Researchers aim high for a sustainable future
Explore is Formas' largest call and supports innovative research of the highest scientific quality and social relevance. Now, 83 projects will share a total of 500 million SEK.
Society needs to continuously invest in research that advances the research frontier. This can involve providing new knowledge and new solutions – but also to challenge and develop the state of knowledge and the state of the art.
"Explore gives researchers the space to formulate research questions freely within Formas' areas of responsibility," says Linda Bell, Head of Department at Formas. "By promoting creativity and relevant risk-taking, we want to create conditions for research that can contribute to tomorrow's knowledge needs."
Exciting questions seeking answers
The research projects that now receive funding through Explore span all of Formas' areas of responsibility. The projects show great capacity for novelty and originality and are relevant to society in a variety of ways. Josefin Wangel, Senior Research Officer at Formas, has selected three projects that reflect this diversity:
Can airborne DNA be used for environmental monitoring?
"This project from Umeå University seeks to develop an innovative method for environmental monitoring", says Josefin. "They will collect and analyse airborne environmental DNA and compare the results to historical air filters, to see if this allows for monitoring changes in biodiversity. Environmental DNA is the DNA that organisms leave behind in their environment."
What can Sara Lidman teach us about the legal status of climate activism?
"This project, from Uppsala University, is innovative in the way it combines literary studies and law, and has the potential to advance knowledge through both theoretical and methodological development. It addresses the issue of the legal status of climate activism – a highly topical subject in today's society," Josefin continues.
Who carries the circular economy?
"This project, from Stockholm University, challenges ideas on circular economy by highlighting experiences from the Global South," says Josefin. "The focus is on informal workers who contribute to recycling, reuse and waste management."
Funded projects
Decision lists and success rates for Explore 2024 can be found on the call's website. Here, you can also find lists of all reviewers that have assessed proposals in the call.
Explore opens for applications again in autumn 2025
Are you a researcher with a doctorate and a career age of at least four years, and want to apply for funding in Explore 2025? The next call for proposals will open in the early autumn.