Environmental technology - Call for applications

Last day of application: 2009-12-01
Day of decision: 2010-04-20

List of those who has received a grant.

The task of Research Council Formas is to promote and support basic research and need related research of the highest scientific quality and relevance in the areas environment, agricultural sciences and spatial planning. Research must contribute to sustainable development of society. For this to be possible, it is necessary that due attention is paid to the health and wellbeing of humans and animals, biodiversity, the viability of the environment and nature, economy, ethics, and social and cultural values.

Background
During 2006, Research Council Formas and VINNOVA were mandated by the Government to draw up a common research strategy for environmental technology. The Strategy Report, which was submitted to the Government on 1 February 2007, describes the background, starting points and considerations for the strategy. Six areas of special Swedish expertise are stated. The importance of system innovations and system solutions is stressed. Proposals are also given for strategic measures and initiatives within the areas of activity of Formas and VINNOVA, also in cooperation with other actors.

The objective of the research strategy is to make a concerted effort concerning research and development of environmental technology. The strategy intends to promote the development of new knowledge and to strengthen competence in the field of environmental technology, and to promote Swedish competitiveness in the global market for environmental technology.

Formas has made two calls for applications for research grants in the field of environmental technology. Some 20 projects were granted within the calls. The projects were co-financed by the private sector, VINNOVA and the Swedish Energy Agency.

Formas is now advertising a third call for applications for research grants in the field of environmental technology. The total funds available from Formas for the period 2010-2012 amount to MSEK 20.

The focus of the call for applications
The call comprises the six areas of special Swedish expertise that are set out in the strategy. They are:

• Sustainable built environment: areas of overarching importance such as sustainable buildings, sustainable renovation and sustainable cities, and more specific areas of technology such as building systems for timber, control and monitoring systems, and techniques for local energy supply.
• Sustainable transport: vehicles, traffic systems, logistics – new engines and new technology for propulsion, new fuels, technology and systems for public transport and shipping, and new methods and systems for effective transport that is coordinated among different modes.
• Environmental protection technology: treatment of water and sewage effluent, flue gas cleaning, soil remediation, waste management and recycling – cooperation among society, research and companies provides a good opportunity to promote development and export, and, not least, to demonstrate good examples.
• Use of biological natural resources: new processes to safeguard several components and/or energy in an effective way, new materials from renewable raw materials, new functional composites (surface and barrier materials, packaging and lubricants).
• Lightweight and advanced materials: in many areas, e.g. in applications where weight is significant for energy use or fuel consumption, materials that produce little waste or can be recycled, as well as advanced materials for e.g. electronics, medical technology, photovoltaic cells and sensors. In this area also, new processes for more effective production are of great importance.
• Energy: new technology for energy supply and more effective use of energy – such as solar energy technology, district heating technology, effective industrial processes, effective construction technology and lighting engineering, etc.

Applications in all the above areas are welcome.

Formas would welcome applications that:

• Are system based, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary
• Deal with social science aspects
• Refer to projects associated with demonstration projects

Special information
The duration of projects may be not more than three years.

Co-finance of 50% from the private sector is required. Such co-finance may consist of the company's own work. The co-financing, as well as the total financing, should be given in the co-financing form.

In the area of environmental technology and within this call, Formas is cooperating with VINNOVA and the Swedish Energy Agency. VINNOVA and the Swedish Energy Agency may contribute to the financing of selected projects in addition to Formas financing.

The normal size of a project is about MSEK 2 annually including co-financing.

The total costs of the project, divided into direct and indirect costs (overhead) should be included in the application.

Gender perspectives are to be observed in projects where this is relevant.

Grants may be used as Swedish co-finance for EU projects.

Assessment
The applications will be assessed by a special expert panel.

The last date for submission of applications is 1 December 2009. Application to Formas is done via a web-based form.

The Research Board of Formas will make its decision in April 2010.

The decisions will be promulgated the following day on the Formas website.

For information regarding how the application should be organized and how it will be assessed, see Formas’ Handbook 2009.

For more information, contact

Conny Rolén, Formas

tel 08-775 4030

Contact person at VINNOVA is Helen Andréasson

tel 08-473 3088

Contact person at the Swedish Energy Agency is Peter Rohlin

tel 016-544 2112