Scientific Programs are at the heart of research at Nordita. We invite members of the international scientific community to submit proposals for future programs that foster collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary exchange.

Program Structure and Participation

Each program typically hosts up to 25 external participants at a time, creating a focused and collaborative environment. The composition generally includes:

• 8–12 internationally recognized experts in the program’s core field
• 5–8 invited Nordic researchers
• A limited number of additional participants, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD students

Programs may also feature short-term focus events—such as conferences, workshops, or schools—with a larger number of participants.

Program Structure and Participation

We welcome proposals across a broad scientific spectrum. While rooted in theoretical physics, programs can extend beyond traditional boundaries to include:

• Interdisciplinary areas within the natural sciences
• Emerging or cross-disciplinary research topics

Submission and Evaluation Process

Proposals for scientific programs should be submitted annually by November 15 as a PDF file sent to programs@nordita.org, with the subject line “Program proposal.”

Following the submission deadline, all proposals undergo an initial evaluation by an external expert committee, which assesses their scientific quality and relevance. Based on this review, the Nordita Board makes the final decision on which programs will be funded and implemented. These decisions are typically taken at the Board’s first meeting of the year, usually held between January and February.

A proposal for a scientific program at Nordita should include:

• A program title and suggested dates.
• Names and affiliations of at least two organizers indicating the periods they are committed to being present at Nordita during the program. One of the organizers should be identified as a contact person.
• A single paragraph abstract that can be used in advertising the program.
• A clearly motivated scientific case, spelling out the importance and timeliness of the proposed program. This part of the proposal should not exceed two pages.
• A budget outline that should not exceed SEK 660 000 (approx. EUR 66 000) per month of the program. Nordita will contribute SEK 440 000 of which a minimum of SEK 330 000 goes towards accommodation costs for program participants at an apartment hotel in Stockholm. Program organizers are encouraged to seek supplementary financing from other sources and Nordita will match up to SEK 110 000 in external financing of the program bringing the total budget to SEK 660 000.
• A brief description of the Nordic relevance of the proposed program. How will Nordic groups working in the subject area of the program benefit? If the area is underrepresented in the Nordic countries, how can the program help remedy that?
• A tentative program schedule indicating how continued activity for the full duration is to be accomplished. Is a focus event planned, such as a workshop or advanced school?
• A list of expected participants from the international community and from the Nordic countries, indicating in each case whether or not they have been contacted and if they have expressed interest. There must be young participants (students and postdocs), and there must be participants from Nordic institutes. Since most program organizers have been men, applications from women are particularly welcome. We also call on the organizers to make an effort to invite female participants to their program. The minimum stay for all participants is one week (5 working days) and longer stays are encouraged. Accommodation is provided at an apartment hotel in Stockholm.
• A list of recent or future programs at Nordita or elsewhere that the proposed program may overlap with. Is the program part an established network activity or program series or is it a one-time effort?
• Nordita is committed to EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) and program proposals should include an EDI statement. In particular, we strongly encourage program proposers to consider this in relation to the composition of the organizing committee as well as invited participants.

Note that proposals that fail to follow these guidelines will be ranked low by the Program Committee and are unlikely to be selected for funding by the Nordita Board.