Media and communication scholars worldwide have an exciting new funding opportunity to advance their work. The Wahlgrenska Foundation has officially opened its call for applications for the 2026 research funding programme. Aimed at supporting innovative projects that examine the evolving role of media in society, the foundation will award six general research grants worth SEK 100,000 each. The initiative is designed to encourage advanced scholarly work covering both historical and contemporary media landscapes. Whether investigating traditional press and broadcasting or diving into digital platforms and computer-based communication systems, researchers have a broad canvas to explore how media production, dissemination, and content influence everyday life, public attitudes, and democratic participation.
While the grant is open to a wide range of academics, the Wahlgrenska Foundation explicitly noted that priority will be given to younger postdoctoral researchers. Applicants with clearly defined, well-structured project plans that showcase high scientific quality and strong research potential will stand out during the selection process. To qualify, candidates need to demonstrate a proven research capability, strong academic credentials, and documented scholarly experience relevant to their proposed field. The foundation’s Research Council will closely evaluate all submissions based on originality, feasibility, and the overall methodological design of the project.
One of the standout features of this 2026 program is its lack of geographic restrictions. Unlike many national funding bodies that limit resources to domestic applicants, the Wahlgrenska Foundation welcomes applications from both Sweden-based researchers and international scholars working anywhere in the world. This global eligibility opens the door for critical, comparative media studies and projects focusing on transnational communication trends. Research proposals can successfully adopt local, national, or international perspectives depending on the specific focus of the study.
Scholars interested in securing one of the six available grants must compile a comprehensive digital application package. This includes a completed application form, a detailed research plan, a current CV, copies of diploma certificates, a list of published academic works, and contact information for two academic references. The firm deadline for digital submissions is September 18, 2026, and materials should be emailed directly to Fredrik Jacobsson. Following a thorough review by the Research Council, final grant decisions will be communicated to applicants in October 2026. Successful recipients will then have until December 31, 2029, to submit their final research reports detailing the academic outcomes and societal contributions of their funded work. For further procedural clarifications, applicants can reach out to Magnus Jerneck, the Chairman of the Foundation’s Research Council.
