Open call for applications to Advanced Study Groups

The Pufendorf Institute for Advanced Studies

The Pufendorf IAS stimulates interdisciplinary research and is often regarded as an oasis in academic life. We offer researchers from across Lund University the time and space to develop research questions and lay the foundations for future research.

What is an Advanced Study Group?

An ASG is a flexible meeting format in which researchers jointly explore ideas, formulate research questions, and develop new interdisciplinary research collaborations. The objective is to test new perspectives and further develop research ideas by drawing on the collective expertise of the group.

At a glance

• An ASG typically consists of 5–10 participants from different disciplines across Lund University.
• The group normally meets approximately once a month over two semesters.
• The group has free access to the facilities of the Pufendorf IAS.
• Each ASG is provided with a cost frame of SEK 50,000 to support activities that strengthen the group’s work, for example workshops, study visits, or invited guests (travel and accommodation).
• Each ASG is led by a coordinator and a co-coordinator, who are responsible for maintaining contact with the Institute. The coordinator must hold a PhD and be employed by Lund University throughout the period during which the ASG is hosted by the Institute.
• At the end of the ASG period, the group submits a brief report reflecting on its work and describing the outcomes achieved.

Who can participate in an ASG?

Researchers holding a PhD and employed by Lund University throughout the entire ASG period may participate in an ASG. Doctoral students and other staff with relevant expertise may also take part with the approval of their line manager. There is no requirement for a specific number of disciplines or faculties to be represented – the important thing is that the group as a whole has the expertise needed to develop the proposed ideas.

Application

Applications must be written in Swedish or English and follow the Pufendorf IAS application template. The application should clearly describe the potential of the idea, the relevant expertise of the group, and the objectives and plan for the ASG period. A simple budget proposal should also be included.

Applications should be submitted to ansokan [at] pi [dot] lu [dot] se no later than 10 November 2026 or 10 May 2027.

Quick decisions – and a quick start

If you apply for an ASG with a 10 May deadline, you will normally receive a decision within six weeks. If your application is approved, the ASG will begin in September of the same year.

If you apply for an ASG with a 10 November deadline, you will normally receive a decision within six weeks. If your application is approved, the ASG will begin in February of the following year.