The sessions are held in either Swedish or English, depending on what you prefer. Individual sessions, or combinations thereof, can be arranged at any time of the year in agreement with The Research Support and Collaboration Office.
Are you interested?
Please contact us at rso@umu.se
We will then agree with you on a suitable time and place/collaboration platform.
For example, we can help you get a better idea of different funders' calls and application processes or hone your research plan.
Photo: Malin Grönborg
Seminars for researchers
We offer seminars for groups ranging from 5 to 50 participants. They are open to researchers from all fields of study and career stages, unless otherwise stated. Each session lasts approximately 40 minutes and requires no prior preparation.
Preparing for European Research Council (ERC) funding
The ERC offers career grants for researchers divided into three grant schemes: Starting, Consolidator and Advanced Grant. The idea is that researchers, regardless of career stage, should be given the chance to focus on their research idea for five years. Applications to the ERC are assessed based upon the scientific excellence of both the researcher and his or her research proposal.
Purpose: Through this seminar, we aim to assist you in becoming prepared for writing a grant application to the ERC. We will guide you in finding and understanding the various calls for proposals, as well as how to navigate the application process and manage finances in accordance with the rules of both the EU and Umeå University.
How to apply for Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Mobility Programmes
MSCA supports both individual researchers and groups of researchers in all career stages, in order to promote internationalisation and collaboration. That is why MSCA is an important tool when it comes to strengthening and building networks.
Purpose: Through this seminar, we aim to prepare you for writing a grant application to MSCA. We will guide you in finding and understanding calls for proposals within MSCA, as well as how to navigate the application process and manage finances in accordance with the rules of both the EU and Umeå University.
Applying for consortium projects from Horizon Europe (HEU)
Horizon Europe is the EU framework programme for research and innovation. From here, you can, for example, apply for career funding, mobility support, and funding for extensive collaborative projects. In most EU projects, you must collaborate across various sectors (academia, public sector, businesses, and different end-users) in consortia. Additionally, participants are often required to represent at least three member states.
Purpose: Through this seminar, we aim to assist you in becoming prepared to apply for project funding from HEU. We will guide you in finding and comprehending various calls for proposals, as well as how to navigate the application process and manage finances in accordance with the rules of both the EU and Umeå University.
Writing a successful application for the Swedish Research Council (VR)
The Swedish Research Council is the biggest national research funding body in Sweden. Each year, VR supports high-quality research across all scientific disciplines, but the competition is fierce. The applications are assessed based on four criteria: innovation and originality; the scientific quality of the project; feasibility; and the applicant's expertise.
Purpose: To improve your chances of receiving funding from the Swedish Research Council. We will provide tips and suggestions on how to strengthen your application, and explain how to manage both the application process and finances in accordance with the rules of both the VR and Umeå University.
Sharpening your research plan
In order to attract external research funding in high competition, a good research question and a well-written research plan are required.
Purpose: To provide guidance and useful tips on how to write a successful research plan. We will exemplify the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them, as well as highlight aspects that make an application attractive to the funding body.
Workshops for researchers
Our workshops can accommodate groups ranging from 5 to 15 participants. They are open to researchers from all fields of study and career stages, and require no prior preparation unless otherwise stated.
Writing a successful application for the Swedish Research Council (VR)
The Swedish Research Council is the biggest national research funding body in Sweden. Each year, VR supports high-quality research across all scientific disciplines, but the competition is fierce. The applications are assessed based on four criteria: innovation and originality; the scientific quality of the project; feasibility; and the applicant's expertise.
Purpose: To increase your understanding of VR's project design, highlight what characterizes granted VR applications, and inspire you to improve your own application.
Setup: The workshop takes approximately 2 hours. Together, we will analyse and discuss granted project applications within the various calls of the Swedish Research Council.
Learning to describe collaboration and impact
It is becoming increasingly common for funders to require collaboration with the surrounding community in research projects (in the form of authorities, organizations, companies and/or private individuals), as well a description of the impact of your research.
Purpose: To describe effective collaboration strategies with society, and provide tools to strengthen the parts of the project application that describe the social benefits and plan for communication.
Setup: The workshop takes about 2 hours and is largely based on the individual researcher's perspective and research focus. We will mix lectures with shorter discussions and reflection sessions.
Please note, you can find more courses and workshops in this area on the page
Improve your skills in collaboration and impact
Research funding beyond VR and RJ for Humanists and Social Scientists
Are you interested in expanding your search patterns for funding, outside the traditional funding bodies in your field? Then this is a workshop for you.
Purpose: To increase awareness of the public research funding landscape, in order to encourage and inspire you to new, broader search patterns. Hopefully, this can help you increase your chances of securing research funding.
Setup: The workshop takes about 2 hours. We will discuss and compare successful applications in your field from various funders.
Idea development – Writing a one-page proposal
Idea development is a first step to a research application. A good way to move from idea to project outline is to have the opportunity to discuss the research idea – and get constructive feedback during the process.
Purpose: To stimulate idea development and a first outline of a project design. In short, help you summarize your research proposal on a single page. By discussing your research idea, we can also help identify relevant funders.
Setup: The workshop takes approximately 2 hours. Participants will prepare by writing one A4 page about their research idea. During the workshop, the drafts will be discussed and participants will also receive feedback from us at The Research Support and Collaboration Office.