Research Grant – researchers from the USA

The Swedish Cancer Society announces targeted support for researchers from the USA.

Swedish universities can now apply for a 3–5 year research grant to recruit an established researcher currently working in the USA to a position in Sweden within the field of cancer research.

Purpose

The aim of the call is to strengthen Swedish cancer research through international recruitment of established researchers with independent research in the USA. The grant facilitates the establishment of new research environments or the enhancement of existing ones by providing long-term support for international expertise in cancer research.

The host department is required to co-finance the grant, which may be done in various ways, such as contributing part of the salary or providing resources in the form of  “in-kind” contributions.

The form of employment for the recruited researcher is to be determined by the university. The Swedish Cancer Society will give priority to researchers appointed to regular academic positions rather than to guest professorships/visiting researcher positions.

If the researcher is to be employed as a guest professor/visiting researcher, the preliminary plan from the Swedish university should clarify when the position is expected to transition into a different employment form.

Who can apply

Only Swedish universities may apply for the grant. The application must concern a researcher currently active in the USA whom the host institution wishes to recruit for a position in Sweden. The researcher must be aware of the application and have given their consent.

Each university may apply for funding for up to two researchers. The university is responsible for submitting the application, and it must be signed by the Head of Department. The university selects a representative to submit the application, such as an administrator or similar.

What is funded and grant amount

• Salary funding for the recruited researcher for 3–5 years.
• Start-up grant for building a research group (personnel, operations, equipment).
• Funds for relocation and establishment in Sweden.
• The grant amount is a maximum of SEK 2 million per year.
• The Swedish Cancer Society allows deductions for indirect costs up to 15.25% of the grant.

Requirements for the nominated researcher

• PhD awarded at least three years ago.
• Currently active at a university in the USA.
• Leads independent research within the cancer field.
• Has documented scientific experience.
• Must be interested in establishing a long-term presence in Sweden.

What the application must include

• A description of the host department's need for the researcher and how the researcher will strengthen the scientific environment.
• Name, CV, and publication list of the proposed researcher.
• Research program.
• Letter of consent from the nominated researcher.
• Budget and resource allocation (facilities, equipment, support staff, etc.).
• The host department's preliminary plan for the long-term establishment of the recruited researcher.
• All parts of the application must be written in English.

Selection criteria

• Scientific quality
• The competence of the researcher
• Cancer relevance
• The department’s plan for integrating the researcher.

Timeline

• The call opens on September 4, 2025.
• The application deadline is October 30, 2025, at 15:00 CET.
• Evaluation takes place during November 2025, and decisions will be made in December 2025.
• The earliest possible start date for the researcher is January 1, 2026, in accordance with mutual agreement.

Please note: The application must be signed by the Head of Department and submitted by the institution no later than October 30 at 15:00 CET.