Third call: Humans, Energy systems and Society
In this call we welcome project proposals that can increase our understanding of potential possibilities, risks and conflicts of interests associated with the transitioning into sustainable energy systems for all. The call is therefore primarily aimed at researchers working with perspectives and methods based in e.g. social sciences, humanities and interdisciplinary research. Proposals should be submitted by December 3, 2020, 23.59 at the latest.
The Swedish Energy Agency is allocating SEK 70 million within the research program “Humans, energy systems and society” (MESAM). Through the production of knowledge with diverse scientific and societal perspectives, research within the MESAM program is expected to improve societal understanding and management of complex energy and climate issues on various levels of society. The purpose of the call is to increase the understanding of potential possibilities, risks and conflicts of interests associated with the transitioning into sustainable energy systems for all.
Research results are expected be communicated in ways that increase the possibilities for actors to gain a deeper understanding of energy- and climate transitions. It is crucial that the new knowledge is utilized by actors on local, regional, national and possibly international level and that it brings about change.
In this call, projects with the following traits are especially welcome:
- projects that revolve around the questions who, how, where, when and why
- perspectives and methods based in e.g. social sciences, humanities and interdisciplinary research
- research that challenges existing knowledge and suggests alternatives which, at present, might seem both unrealistic and uneconomic but has the potential to help us understand and apply ideas and solutions in new ways
- research that study current knowledge and practices and examine the effects of established solutions
The earliest start date for sucessful projects is between September 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, and they may run for 3-4 years. One proposal per project manager is permitted.
Grants in this call is limited to a maximum amount of 9 million SEK per project. Applications for funding over 9 million SEK will be declined.
Who can apply?
Every actor that can contribute to the program objectives can apply. Research partners such as actors from the corporate and public sector as well as NGOs can participate in projects eligible for funding. However, the main applicant and project manager should preferably be:
- Universities
- University colleges
- Research institutes
The call is aimed at researchers working with perspectives and methods based in e.g. social sciences, humanities and interdisciplinary research and welcomes applications from junior as well as senior researchers.
Projects that aim to develop technology, or analyses of technological parts of the energy system are not included in this program.
How to apply
The proposal must be completed as described in the call text (found in the right margin) and submitted via the Swedish Energy Agency’s electronic application tool E-kanalen. Remember to obtain user access to E-kanalen well in advance, as this may take a few days.
The application may be written in Swedish or English (an English text must be supplemented by a Swedish summary). The application must explain the project in language that can be understood by those who are not experts in the field.
Last application date
2020-12-03
Funding available
70 million SEK
Contact
Phone support is available until 16.00 on December 3, 2020.
