The program Mistra Sustainable Consumption does for example research on how we reduce consumption and travel more by train. Photo: Unsplash

The Mistra Sustainable Consumption (MSC) program seeks to engage young, international researchers as active partners in collaborative and comparative research projects within the program’s core areas of scientific interest. MSC therefore invites Ph.D. students and young researchers in early stages of their career (max 5 years after Ph.D. completion) to apply for grants for short-term research visits at Swedish universities involved in the MSC program. 

The grant is also applicable to Ph.D. students and young researchers in Sweden associated to MSC aiming to be guest researchers in leading international environments with strong relevance for the program.

Information about the Mistra Sustainable Consumption programme. 

Tasks and expected outcomes

The purpose of the young researcher visits is to initiate, deepen or otherwise contribute to building up long-term institutional cooperation and contacts between Swedish scholars and international research environments. Priority will therefore be given to candidates who are affiliated with environments that have strong scientific relevance to the MSC program. 

Successful applicants will be expected to work collaboratively with researchers within the MSC program. The research visit is expected to result in a tangible outcome in the form of e.g. collaboration for an article in an international scientific journal. Where relevant, joint participation in international conferences (e.g. in the form of shared sessions) is also encouraged, as are joint applications for research grants. 

What the grant covers

The duration of the guest research visit will normally be 1-3 months, although other time frames are also possible. The grant can be used to cover costs that are directly related to the research visit, i.e. travel and accommodation costs. In the normal case the host institution will be reimbursed for costs for the travel and the accommodation. Salary costs, meals and/or per diem will not be covered by the grant. In line with our consumption policy, travel by train is preferred whenever possible. Each applicant can only be awarded one grant per year.

Procedures and how to apply

The invitation to apply for grants is continuously open. Candidates will be expected to start their research visit within six months after receiving the grant. Applications should include:

  • A personal letter including a description of (2-3 pages):
    • the applicant’s institutional environment and professor/research group
    • the applicant’s previous and ongoing research and how this connects to the MSC program
    • planned activities and expected outcomes of the research visit
    • length of the visit, a budget for the applied amount and the details of the grant receiving organisation
  • A letter of endorsement from the applicant’s home institution
  • A letter from the host institution where the research visit is confirmed and motivated.

Questions and applications shall be sent to info@sustainableconsumption.se. The decision is then taken by the MSC steering group.

The guest researcher is required to submit a summary report of her/his work within four weeks after completion of the visit.