The Centre for Advanced Study (CAS) in Oslo has opened applications for the Young CAS Grant 2027–2029, a programme for early-career researchers who have completed a PhD and want to lead an international, residential research project. Two projects will be selected, each eligible for up to NOK 750,000 over two years. Applications close on 19 November 2026.
Key facts
- CAS will select two Young CAS projects for the August 2027 to June 2029 period.
- Each project can receive up to NOK 750,000 over two years.
- The programme combines workshops with a two-month research stay in Oslo.
- Applicants must have completed a PhD and be below 40 years of age at the deadline, with some extensions allowed.
- The application deadline is 19 November 2026 at 23:59, and decisions are expected in February 2027.
What does the Young CAS Grant mean for early-career researchers?
The grant is aimed at researchers building independent careers, not at students. Successful applicants become principal investigators, assemble a group of three to six researchers, and lead a project that includes workshops and a residential research phase at CAS in Oslo. The model is designed to build research leadership experience alongside international collaboration.
For eligible applicants, the main practical next step is to prepare the required proposal package before the November deadline. The application must be submitted in English through the UNIFOR electronic system and include a project description, implementation plan, proposed researcher list, budget draft, ethical self-assessment, CV with publication list, and a letter of support from the applicant’s head of department or relevant section head.
- Programme period: August 2027 to June 2029
- Funding: up to NOK 750,000 per project
- Deadline: 19 November 2026 at 23:59
- Selection result: February 2027
Who can apply?
Applicants must have completed a PhD by the deadline, hold a full-time academic position at a CAS partner institution, and be supported by their home institution. Temporary staff can qualify if their contract covers at least the first year of the programme. The age limit is below 40 at the deadline, with extensions available for statutory leave, military or civilian service, and qualifying sick leave.
CAS says previous project leadership experience is preferred but not required. Researchers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply, as long as the proposed project fits CAS’s focus on excellent, fundamental and curiosity-driven research.
What kind of project does CAS want?
CAS is looking for collaborative projects that can benefit from workshops and a residential period rather than individual fellowships. The applicant becomes the project’s principal investigator and is expected to organise the team, develop the research programme, and lead the group through the two-month stay in Oslo.
The programme does not provide facilities for laboratory-based research at CAS itself, but projects involving laboratory work, fieldwork or data collection may still apply if the grant is used to advance the theoretical side of the work. The application also needs to explain how the proposed team will contribute to the project’s feasibility and goals.
How much support is included?
Each selected project can receive up to NOK 750,000. CAS says up to NOK 250,000 may be used for three workshops, while up to NOK 500,000 may support the two-month research stay. Eligible costs can include travel, accommodation, food expenses and documentable teaching replacement costs for participating fellows.
Beyond funding, CAS says it will provide office space, seminar rooms, IT and library services, accommodation within walking distance for non-local researchers, and assistance with planning and organising the workshops.
What happens next?
Applications are reviewed by a panel of generalists, with scientific quality, the applicant’s merits, alignment with CAS’s mission and compliance with the formal requirements all part of the assessment. A shortlist will be prepared by a committee involving CAS, the CAS Board of Directors and the Young Academy of Norway, and the board will make the final selection.
The two winning projects are expected to be announced in February 2027, giving successful applicants time to prepare for the August 2027 start.
