# Exploratory grant in groundbreaking research

**Funder:** Swedish Research Council
**Deadline:** 29 September 2026 (Call opens 16 June 2026)
**Eligible countries:** SE
**Official call:** https://www.vr.se/english/applying-for-funding/calls/2026-06-03-exploratory-grant-in-groundbreaking-research.html
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports exploratory, groundbreaking research. Opening soon (16 June 2026); deadline 29 September 2026.

## Summary

The Swedish Research Council's Exploratory Grant funds groundbreaking, high-risk research across all disciplines in Sweden. The call supports researchers pursuing bold ideas that push disciplinary boundaries, with applications evaluated on originality and scientific potential. This call opens 16 June 2026 and closes 29 September 2026.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at Swedish academic or research institutions
- Scientists pursuing unconventional, high-risk research ideas
- All career stages and research fields eligible
- Projects that challenge existing paradigms or cross disciplinary boundaries

## Key dates

- Call opens 16 June 2026, closes 29 September 2026
- Single-stage application process

## Tips for applicants

- Lead with the novelty and scientific courage of your idea, not incremental progress, exploratory calls reward risk-taking.
- Articulate why existing funding streams won't support your work; explain what makes this groundbreaking rather than incremental.
- Clearly state the disciplinary or methodological boundary you are crossing and the potential impact if successful.

## Frequently asked questions

### When does the Swedish Research Council Exploratory Grant open?

The call opens 16 June 2026 with a deadline of 29 September 2026.

### Who can apply for this exploratory grant?

Researchers based at Swedish academic or research institutions across all disciplines.

### What kind of research does the Exploratory Grant support?

Groundbreaking, high-risk research that challenges existing paradigms and pushes disciplinary boundaries.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/swedish-research-council-exploratory-grant-in-groundbreaking-research-2026-09) — 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).