Unesco Chairs
The main UNESCO building in Paris, France. Foto: Adobe Stock Images
UNESCO is the United Nation’s organisation for cooperation in education, science, culture and communication. In collaboration with the Swedish National Commission for UNESCO, the Swedish Research Council is announcing a call for the establishment of four UNESCO Chairs.
Through this appointment, the host institution can expand its academic networks and strengthen local, national and global collaboration with experts and policymakers within the UN system. In doing so, the UNESCO Chairs contribute to the work of the United Nations and UNESCO in promoting peace, human rights and sustainability.
Support Letter for Application
Anyone at Uppsala University who wishes to apply for these professorships must obtain a support letter from the Vice-Rector.
How to obtain a support letter:
Teknat (Faculty of Science and Technology)
Applicants must notify Teknat Research Support (e-mail) no later than 15 December that they intend to submit an application. Deadline to submit materials/draft of the support letter: January 12, 2026.
Medfarm (Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy)
Researchers at Medfarm should contact Medfarm Research Support if they are interested in applying for the UNESCO professorship.
Deadline to submit materials/draft of the support letter: January 15, 2026.
Humsam (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)
Researchers at Humsam should reach out by e-mail if they are interested in applying for the UNESCO professorship. Deadline to submit materials/draft of the support letter: January 15, 2026.
Facts about the call
Applicant: Applications must be submitted by a HEI or research institute, which shall propose an academic head, referred to as the Chairholder, for the establishment of the Chair. The proposed Chairholder is responsible for the scientific leadership of the application and for ensuring that the application is complete and compliant with the submission guidelines.
Duration of the UNESCO Chair: 4 years, with the possibility of extension in accordance with UNESCO’s guidelines.
Start date of the UNESCO Chair: No earlier than November 2026
Application period: 1 October 2025 (14.00/2 p.m.) – 30 January 2026 (14.00/2 pm)