The purpose is to shape the operational focus of the Secretariat’s support in the coming years based on the needs and proposals of the research community. This call is intended for the period 2028–2030, with emphasis on 2029–2030.

Subject to earmarked funding, the use of the icebreaker Oden must form part of the operational implementation of all or parts of the proposed theme. Submitted and prioritised proposals will subsequently be further developed into expedition themes in collaboration with other researchers and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. 

This thematic call constitutes the first step of the Polar Research Process (PRP).

Criteria for thematic proposals

A theme should accommodate research questions from different disciplines and promote multidisciplinary collaboration. It should also increase the accessibility and use of field data, disseminate knowledge beyond the research community, and result in a synthesis report or other equivalent knowledge product aimed at decision-makers, for example policy briefs and targeted seminars.

At a later stage, project proposals will be invited within the selected theme. Projects included in a specific theme (steps 3–4 of the PRP) may be either field-based or non-field-based. Projects may address both disciplinary and multidisciplinary research questions. Scientific publications will be published through normal scholarly channels. The results from the scientific studies will subsequently be integrated into a knowledge product with a multidisciplinary message.

The following criteria will be used in the evaluation of submitted thematic proposals:

• The proposed research questions are clearly described and are at the international research frontier within the field.
• The proposal describes interaction between field-based and non-field-based projects and demonstrates links between disciplines as well as between natural science and social science research questions.
• The field-based research is conducted in polar regions and requires the infrastructure and expertise that the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat can provide.
• Consideration has been given to other national and international research initiatives, as well as scheduling aspects, for example planning by other countries and major national or international initiatives.
• The proposal increases the accessibility and use of field data and takes previous research in the area into account, for example, to enable comparisons with new results.
• Relevant environmental criteria and ethical considerations have been addressed, for example through coordination of projects and the exploration of new technologies to optimise fieldwork and thereby minimise the environmental impact of research.
• The societal relevance and impact of the research are clearly described through a proposed synthesis report or other equivalent knowledge product targeted at decision-makers.

Process for selecting a theme

Workshop

After submission, thematic proposals are expected to be further developed through discussions with other researchers, stakeholders and the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. This will take place during a workshop where proposal coordinators will present their submissions. Prior to the workshop, proposal coordinators may be contacted by the Secretariat for clarification and preparation.

The workshop is provisionally scheduled for 15 October 2026 in Stockholm, with the possibility of hybrid participation for those unable to attend in person.

During the workshop, the proposed theme may be broadened or otherwise modified. The purpose of the discussions is to open the theme to additional research groups, identify opportunities for collaboration, and discuss the direction of the synthesis report or equivalent knowledge product to be developed.

Expert review panel evaluates revised thematic proposals

Shortly after the workshop, the revised proposal will be evaluated by an expert review panel appointed by the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat. The panel will assess feasibility, prioritise among the proposed themes, and, where possible, determine the most appropriate timing for the expeditions.

Decision on theme

Following discussions with the expert review panel, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat will make a decision and announce a tentative expedition schedule.

Acceptance of a thematic proposal does not guarantee participation in later stages of the process. Projects within prioritised themes will be sought through a separate call within the Polar Research Process (PRP, step 3 onwards).

Submission of thematic proposals

Thematic proposals must be written in English and include a Swedish summary. The summary should be suitable for use as a written introduction ahead of the workshop and, following any necessary revisions after the workshop, may also be published on the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat’s website.

In addition, applicants are asked to address the following aspects concisely but clearly in their proposal (approximately five pages in total):

• Scientific focus, objectives and purpose
• Collaboration and disciplinary breadth
• Infrastructure requirements and feasibility
• Geographic focus area, contextual analysis and preferred time period
• Societal relevance and proposed focus for a synthesis report or other equivalent knowledge product

Please submit your theme proposal using the form below.

Thematic proposals must be submitted no later than 30 September 2026.

Questions?

You can read more about the Polar Research Process as well as frequently asked questions here.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact us. Response times may be longer during the holiday period.

Sandra Engstrand
Senior Research Officer
Phone: +46 73 089 13 07
sandra.engstrand@polar.se

Ylva Sardén
Senior Research Officer
Phone: +46 76 146 33 42
ylva.sarden@polar.se

Swedish Polar Research Secretariat
Phone: +46 70 550 29 93
office@polar.se