Strategic research consortia selected to second call stage of programmes focusing on water and democracy

The Strategic Research Council (SRC) established within the Research Council of Finland has invited 29 consortia to the second stage of the SRC programme call. Approximately half of submitted letters of intent were invited to the second stage of the two-stage call. The selections were made based on the proposed projects’ match with the programme themes and objectives and the projects’ scientific quality, societal relevance and impact.

The SRC programme Democracy for the Future (DEMOC) attracted 37 letters of intent, of which 15 were invited to the second stage. Water for Welfare, Security and Peace (WaWe) attracted 22 letters of intent, of which 14 are through to the second stage.

Two societally relevant research themes

Starting at the end of 2024, the six-year research programmes will focus on two research topics of major societal importance. The SRC programme Water for Welfare, Security and Peace (WaWe) focuses on water and water resources as a societal issue. Water is an essential element in welfare, security of supply and sustainable development. A key objective of the SRC programme Democracy for the Future (DEMOC) is to strengthen democracy, inclusion, nondiscrimination and trust in society.

The full applications will be reviewed in two different panels. One panel will focus on scientific relevance and quality, the other on societal relevance and impact. According to a tentative schedule, the SRC will decide in November on the projects to be included in the programmes.

The SRC will also provide funding for the programmes’ part-time programme directors, who will be tasked with supporting the formation of the programme package and promoting cross-programme scientific and societal impact. More information on the programme director call will be published on the strategic research website in May. The call will open in June.