Formas' call for applications for grants for research and development projects in the area of animal welfare
Last day of application: 2009-05-26
Day of decision: 2009-11-23
FAQs
The Swedish Research Council Formas is calling for applications for grants for research and development projects in the area of animal welfare.
The mission of the Research Council Formas is to promote and support basic research and need-driven research of the highest scientific quality in the areas Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning. The research council is also responsible for information on research and research results.
The research should contribute to the sustainable development of society - a development which implies that the finite resources of the planet and the environment are not consumed or degraded in an irrevocable manner, to the detriment of future generations. This presupposes that the health and welfare of humans and animals, biodiversity, the environment and the viability of nature, economics, ethics, and social and cultural values are taken into consideration. A more detailed description of the areas of responsibility of Formas can be found in Formas' strategies and research programmes.
The Government bill on research and innovation proposed increased support for research in the field of animal welfare and the Research Council Formas should use 12 million SEK during 2009 to strengthen the research and development of animal welfare.
Animal welfare is an important ethical issue and it is central that regulations for animal welfare are based on scientific knowledge, and it is also important to keep a long-term perspective. Results from research on animals kept by man, have a positive impact on animal welfare, and is also vital for political discussions in the European Union.
Research on animal welfare comprises research that aims to increase the basic knowledge about animals, such as social needs, physiology, genetics, nutrition and behaviour. With the demands for enlarged livestock units, the development of housing and management systems and other technological solutions, it is important to pay attention to animal welfare consequences.
The foreseen climate changes will put further demands on new knowledge. Research is important in the process of keeping regulations for animal welfare up to date. The climate changes will introduce new pathogens that demand research aiming at the establishment of methods for disease prevention that will improve the welfare of animals.
The criteria for the assessment and ranking of the applications are scientific and societal values for Formas' areas of responsibility. Gender perspectives should be taken into account in project proposals where this is relevant. Grants may be used as Swedish co-funding of EU projects with an R&D orientation.
The earliest date of commencement of projects is December 2009. Applications for funds may be made for not more than three years, 2009 – 2011. The applicants must have been awarded their doctorate not later than 1 November 2009. Applications will be assessed by Formas' standing expert committees, which primarily are comprised by active and highly qualified researchers.
Formas Handbook 2009 contains a detailed description of Formas policies and rules, the forms of project support and the application procedure, and information on how applications are assessed.
The call will close and the application has to be registered in Formas Direct at 24:00 hrs, 26 May 2009. Technical support from Formas is provided for until 16:00 on the last day of application. Please, make certain to submit your application in time before 16:00 in case that you will need technical support. Applications are to be made via an online form on Formas' website.
The Scientific Council of Formas will make its decision on applications on 23 November 2009. The results of the decision will be announced the next day on Formas' website.
For further information, contact:
Sara Österman, Senior Research Officer
Tel. +46 8-775 40 50
E-mail: 
