Research funding
In this section, you will find information about the various research grants available at the Faculty of Social Sciences and tips regarding external research funding.
Research grants from the Faculty of Social Sciences
The application period for the faculties’ travel and research grants is at the start of the spring and autumn semesters, normally in February and September.
Researchers, doctoral students, lecturers or readers at Lund University can apply for the grants. A few are also open to undergraduate students including Master’s students.
PhD holders employed until further notice as senior lecturer or lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences, who do not have more than 30 percent of their position reserved for research, can apply for application months to draw up research applications.
The funding is to be used to produce a major national or international research application. The support can be used to finance working hours, for assistance in the form of a research assistant and/or for contact travel for parties involved in the project. Any PhD holder employed until further notice at the Faculty of Social Sciences can apply.
More information about funding for costs associated with major research applications
PhD holders employed until further notice as senior lecturer or lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences, who do not have more than 30 percent of their position reserved for research, can apply for funding to develop collaborations with external actors.
More information about funding for research-related external engagement
External research funding
How to write a good research proposal
- Keep track of funding bodies. Which calls for proposals match your research, and how are the funding bodies’ assessment panels structured? Read through and follow the instructions carefully.
- Capture the assessors’ interest immediately. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make the title and introduction engaging. Explain the significance of your project by describing why it is important right now and how it will contribute to existing knowledge.
- Work on the design of your research project. The reader should be able to see the connection between the purpose, method, research expertise, and long-term vision within the research field.
- Ask for feedback! Have a colleague or friend read your application. An outside perspective can sharpen both the idea and the approach.
- Consider language and clarity. Even non-experts should be able to understand your project and find it engaging. Follow the instructions and templates provided for formalities and layout. If the template allows, you can include simple visual elements (e.g., images or tables) that clarify the content.
- Get as much as possible out of your application. Reuse and further develop the text where appropriate, for example for other publications. Apply often and strategically – practice makes perfect.
Read our guide
For more detailed tips on what your application should contain and what funders are looking for, download the guide that the faculty's research council has compiled:
A brief guide to writing a strong research proposal (PDF, 718 kB, new tab)
Learn more about external research funding
Take a look at our overview of recurring calls!
Other research funding support at Lund University
Funding via Research Services
Research Services offer researchers and research teams support and help on issues concerning external research funding.
Read more about Research Services on the Lund University Staff Pages
Subscribe to newsletters on research funding (link to Staff pages)
Funding for publishing fees via the University Library
Researchers at Lund University can apply for funding to publish in open access journals when the journal is not included in any of the publishing agreements.
Read more about how to apply for financial publishing support on the University Library's website
Contact
Elin Hermansson
Faculty Coordinator
+46 46 222 84 49
elin [dot] hermansson [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se (elin[dot]hermansson[at]sam[dot]lu[dot]se)