The Centre for Advanced Study (CAS) in Oslo offers unique opportunities for UiA researchers to engage in groundbreaking academic work through its prestigious funding schemes: the CAS Research Grant and the Young CAS Grant. These initiatives support frontier research by allowing UiA researchers to apply for grants for international, often interdisciplinary research groups assembled by the applicant. The groups are given the opportunity to work in shared facilities over time, relieved from other duties, and hold workshops.
Previous fellows point to many advantages and benefits of CAS grants including the networking opportunities, focus on blue-sky groundbreaking research, international dimension of collaboration and improved chances of successfully applying for external funding from the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and European Research Council (ERC).
CAS Research Grant
The CAS Research Grant supports established researchers who aim to conduct ambitious, collaborative research projects. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and the pursuit of original ideas that can push the boundaries of existing knowledge. Applicants may receive funding for a one-year stay at the Centre in Oslo. Here they will work on their research projects alongside their handpicked international research group.
Who can apply?
Open to full-time, permanent academic employees at UiA. Applicants should have a strong academic record and significant experience leading research projects. Recipients of the grant can invite additional scholars form all around the world, to participate in the project. Note that the principal investigator should spend a full academic year (15 August to 30 June) at the Centre.
What can the grant cover?
Each successful applicant will receive a grant of up to NOK 3.2 million, that can be used to cover the following expenses:
- Teaching replacement costs for scholars not employed by CAS’ partner institutions who cannot take sabbatical leave.
- Conferences, seminars and workshops organised as part of the group’s accomplishments during the stay at CAS.
- Travel and accommodation expenses for visiting fellows.
- Visits from prominent scholars for internal seminars.
- Other expenses, which may include social expenses, special equipment and supplies.
- Laboratory-based research cannot be conducted at CAS. Projects involving laboratory work, fieldwork, or data collection are welcomed if they aim to develop the theoretical aspects of the research.
How to apply?
To initiate an application please inform your local (department/faculty-level) research advisor who will help with obtaining the necessary approval from the head of department and budgeting.
What research areas are supported?
CAS Grants are ‘bottom-up’, open to all research areas.
The next CAS Research Grant call will be announced in June 2025, with a submission deadline in October 2025.
Young CAS Grant
The Young CAS Grant is tailored for early-career researchers who demonstrate exceptional potential and innovative ideas. This grant allows young scholars to develop their research portfolios and establish international networks.
Who can apply?
Open to full-time, permanent or temporary academic employees at UiA. Applicants must be below the age of 40 at the application deadline (extensions may be granted for statutory leaves of absence).
What can the grant cover?
Each successful applicant will receive a grant of up to NOK 750 000, to be spent as follows:
- In the first year, the principal investigator should spend roughly NOK 250 000 on organising three intensive workshops.
- In the second year, the principal investigator should use the remaining budget to invite other scholars for a two-month stay at the Centre. The staff at CAS will provide administrative support to the principal investigator throughout the two years.
- The grant can cover travel, accommodation and food expenses as well as teaching replacement costs.
- Laboratory-based research cannot be conducted at CAS. Projects involving laboratory work, fieldwork, or data collection are welcomed if they aim to develop the theoretical aspects of the research.
How to apply?
To initiate an application please inform your local (department/faculty-level) UiA research advisor who will help with obtaining the necessary approval from the head of department and budgeting.
What research areas are supported?
Young CAS Grants are ‘bottom-up’, open to all areas of research.
The next Young CAS Grant call will be announced in February 2025.
Want to know more?
For more information about the Centre for Advanced Study and the grants they offer, please consult their website and/or contact your local research advisor.