Investing in the Future of Research: Stockholm University Researchers Awarded Prestigious RJ Pro Futura Fellowships
Stockholm University is celebrating the success of two researchers, Fredrik Renard and Siska De Baerdemaeker, who have been selected for the prestigious RJ Pro Futura XX program. This initiative, funded by the Riksbankens Jubileumsfond (RJ) with over 30 million kronor, supports promising early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences.
A Collaborative Effort: RJ Pro Futura and SCAS
RJ Pro Futura operates in close collaboration with the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study (SCAS) in Uppsala. The program provides five years of research funding and development opportunities, including a year spent at SCAS for networking and collaboration. Following this period, researchers are offered tenure-track positions at their nominating university.
Siska De Baerdemaeker: Deciding on Large-Scale Scientific Experiments
Siska De Baerdemaeker, from the Department of Philosophy, will investigate the complex decisions surrounding large-scale scientific experiments. Her project, “Deciding on the Pursuit of Large Scale Experiments,” addresses the challenges of allocating resources to projects costing billions of euros, such as space telescopes and particle experiments. The research will draw on historical and philosophical insights from astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology to develop a comprehensive framework for making these critical choices. De Baerdemaeker has similarly been awarded an ERC Starting Grant in 2025, further bolstering her research capabilities.
Fredrik Renard: Exploring Weight and Gravity in Modern German Literature
Fredrik Renard, from the Department of Slavic and Baltic Languages, Finnish, Dutch, and German, will explore the role of weight and gravity in literature with his project, “Falling Matters: On Weight and Gravity in and around the Modern German Novel.” His research will examine how fiction portrays the experience of falling and the creative potential of gravity as a narrative element, with a particular focus on novels from around 1900. Renard hypothesizes that the human body gained new significance as a weight-bearing form during this period.
The Pro Futura Program: A Legacy of Impact
Established in 1999, the Pro Futura program has consistently identified and supported exceptional researchers who have gone on to become leaders in the Swedish academic system. The program received 36 nominations from 15 universities this year, with five researchers ultimately selected for funding. This demonstrates the highly competitive nature of the program and the quality of research being conducted across Sweden.
The Importance of Long-Term Research Funding
The five-year duration of the RJ Pro Futura fellowships is a key component of its success. This extended timeframe allows researchers to delve deeply into their chosen topics, fostering innovation and groundbreaking discoveries. The program’s structure, including the year at SCAS, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of robust research networks.
Future Trends in Humanities and Social Sciences Research
The projects selected for RJ Pro Futura XX highlight several emerging trends in humanities and social sciences research. A growing emphasis on the ethical and philosophical implications of scientific advancements, as seen in De Baerdemaeker’s operate, is becoming increasingly important. There’s a renewed interest in exploring the intersection of literature, philosophy, and the physical sciences, as demonstrated by Renard’s project. These trends reflect a broader movement towards interdisciplinary research that addresses complex societal challenges.
Did you understand?
The Pro Futura program has been running since 1999, consistently supporting promising early-career scholars in the humanities and social sciences.
FAQ
What is RJ Pro Futura?
RJ Pro Futura is a national research program providing five years of funding and development opportunities to promising young researchers in the humanities and social sciences.
Who administers the Pro Futura program?
The nomination and selection process is administered by Riksbankens Jubileumsfond (RJ).
What is the role of SCAS in the program?
Researchers spend one year at the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study (SCAS) in Uppsala for networking, collaboration, and participation in seminars.
Are researchers guaranteed a position after the five-year program?
Researchers are offered tenure-track positions at their nominating university after completing the program.
How many researchers were selected for RJ Pro Futura XX?
Five researchers were granted the fellowship, with two from Stockholm University.
Pro Tip: Explore the research profiles of Siska De Baerdemaeker and Fredrik Renard to learn more about their individual projects and expertise.
Stay updated on the latest research developments by visiting the Riksbankens Jubileumsfond website and the Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study website.
What other research initiatives are shaping the future of humanities and social sciences? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
