Apply for starting a Theme at Pufendorf IAS

Read the full call

On this webpage, we highlight the key points of the call, which we strongly recommend that you read in full.

Why initiate a Theme?

A Theme at the Pufendorf Institute for Advanced Studies enables researchers to explore interdisciplinary research questions at an early stage, in a creative and supportive environment without the requirement for predetermined, publishable results.

Themes provide a platform for researchers who wish to:

• develop new interdisciplinary research ideas
• test innovative perspectives
• lay the foundation for future research

What does a Theme entail?

A Theme is structured around a scientific problem whose solution requires knowledge from several disciplines working in close collaboration.

In brief:

• A Theme typically consists of 5–8 researchers from different faculties at Lund University
• The group works together on the same day each week during the period 1 September–31 May
• Each Theme has two coordinators responsible for the group’s work and for communication with the Institute

Who can be a member in a Theme?

Staff holding a doctoral degree who are employed, primarily at Lund University, throughout the entire Theme period.

Financial conditions

• The researcher’s home department is compensated for salary costs corresponding to 20% of full-time employment per Theme member
• The coordinators’ salary costs may be compensated for up to 30% of full-time employment
• In addition to salary costs, a Theme may apply for funding for activities and guests

Guests and Fellows

Themes may invite guests for shorter or longer visits.

There is also the opportunity to nominate international researchers to the International Fellows Programme, who will participate in the Theme’s work for 2–6 months.

International Fellows Programme

How to apply

1. Prepare the application

The application must:

• be written in English
• follow the Institute’s application template
• clearly describe the interdisciplinary problem; how the idea is grounded in existing research; what is innovative; and the objectives and work plan for the period at the Institute

2. Compile appendices

The following must be attached:

• cost framework

• CVs (max. one page) for Theme member
• CVs for any proposed international Fellows

3. Submit the application

The application, including appendices, must be sent by email to ansokan [at] pi [dot] lu [dot] se no later than 9 December 2026.

Key timelines

Call: once a year in September
Application deadline: 9 December
Selection process:

• A shortlist is decided at the beginning of the spring semester 2027
• External expert review
• Final decision in March/April
• The Theme starts in September 2027 and runs for nine months until the end of May 2028