# Norwegian Centres of Excellence – SFF VI – Phase 2

**Funder:** Research Council of Norway
**Duration:** 120 months
**Consortium:** Required — centres formed through collaboration between research groups
**Eligible countries:** NO
**Official call:** https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/call-for-proposals/2026/norwegian-centres-excellence-sff-phase-2/
**Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Scheme allows Norway's leading researchers to organise research activities in centres pursuing ambitious scientific objectives through long-term collaboration and basic funding.

## Summary

The Norwegian Centres of Excellence (SFF VI) scheme, run by the Research Council of Norway, funds long-term basic research centres formed through collaboration between leading research groups, with this call covering Phase 2 of SFF VI over a 120-month period. It targets Norway's most accomplished researchers organising multi-group centres, and requires a consortium rather than a single applicant.

## Who should apply

- Established, leading researchers based at Norwegian institutions
- Consortia of multiple research groups forming a joint centre
- Teams pursuing ambitious, long-term basic research rather than short applied projects
- Institutions able to host and administer a decade-long centre

## Key dates

- Phase 2 of the SFF VI call (check Research Council of Norway site for exact deadline)
- 120-month (10-year) centre duration

## Tips for applicants

- Frame the proposal around a single ambitious long-term research vision rather than a bundle of separate group projects, SFF panels weigh cross-group integration heavily.
- Since this is Phase 2, align the full proposal tightly with whatever concept or outline was submitted at Phase 1 rather than introducing new scope.
- Name the collaborating research groups and their governance structure explicitly, since consortium formation is a core eligibility requirement.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does a Norwegian Centre of Excellence (SFF VI) run?

The centre duration for this call is 120 months, i.e. ten years.

### Who can apply for the SFF VI Phase 2 call?

Norway's leading researchers organised into consortia of collaborating research groups, based at eligible Norwegian institutions.

### Is a consortium required for SFF VI?

Yes, centres must be formed through collaboration between multiple research groups; single-applicant proposals are not eligible.

### What kind of research does SFF VI fund?

It funds ambitious, long-term basic research rather than applied or short-term projects.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-council-of-norway-norwegian-centres-of-excellence-sff-vi-phase-2-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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