Fourth call: Human, Energy Systems and Society (MESAM)

The energy system consists of a combination of actors (humans, organizations and institutions), technology, infrastructure, policy, legislation, markets as well as social aspects such as norms and values, that are all linked together and influence each other in matters such as the design and change of structure of the energy systems. 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.

It is crucial that the new knowledge is to be utilized by actors on local, regional, national, and possibly international level and that it brings about change. Therefore, we expect the projects to be carried out in close collaboration with actors. Research results that increase the possibilities for actors to gain a deeper understanding of energy- and climate transitions. The call includes 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. It includes projects that contribute to transitioning into sustainable energy systems for all by new working methods, processes, and tools and examine these in practice.

The call welcomes research projects that:

• In close collaboration with actors, develops and tests new working methods, processes and tools and examine them in practice to create learning and change, and thereby can contribute to transitioning into sustainable energy systems for all.
• Projects that study actual cases and practices that can set good examples and result in suggestions for improvements.

This call is primarily aimed at researchers working with perspectives and methods based in e.g., social sciences, humanities and interdisciplinary research as well as energy and climate issues. Collaboration between researchers and actors such as authorities, community stakeholders and citizens are mandatory in this call. In collaborative activities, a mutual exchange between actors is considered central.

The earliest start date for successful projects is between March 1, 2023 and May 1, 2023, and they can last no longer than 31 December 2025. 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.

New date: The proposal must be submitted by August 31, 2022, 23.59 at the latest. Phone support is available until 16.00 the same day.

Digital information meeting

The Swedish Energy Agency is organizing a digital information meeting on March 31 at 13.00. 

At the meeting, we will talk about the call, the application process, and the review of applications. During the meeting, you will have the opportunity to ask us questions.

To participate, register no later than the day before the information meeting. The meeting is held in Swedish, nevertheless it is possible to ask questions in English.

About the research program Human, Energy Systems and Society (MESAM)

The call is part of the research program Human, Energy Systems and Society (MESAM). MESAM is one of the Swedish Energy Agency´s initiatives in social sciences, humanities and interdisciplinary research. There is a total of SEK 320 million in allocated funds for the program, that will finance research during 2018–2025. The program is directed to knowledge and expertise where knowledge and skills about the complex relationships and contradictions in the handling of energy and climate issues are the focus. This is the fourth call within the MESAM research program.