Call for Research Themes (RTs)
We invite researchers from ACCESS member universities to propose Research Themes (RTs) for the 2026 ACCESS Forum.
You can get an overview of the application process by watching this video, however, we strongly recommend that you carefully review the contents below before applying.
Application Process
***Learn more about the application process in this video***
Understand the Types of Proposals we are looking for.
Determine if your idea aligns with one or more of ACCESS’ Focus Areas.
Read the Eligibility Criteria below to determine if you can submit a RT proposal.
Review the Selection Criteria below.
Apply no later than 17 November 2024.
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Proposals should align with ACCESS' goals, involve diverse participants, be relevant to current research, and have a well-planned structure.
The ACCESS Steering Committee acknowledges the importance of both new and existing collaborations and therefore warmly welcomes submissions in both categories:
New Research Themes (RTs)
For new RTs not previously selected in previous Forums, we strongly encourage applicants to have a strategy for broad institutional participation and a Research Theme that is relevant for both Chile and Sweden.
Existing Collaborations (within or oustide ACCESS)
For existing collaborations (within or outside ACCESS) we strongly encourage a strategy for broad institutional participation and a relevant Research Theme for both Chile and Sweden. For existing collaborations and/or RTs selected for a previous Forum, extra attention will be given to the potential of the proposed initiative to develop its activities beyond the Forum.
Therefore, we strongly advise previous ACCESS Research Themes/working groups to show a clear development from the last ACCESS Forum and to describe the continued need of ACCESS for the Research Theme/working group’s development.
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The 2026 Forum will focus on the following SDGs:
SDG #3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG #13: Climate Action
SDG #14: Life Below Water
SDG #15: Life on Land
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Individuals who wish to submit a proposal for a RT must fulfill the following criteria:
include one researcher from a Chilean member university and one researcher from a Swedish member univerity
both researchers must be employed by an ACCESS member university
both researchers must hold a PhD
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Research Theme proposals will be assessed by the ACCESS Steering Committee based on the following criteria:
Appeal: The Research Theme format has high potential to attract attendees from the institutions involved and its contents can be broadly disseminated and understood.
Relevance: The Research Theme raises and discusses issues important to the specific SDG using experience and knowledge from both the Chilean and the Swedish context.
Clarity of Objectives: The intended outcomes of the Research Theme are easily understood.
Impact Potential: The Research Theme should demonstrate the potential to develop collaborations and new connections/activities both during and beyond the Forum.
Interdisciplinarity: The proposal encourages researchers from different academic disciplines to participate in the session.
Furthermore, the selection committee will take the following aspects into consideration for the final decision:
Leadership: The PI:s in the selected Research Themes in terms of: gender and institutions represented.
Seniority: The PI:s should be mix of early career researchers* and senior researchers.
Size: If the selected Research Theme is not able to attract more than 5 participants the Research Theme will be canceled**.
Representation: The selected Research Theme must have participants from a minimum of 3 ACCESS-universities otherwise it will be canceled**.
*An early career researchers should been awarded their PhD within the last 8 years.
**This will be determined after the Call for the Participation in the selected Research Themes, which will take place in Spring 2025.
Application Period: 16 September 2024 to 17 November 2024
Important Dates
16 Sep 2024 | Call for Research Themes (RTs) Opens
2 Oct 2024 | Forum Kick-Off & Call for Research Themes (webinar recording)
17 Nov 2024 | Application Deadline
Dec 2024 | Applicant Notification of Results
FOR ACCEPTED PROPOSALS ONLY:
Jan 2025 | Participant Selection: Process Overview (digital meeting, date TBD)
May 2025 | Participant Selection: Application Review (digital meeting, date TBD)
Sep 2025 | Forum Info Session for PIs (digital meeting, date TBD)
Nov 2025 | Forum Welcome for all participants and PIs (digital meeting, date TBD)
Jan 2026 | ACCESS Forum: 12-16 Jan 2026 (Concepción, Chile)
Accepted Proposals
Once selected, RT proposers (referred to as PIs or workshop leaders moving forward) will be responsible for several activities related to the design and implementation of their workshop.
These responsibilities begin before the Forum and continue after the Forum.
Below are the main responsibilities of the workshop PIs:
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WORKSHOP DESIGN
The PIs must plan, design and host the Research Theme (scientific sessions, panel discussion, brainstorming for collaboration, poster session, etc).
PIs are responsible to submit a detailed programme of the workshop a minimum of 3 months before the Forum.
PARTICIPANT SELECTION
PIs will be asked to review the applications from individuals interested in joining their workshop. This process will take place in May 2025.
The final selection of participants will be made by the ACCESS Steering Committee, but the input from member universities as well as the PIs will be taken into consideration as each stakeholder will provide feedback based on their expertise (e.g., subject matter expertise (PI), availablity of funding (ACCESS members), etc.).
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The PIs will be responsible for the design and execution of their workshop during the Forum. This includes preparing materials, activities, and preparing the participants for the Forum (e.g., coordinating a digital pre-Forum meeting)
The PIs must plan for a 5 min presentation the last day of the Forum showcasing the outcomes from the Research Theme.
The PIs must submit a final report about the outcomes from the Forum. The report will be shared in the Forum final report.
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Follow-up with RT participants to ensure they complete the 2024 ACCESS Forum evaluation form.
Complete a post-Forum for PIs (a separate evaluation from the general evaluation form which PIs are required to complete as well)
The PIs have a responsbility to help develop their working group post-forum to the best of their abilities. This includes follow-up on planned post-Forum activities (e.g., joint applications, meetings, etc.).
