Call for projects focusing on the effects of interrelated forest damage factors

Research from a natural or social science perspective involving inter-related/multiple damage agents are welcome.

Applications may be cross-disciplinary and are for research projects. We will prioritize projects that are in collaboration and co-developed with representatives from the forest sector. The SLU Forest Damage Centre can assist applicants with contacts to representatives from the forest sector on request. Internal or external co-funding, whether financial or in kind, is strongly encouraged. Collaborative projects need to include a letter of intent from the external partner, outlining their commitment to co-finance the project (either financially or in kind).

Project duration: 2026-2028, with a maximum length of 36 months. Projects can span over one to three years. The main applicant needs to be employed at SLU. The total budget for this call is 8 million SEK. The maximum budget that can be applied for is 2 000 000 SEK. Funded projects are required to submit a yearly short status report and a final report upon project completion.

Applications will be evaluated according to below grounds of assessment. Projects for the research school as well long-term monitoring projects will be handled separately and should not be included here.

Grounds of assessment

Project question

• Relevance of the project, in relation to scientific novelty, methodological advancement or other needs specified
• Possibility to reach for the project relevant results
• Quality of intended output

Method and performance

• Feasibility and suitability of the methods
• Well-defined and realistic work plan
• Ethical considerations when relevant
• Reasonable budget in relation to the intentions

Relevant competence

• Ability to carry out and coordinate the project and the research group
• Communication skills (dissemination of results to stakeholders/end users)
• Strength and competitiveness of the research group

Societal relevance and communication

• Connection to social/sectoral issues
• Short- or long-term practical application
• Stakeholder/end user needs accounted for
• A concrete and realistic plan for communication and other output

How to apply

Applications should be written in either English or Swedish with a popular summary in Swedish.

To apply, use this application template and attach the main applicant’s CV, along with a letter of intent from the external collaborative partner (if applicable). The CV should be no more than two pages and include the 10 most relevant publications.

Please adjust the box sizes below according to the length of your answer but ensure that the total text does not exceed the specified character limits for each box. Note that the character count includes spaces.

Applications need to be signed electronically via EduSign and shall be submitted digitally as one pdf to applyFDC@slu.se.

Questions

For questions, please contact the administrative coordinator of the SLU Forest Damage Centre, katja.fedrowitz@slu.se.