Frequently asked questions on reserach funding

Find answers to frequently asked questions about research funding.

Applications and internal processes

Are there internal deadlines at Uppsala University before the funder’s deadline?

Yes. Some calls have internal deadlines prior to the funder’s deadline, for example when nomination or prioritisation is required. This applies for example to certain calls from the Wallenberg Foundations and some organisational applications to the Swedish Research Council.

Does my application need to be approved internally at Uppsala University before submission?

Yes, most applications require approval from the Head of Department (or equivalent) before they can be submitted.

How much time should I allocate to preparing an application?

Formulating research ideas clearly and persuasively often takes more time than expected. You should therefore start well in advance of the funder’s deadline – larger applications may require several months of work.

Do I need to consider data management already at the application stage?

Your approach to data management should be integrated throughout the project design and be clearly described in the application. In some cases, a data management plan must also be included.

Do I need ethical approval before submitting my application?

No, usually not. However, ethical considerations should be addressed already during project planning and are often expected to be clearly described in the application.

Budget and finances

What overhead (OH) rate should I use?

Each department has its own overhead rate. Please contact your departmental financial officer.

Is there anything specific I need to consider when preparing a project budget?

In addition to direct project costs, you also need to consider indirect costs and premises, depreciation, salary increases, publication costs, and any co-funding requirements. Please contact your departmental financial officer for guidance and support.

EU funding

Can the University provide support for applications to Horizon Europe?

Yes, qualified support is available. Please contact a research advisor at your disciplinary domain.

What is the difference between a coordinator and a partner in an EU collaborative project?

The coordinator has overall responsibility for the strategic, organizational, and operational management of the project. The coordinator is also responsible for submitting the proposal and for reporting to the European Commission. A partner participates in the project and reports to the coordinator.

What is required to be a coordinator in an EU collaborative project?

Serving as a coordinator requires substantial experience with EU-funded projects, as well as strong project management and communication skills. Coordinators often appoint or recruit a project manager as support.

What is Uppsala University’s Participant Identification Code (PIC) that is required to participate in EU applications?

Uppsala University’s PIC is: 999985029

When can I apply for an ERC (European Research Council) Starting Grant?

According to the new rules (Spring 2026), applicants must be 0–10 years after their PhD.

Projects after grant approval

What happens once my project has been awarded funding?

You and/or your department need to formally accept the grant with the funder, and in some cases a contract must be signed.

What is a consortium agreement?

An agreement between the collaborating parties in a project that regulates responsibilities, collaboration, and rights, including work distribution, budget, intellectual property (IP), and publication.

What is a grant agreement?

An agreement between the principal investigator/host institution and the funder that sets out the terms and conditions of the grant.

What happens if I change university during the project?

This usually requires approval from the funder.

What happens if ethical approval is not in place at the start of the project?

Any part of the project that requires ethical approval cannot begin until approval has been obtained.