Frequently Asked Questions - Blue Sky Grant 2026

Applications should propose an exploratory, innovative, and curiosity-driven cancer research project that is not yet ready to attract conventional funding and has the potential to generate proof-of-principle data.
Applications will be evaluated by external reviewers based on the scientific quality, novelty, Blue Sky nature of the project, the potential to attract subsequent funding, and the applicant's merits relative to their career stage.

Each application must be submitted by a single applicant, who will be the formal grant holder and responsible for the project. Only the scientific merits and qualifications of the applicant will be evaluated by the reviewers.
Collaborations are allowed: additional researchers may contribute to the project proposal and participate in the research activities.

No, preliminary data are not required for this call.
Applicants are welcome to include preliminary findings if available, but the absence of prior data will not negatively impact the evaluation. The focus of the grant is on originality, scientific potential, and innovative thinking rather than existing results.

• Conduct the proposed research at KI,
• Be employed or affiliated at least 50% at a KI department, or work at least 50% at Karolinska University Hospital with an affiliation to a KI Department,
• Have obtained their PhD within the past 15 years. Deductible time may be accepted,
• Not have received a Blue Sky Grant in 2025.

Eligible research time is calculated following European Research Council (ERC) guidelines. Eligibility can be extended for reasons such as maternity, paternity, or parental leave, illness, national service, clinical training, natural disasters, asylum, or for victims of gender-based violence or any other form of violence. 
Check out the Parental leave webpage and the latest ERC Work Programme to find the specific rules regarding eligibility criteria.

The Blue Sky Grant budget is flexible and intended to support the direct needs of the proposed research. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to, salaries, consumables, core facility fees, and research equipment.
Note: The only excluded cost category is stipends.

A simple budget in an Excel sheet is sufficient, listing the amounts allocated to each category of expenses (e.g. equipment, salaries, consumables, etc.).

The recipient of the grant will receive 625 000 SEK, which include 25% INDI.

Unfortunately, the grant cannot be used to cover any part of the applicant's salary. However, it may be used to cover the salary of other personnel participating in the project.