Kempe Foundation 2026

The Kempe Foundations are Swedish philanthropic funders that support research and academic development, with opportunities frequently appearing as postdoctoral scholarships at universities in northern Sweden. Based on the reference postings, Kempe-funded awards are commonly hosted by institutions such as Umeå University and Luleå University of Technology and are offered across a wide range of disciplines, including chemistry, biology, medicine, mathematics, environmental science, engineering, history, and political science.

For students and researchers, Kempe Foundation support is most often encountered through a specific university vacancy rather than through one single central scholarship call. The postings show that these awards are typically full-time, fixed-term postdoctoral scholarships, often for two years, although shorter periods can also exist. Funding is generally provided as a tax-free stipend, with several recent examples listing SEK 360,000 per year or about SEK 30,000 per month, and some projects may include additional support such as conference travel or health cover depending on the host institution.

Eligibility usually requires a completed doctoral degree in a relevant subject by the scholarship decision date. Many postings indicate preference for candidates who earned their PhD within the last three to five years, with exceptions possible for circumstances such as parental leave or illness. Strong research experience, relevant technical skills, publications, and good English proficiency are commonly expected.

Because Kempe Foundation funding is tied to host-led research projects, the application process normally runs through the recruiting university. Applicants should look for official vacancy announcements from participating Swedish universities, read the project-specific eligibility criteria carefully, and submit the required academic documents, research record, and supporting materials through the host institution's application portal.

If you are seeking funded research opportunities in Sweden, especially in the north of the country, Kempe-funded postdoctoral scholarships are worth monitoring regularly.