# Top Researchers – Researcher Projects to Develop World Leading Research Communities

**Funder:** Research Council of Norway
**Budget:** NOK 15M–40M
**Duration:** 48-96 months
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** NO
**Official call:** https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/call-for-proposals/2025/top-researchers-researcher-projects-world-leading-communities/
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds curiosity-driven, bold research to help good research environments develop into world-leading research communities. NOK 320,000,000 presumed available for this call.

## Summary

The Top Researchers, Researcher Projects scheme funds Norwegian research environments to develop into world-leading communities, with grants between NOK 15-40 million over four to eight years. The call is open to approved Norwegian research organisations across all disciplines and supports curiosity-driven, bold research without geographic or disciplinary restrictions. This is a rolling programme with no fixed deadline, allowing year-round applications.

## Who should apply

- Research leaders at approved Norwegian academic and research institutions
- Established research groups with a track record of publication and grant capture
- Projects aiming to build world-class research communities, not one-off studies
- Researchers across all disciplines willing to articulate bold, long-term visions

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, applications accepted year-round; verify submission windows on the Research Council of Norway website
- Four to eight year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Frame your application around environment-building and team development, not just individual researcher output; this funder explicitly targets research communities.
- Curiosity-driven research is valued, avoid over-engineering the application to match a perceived 'outcome' preference; state the bold question clearly.
- Verify your institution's approval status with the Research Council of Norway before investing application effort.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the Top Researchers scheme award?

Between NOK 15 million and NOK 40 million per project.

### What is the project duration for Top Researchers grants?

Projects run for 4 to 8 years, depending on the scope and ambition of the research environment.

### Who is eligible to apply for Top Researchers funding?

Research leaders and teams at approved Norwegian research organisations across all disciplines.

### Is the Top Researchers deadline fixed or rolling?

The programme has a rolling deadline, meaning applications are accepted year-round; check the Research Council of Norway website for any submission windows.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-council-of-norway-top-researchers-researcher-projects-to-develop-wor-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).