Global Bridges 2026, to advance health care science careers for junior researchers

Global Bridges

The initiative is designed to address selected goals of the research program, i.e. to enhance the expertise, the number of funded post-docs and junior researchers, and to strengthen international collaboration in health care science. In launching Global Bridges to Advance Health Care Science Careers for Junior Researchers in 2013 the SFO-V hoped to support long lasting international collaborations for the future, which are essential for the development and globalization of health care science at KI. Top international scholars in health care science from Australia, Canada, Denmark, South Korea, UK and USA have participated in the Global Bridges initiative in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Collaborations have since taken the form of joint research projects, exchange programs and visits. By providing financial support and inviting at least five (5) international scholars to visit KI in Stockholm, Sweden for one week during October 2026, 19-23 October, this program will facilitate the building of networks and future collaboration between junior researchers and international scholars.

The application procedure includes two steps. First, the idea for invitation of a specific international scholar should be presented in an application to the SFO-V and, as a second step after review.

Application period 

From March 12th to Arpil 13th 2026

Eligible to apply

Junior researchers in health care science at KI with a PhD, maximum 7 years after thesis defense, can apply. Those who have already previously participated in the Global Bridges program are no longer eligible as applicants or co applicants.

Application Procedure: First step 

One junior researcher or a small group of two or three junior researchers affiliated with KI should suggest an established international scholar (i.e. outside Sweden), with whom they would like to initiate research collaboration, in an application to the SFO-V.

The application

Together with the application form, written in English, to be submitted is:

1. A maximum two-page CV for the junior researcher(s)
2. A copy of the doctoral thesis abstract(s)
3. A presentation of the international scholar (maximum two pages), and
4. A maximum one-page reflection on how to develop research ideas together with the suggested international scholar. The junior researcher(s) should outline ideas for the future, including how the international scholar could support the junior researchers’ ideas.
5. Furthermore, a statement should be included, clarifying that there has been no prior working relationship between the international scholar and the research group to which the junior researcher belongs, i.e. no past, ongoing or planned studies or publications between any research group member and the international scholar.

Applications should be submitted as one PDF document via email to sfo-v@ki.se. Lastest April 13th 2026.

Criteria for assessment

The criteria for assessment of applications are as follows:

• The potential for the new research ideas to exert a sustained, powerful influence on health care science at KI and internationally.
• The CV(s) of the junior researcher(s) and the international scholar, including evidence of the quality of research, productivity, and success in other prior collaborations.

Second step: The invitation of international scholars

After reviewing all applications, the steering group of SFO-V will select 5-8 international scholars, who will be invited by the SFO-V, to visit KI during September 2026.

The international scholars will be financed for round trip travel costs (economy class) and up to one week’s stay in Sweden by the SFO-V. The international scholar must be willing to travel to Sweden and participate in the weekly program, including a 2-day retreat program in Stockholm together with the other invited scholars and junior researchers.

A program for the retreat will be developed and will include presentations, discussions, and debates on topics related to the development of health care research internationally. The junior researchers selected for participation are expected to work on the program together with the SFO-V leadership team, which includes meetings, preparing for the joint and individual programs etc. The retreat is intended to serve as a meeting place and provide opportunities to work on research ideas in individual groups, consisting of the international scholar and the junior researcher(s), as well as shared larger group discussions and presentations of plans with the other international scholars and junior researchers.

In addition, the junior researcher will act as the host of the international scholar and will also be responsible for planning additional meetings and visits during the international scholar’s stay in Sweden.

Further information

For questions and further information please contact sfo-v@nvs.ki.se

Last date for application

Applications should be submitted as one PDF document via email to sfo-v@ki.se, latest April 13th, 2026.