# Project grant for planning or pilot study for a future clinical study in therapy research

**Funder:** Swedish Research Council
**Deadline:** 25 August 2026 (Opens 27 May 2026)
**Eligible countries:** SE
**Official call:** https://www.vr.se/english/applying-for-funding/calls/2025-11-11-project-grant-for-planning-or-pilot-study-for-a-future-clinical-study-in-therapy-research.html
**Last verified:** 21 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds planning or pilot studies preparatory to a future clinical study in therapy research. Requires clinical/patient-study orientation. Swedish host institutions.

## Summary

The Swedish Research Council Project Grant for planning or pilot studies funds early-stage work preparatory to a future clinical study in therapy research. The call targets researchers in Sweden with clinical or patient-sample focus, supporting the design, feasibility work, and preliminary data collection needed before launching a full clinical trial.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at Swedish academic or clinical institutions
- Projects designed as preparatory work for a future clinical study
- Therapy research with direct clinical or patient-sample involvement
- Applicants planning to conduct feasibility work, protocol development, or pilot data collection

## Key dates

- Application window: 27 May, 25 August 2026
- Single-stage application

## Tips for applicants

- Frame your proposal as a clear stepping-stone to a defined future clinical study, vague pilot work ranks lower.
- Include patient or clinical collaborator letters confirming recruitment feasibility and site commitment; this is critical for Swedish Research Council evaluation.
- Budget explicitly for regulatory approvals (ethics, data protection) and any patient engagement costs alongside research activities.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the Swedish Research Council Project Grant for planning studies fund?

Planning and pilot studies that are preparatory to a future clinical study in therapy research, including feasibility work, protocol development, and preliminary data collection.

### Who is eligible for this Swedish Research Council grant?

Researchers based at Swedish academic or clinical institutions with a project focused on therapy research involving clinical or patient samples.

### When is the deadline for the Swedish Research Council planning/pilot study grant?

Applications open 27 May 2026 and close 25 August 2026.

### Can I use this grant to fund a full clinical study?

No, this grant funds only planning and pilot work preparatory to a future clinical study, not the main trial itself.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/swedish-research-council-project-grant-for-planning-or-pilot-study-for-a-fu-2026-08) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.