field. To contribute to this CBC is now opening a call for pilot projects in biological control, which is open to all SLU researchers. Biological control is defined as the use of living organisms to control harmful organisms. 

From scientific literature reviews to small projects

Proposed projects can range from scientific literature reviews to small projects aiming to test new ideas. Funding to supplement already ongoing research projects is unlikely to be granted unless the proposal is for a new and clearly defined addition to the project. Ideally, the proposed projects should have a tangible outcome, such as a concrete plan for a publication or a substantial grant application. New research collaborations are particularly encouraged. CBC is allocating 630,000 SEK to this call, with individual project proposals expected to total no more than 200,000 SEK. The grant can cover both salary (including full OH) and running costs. The maximum duration of individual projects is 12 months. 
 
The application should include:

• A project plan (one A4 page maximum) outlining a clearly defined research question, methods, and a timetable. 
• A short CV (maximum two A4 pages per participant) including a list of selected publications.
• A budget prepared in the SLU project calculator.

Main applicants should not currently hold a position within the CBC, although current CBC researchers can be included as collaborators in the proposed project. The application should be sent to Maria Viketoft (maria.viketoft@slu.se) no later than 15 September 2025. 
 
Proposals will be evaluated based on their innovative quality, relevance to CBC goals (see www.slu.se/cbc) and the scientific quality of the project plan and applicants. Decisions on grant allocation will be made by the Activity and Steering Groups of CBC by October 2025. Granted projects are expected to start by December 2025 at the latest.

All projects must be reported to CBC by the end of January 2027. This report should include a one-page summary of the work carried out and how the funding was used. Depending on the project type, grant recipients may be asked to deliver a CBC seminar, and the summary may be converted into a CBC news item. CBC must be acknowledged in any project output.
 
For more information, please contact the Director of CBC, Maria Viketoft  or the Chair of the Steering Group, Hanna Friberg.