# Radical Research Ideas for Early Career Scientists

**Funder:** Research Council of Norway
**Budget:** NOK 500k–2M
**Duration:** 4-12 months
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** NO
**Official call:** https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/call-for-proposals/2025/radical-research-ideas-early-career-scientists/
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds particularly bold, high-risk research ideas open to all research areas, with NOK 50,000,000 presumed available. Aimed at early career scientists at approved Norwegian research organisations.

## Summary

The Radical Research Ideas for Early Career Scientists programme funds bold, high-risk research projects for early-career researchers across all disciplines, with grants between NOK 500,000 and 2,000,000 for 4-12 month projects. Supported by the Research Council of Norway, it is open to researchers at approved Norwegian research organisations who wish to test unconventional ideas without the constraints of traditional grant review. The call operates on a rolling deadline, making it possible to apply year-round.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers at approved Norwegian research organisations
- Researchers with genuinely unconventional or high-risk research ideas
- Projects spanning any discipline (science, engineering, social sciences, humanities)
- Applicants seeking rapid prototyping or proof-of-concept funding outside traditional peer review

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, applications accepted continuously throughout the year
- Project duration: 4-12 months
- Budget range: NOK 500,000-2,000,000 per project

## Tips for applicants

- Frame your idea's novelty and risk explicitly, panels expect and reward unconventional thinking, not incremental extensions of prior work.
- The short timeline (4-12 months) means scoping is critical; show what you can realistically achieve in this window to test your radical hypothesis.
- Host institution approval is gating; confirm your organisation is on the Research Council of Norway's approved list before drafting.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Radical Research Ideas grant pay?

Between NOK 500,000 and NOK 2,000,000 per project, depending on scope and duration.

### How long can a Radical Research Ideas project run?

Between 4 and 12 months.

### Is there a deadline for the Radical Research Ideas programme?

No; the call operates on a rolling deadline, accepting applications continuously throughout the year.

### What kind of research is eligible for Radical Research Ideas?

Particularly bold, high-risk research ideas across all disciplines, provided the applicant is based at an approved Norwegian research organisation.

### Can I apply to Radical Research Ideas if I am not based in Norway?

No; applicants must be employed at an approved Norwegian research organisation.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-council-of-norway-radical-research-ideas-for-early-career-scientists-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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