Invitation for an Expression of Interest: project ideas in Planetary Biology
The SciLifeLab Planetary Biology Capability (PB Capability) invites researchers across Sweden to propose ideas that will drive significant advancements in environmental life sciences, are based on the SciLifeLab infrastructure and could be developed into project ideas with potential for high societal impact.
In the future, we expect that innovative projects in planetary biology with strong impact for society will be able to attract significant funding from both private and public sources. The PB Capability would like to support the community in formulating and structuring ideas for such projects.
For selected Expression of Interest, the PB Capability together with submitting researchers will host open brainstorming workshops to develop project proposals.
The PB Capability seeks visionary ideas that:
- Address high-impact scientific and/or societal challenges in the Planetary Biology field (covering topics ranging from biodiversity, ecology, physiology and evolution at the level of species, communities and ecosystems)
- Can be particularly well studied in Sweden, at the national level
- Have the potential for groundbreaking outcomes and broad, long-term societal impacts
- Demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and use of new approaches
- Demonstrate the use of SciLifeLab’s infrastructure on Planetary Biology
- Enhance the capacity of SciLifeLab to develop or deploy technology for planetary biology
- Strengthen Sweden’s position as a global leader in life sciences research
FAQ
What is meant by Planetary Biology?
Planetary Biology is about understanding life in an environmental context using multiple technologies and data types. An example is a multidisciplinary study of organism interactions in an ecosystem by means of genetics, imaging, biogeochemistry, metabolomics, etc.
Who can apply?
Individual researchers, groups of researchers, or established collaborative projects. Expressions of interest from scientists of any postgraduate level are welcomed.
We particularly encourage proposals which consider collaborations among different universities/research institutes, across different scientific disciplines, and will result in strong connections to SciLifeLab.
What will happen after the submission of an Expression of Interest?
The PB Capability will do an initial screen. If similar research topics/ecosystem types are proposed by several individuals or research groups, we will help with match-making to facilitate scientific collaboration and to suggest potential synergies among the submitted Expressions of Interest.
For selected Expression of Interest, the PB Capability together with submitting researchers will host open brainstorming workshops aimed at developing and shaping project proposals. The workshops will be publicly announced and researchers other than the submitting researchers are welcome to these workshops. The workshops will be organised in fall 2025, PB will provide funds to cover travel and venue. More information will be provided in due course.
Are there any guarantees for funding at this stage?
No. After the project proposals have been developed during the workshops, we hope to have concepts for 2-5 project proposals that are suited for targeted fundraising, which we will engage with together with SciLifeLab leadership.
Timeline
| 24 February 2025 | Expression of interest opens |
| 30th April 2025 | Deadline to submit Expression of Interests |
| May – June 2025 | Initial screening and match-making by the PB capability |
| 16-20 June 2025 | Results of initial screening are informed |
| Fall 2025 | Open brainstorming workshops |
| Fall- Winter 2025 | Writing proposals |
| Spring 2026 | Evaluation of proposals for targeted fundraising |
