Propose satellite projects

Blue Food is seeking proposals for satellite projects—current, small-scale research collaborations—and travel grants for Blue Food’s doctoral students and postdocs. The satellite projects are intended to align with Blue Food’s vision and goals and to produce results that sustainably strengthen Sweden’s seafood industry. Funding for the satellite projects comes from grants awarded to Blue Food. Here you will find comprehensive information on how to submit proposals for satellite projects and travel grants, as well as how they are implemented and reported. 
  • The maximum amount for satellite projects is SEK 150,000.
  • The maximum amount for travel grants is SEK 25,000. 

Blue Food's management team sets two to three dates each year when project proposals are evaluated.The management team decides on the prioritisation and funding of the project proposals received, which must be clearly linked to current issues and to one or more of Blue Food's seven research areas: 
  • Sustainability
  • Laws and regulations
  • AI and Digitalization
  • Primary production, aquaculture
  • Primary production, wild resources
  • Processes and product development
  • Consumers and market 

Proposals for satellite projects and applications for travel grants should be submitted on an ongoing basis to info@bluefood.se. Proposals may be up to 4,000 characters in length, including spaces. A budget for the entire project proposal, including a description of the parts for which the project team is seeking support from Blue Food , must be included.

Satellite project 

The project team must consist of at least one academic partner and one external partner from Blue Food. Additional organizations are welcome to participate. Partners not affiliated with Blue Food are welcome to participate in the project but will not receive funding from Blue Food. 

Results must be openly shared with the research community and other organizations; confidential contract research is not funded. 

Project proposals should include: 
  • background describing the problem and the existing knowledge gap
  • all project participants with contact details
  • the project's objectives and link to the Blue Food's objectives and vision
  • method
  • division of responsibilities between the project partners
  • expected results
  • budget, including possible co-financing
  • overall timetable 

The budget should show the distribution of funds between the partners, as well as any co-financing. The Blue Food budget template for satellite projects (only available in Swedish) should be used.

Assessment criteria 

Proposals will be assessed against the following criteria: 
  • The project team includes at least one academic partner and at least one other Blue Food partner
  • Clear budget allocation between the parties, including description of in-kind or co-financing
  • Clear description of the knowledge gaps targeted by the project
  • Clear link to the Blue Food's vision and goals - with a particular focus on the Blue Food research areas
  • Clear description of method and expected results
  • Reasonableness, i.e. how likely it is that the team, budget and schedule will achieve the project's objectives 

Travel grants 

Proposals for Blue Food's young researchers to undertake skills enhancement travel may involve attending scientific conferences or visiting other universities, institutes or companies to work, learn new methods or similar.

The proposal must include a description of the purpose of the trip and the professional development benefits it may provide to the traveler and to Blue Food, as well as a budget detailing expenses for travel, lodging, conference fees, and any co-funding. Meals and per diem are not included in the travel grant.

Recipients of travel grants are expected to follow their institution's travel guidelines.

Decision

The management team decides which proposals will be funded.  

Reallocation of funds 

Requests for reallocation should be sent to info@bluefood.se.

Satellite projects

The budget for satellite projects that have been prioritized for funding from Blue Food may be reallocated within the project group. A reallocation may, for example, be necessary in the event of changes to the project group or to cost items. A written request to reallocate funds must include a justification and an updated budget.

Travel grants

Approved travel grants may be reallocated to another conference or similar event. A reallocation of funds may be necessary, for example, if the applicant has secured funding for the same conference through other means. A written request to reallocate funds must include the rationale for the reallocation, a new cost estimate, the purpose of the new trip, the professional development benefits the trip will provide to the applicant, and the connection to Blue Food. 

Payment and reporting 

Satellite projects
  • A project agreement is drawn up with the project team. 
  • The project team should report costs incurred in the reporting template for satellite projects and travel grants (available in Swedish).
  • The project team will describe how the work was carried out and the results achieved in a final report.
  • Both the final report and the financial report are sent to info@bluefood.se.
  • Satellite project funds are paid out when the project partner that has been allocated funds sends a requisition to KTH after the project has been completed and the accrued costs have been reported, and the scientific report has been submitted.
  • The final reports will be published on the Blue Food website.

Travel grants
  • The travel allowance is paid by invoicing KTH after the trip has been completed, with a clear summary of the costs incurred for travel, accommodation, and conference fees.
  • Young researchers who have received travel grants must report their expenses in the report template for satellite projects and travel grants (in Swedish) and attach receipts and payment documentation for all expenses. Expenses without valid payment documentation will not be reimbursed.
  • Young researchers must also describe how the work was carried out and the results achieved in a final report.
  • Both the financial report and the final report are sent to info@bluefood.se.  
  • Blue Food's administrator will send a confirmation email to the recipients with instructions on how to re-invoice their approved costs to KTH. No further agreement is required.

The satellite projects and travel grants must be reported and claimed by 31 December 2029 at the latest, at which point the Blue Food funding will end and no further payments will be possible.

Recognition of the funders

When publishing satellite project reports and travel reports, the following acknowledgments of project funding must be given, in Swedish or English: 

Swedish 

Projektet har finansierats av Blå mat – centrum för framtidens sjömat, som finansieras av Formas (diarienummer 2024-01023) och Västra Götalandsregionen (diarienummer MRU 2025-00008)

English language

The project was funded by Blue Food - Center for future seafood, which is financed by Formas - a Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (grant number 2024-01023) and Region Västra Götaland (grant number MRU 2025-00008).