Not least, Magnus Svartengren and the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences stand out. Magnus Svartengren received a programme grant of SEK 18 million. The Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences received no less than seven grants totalling almost SEK 26 million.

For me, it is important that the regrowth is there

Magnus Svartengren is Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the Department of Medical Sciences. He is the leader of the research group Occupational and Environmental Medicine, which receives the programme grant of SEK 18 million.

What does the grant mean for you and your research?

“Of course, it is of great strategic importance that we got the Forte programme to Uppsala. It is especially pleasing to be able to build a platform for the future. In Occupational and Environmental Medicine, we have several group members who are establishing themselves as senior researchers. The grant allows us to continue building so that Uppsala University will stand strong in the future. For me, it is important that the regrowth is there on the day it is time to retire.”

What happens now?

“We will discuss how to concretise the plans. The programme provides a framework for us, and some activities are underway while others need to be started up so that we contribute to the ultimate goal: ‘The balanced and sustainable working life of the future – Models and methods for developing and supporting sustainable health throughout life’.”

Why did you receive such a large allocation?

”It is an interesting question. We may have gotten better, but historically the grants from Forte to Uppsala have been smaller than they should be. For our part, this programme application was part of a strategic decision that we should gather strength together. For me personally, it is important considering that I need to work for the development of the subject in Uppsala.”

It has been a conscious effort

Anna Sarkadi is Professor of Social Medicine at the Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences. She is the leader of the research group CHAP – Child Health and Parenting. She is involved in three of the seven projects that received grants at the department.

What do the grants mean for you and your research?

”Primarily, it is a seal of quality. We have 90% external financing, so it is a matter of life and death, but above all, it is a seal of quality. We conduct a lot of applied research and receive assignments from authorities and the like as well as from private foundations. The “nice money” makes it easier for others to follow.”

What happens now?

”We celebrate a little and then it is back to work right away. If necessary, we will recruit. The ones who celebrate the most are the research assistants, who can apply for PhD positions in the projects. Much of the money is already earmarked, so it is a relief that we get it. Then we don’t have to let people go. Especially researcher positions are very dependent on us securing funds.”

Why did you receive such a large allocation?

”It has been a conscious effort. But you have to remember that we apply for much more than we get. There are a lot of noes behind this.

“We think strategically. How should we write? Who sits in the committees? You have to look at who the members are. Will they understand what we are trying to say? If we have not made an effort to align our application with the financer’s mission, the application goes in the trash.

”We have also begun to illustrate in a specific way with figures and well-thought-out designs and colours. We always read each others’ texts. Preferably projects that are not part of our everyday work, it gives fresh eyes. A good abstract is essential. The university had a workshop on writing abstracts. Two of us participated, came back and then we did sharp exercises before submission.

”Afterwards, we celebrate. Because this is the only thing we can influence. If we have sent in a well-developed application, we should celebrate.”