About the opportunity
The Young CAS Grant (YCG) is a collaborative initiative between the Centre for Advanced Study (CAS) and the Young Academy of Norway (AYF), supported by The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. It empowers young researchers to assemble international teams, lead research projects, and advance their careers. The programme focuses on excellent, curiosity-driven basic research across all disciplines, excluding laboratory-based work. Successful applicants serve as Principal Investigators (PIs), organizing three intensive workshops and leading a two-month research stay at CAS in Oslo. The grant provides funding for travel, accommodation, food, and teaching replacement costs, alongside administrative support and office space at the Centre.
Funding and benefits
- Grant of up to NOK 750,000 over two years
- Funding for three intensive workshops
- Funding for a two-month research stay at CAS in Oslo
- Coverage for travel, accommodation, food, and teaching replacement costs
- Administrative assistance for workshop planning and organization
- Access to office space, seminar rooms, and library services at CAS
Who can apply?
- Must have completed a PhD
- Must be under the age of 40 at the application deadline (extensions available for statutory leaves, military/civilian service, or long-term sick leave)
- Must hold a full-time academic position at a CAS partner institution at the time of application and throughout the project
- Applicants in temporary positions are eligible if their contract covers at least the first year of the programme
- Application must be supported by the head of department
Required documents
- Project description (max 4 pages, excluding references)
- List of references (max 1 page)
- Implementation plan (1 page)
- List of 3-6 invited fellows with academic details and justification
- Budget draft using the official template
- Ethical self-assessment (max 0.5 pages)
- CV including publication list (max 4 pages)
- Letter of support from the head of section at the home institution
When to apply
- Application deadline: 19 November 2026
- Selection results announced: February 2027
- Project period: August 2027 – June 2029
How to apply
- Download required templates from the CAS website
- Prepare all documents in English as PDF files
- Submit the application electronically via the UNIFOR application system
Additional information
- Laboratory-based research cannot be conducted at CAS
- The PI must be present to lead the group during the entire two-month research stay
- At least three of the four designated office spaces must be utilized during the stay
- CAS is closed between 1 July and 14 August
- Projects involving data collection or fieldwork are welcome if they focus on theoretical development
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Early-career researchers looking to transition into leadership roles by managing an international research team.
- Scholars in theoretical or humanities-based fields seeking a dedicated, distraction-free environment for collaborative research.
- Researchers aiming to build or expand their international network through intensive workshops and a multi-month residency.
What should you think carefully about?
- The requirement for a full-time academic position at a partner institution is strict; verify your institution's status before applying.
- The PI must commit to being physically present at the Centre in Oslo for the full two-month research stay.
- The grant is specifically for theoretical research; laboratory-based projects are explicitly excluded.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This grant is an excellent vehicle for researchers who want to move beyond individual work to lead a collaborative project. It provides the financial and logistical infrastructure to host high-level workshops and a focused residency, which can significantly boost a researcher's profile and provide the foundation for larger future funding applications, such as those to the Research Council of Norway or the ERC.
Our take
This is a high-value opportunity for ambitious young researchers at partner institutions who are ready to lead a team. It is less suitable for those whose work requires laboratory facilities or for those who cannot secure the necessary institutional support for a two-year project commitment.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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