Large number of applications – budget doubled
The call “Realising the sustainable development goals” attracted plenty of interest from the scientific community – Formas received as many as 174 applications before the call closed.
The scientific community has mobilised around Agenda 2030. That is exactly what Formas had hoped for when the call opened in October 2019 requesting proposals to create research of high relevance to the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Agenda 2030.
“We are thrilled with the huge interest,” says Katarina Buhr, Senior Research Officer for the call. “We interpret this as a sign that Swedish research shows great potential to help translate research results into real-world impact in order to achieve the SDGs.”
Formas’ Scientific Council decided at its meeting on 5 February to contribute an additional 100 million kronor to the call’s budget in response to the large number of applications, for a total allocation of 200 million kronor for the call.
The decision date will also be postponed, from June to September, in order to ensure a high-quality review process, with reviewers who are qualified to assess the project proposals covering many different research areas.
As another part of Formas’ SDG efforts, Formas is arranging a conference on 4 May in Stockholm: Agenda 2030 – Hållbar omställning på vetenskaplig grund (A sustainable transformation grounded in science). Registration will open shortly.