Deadline:
February 06, 2026
Location(s)
Norway Worldwide
Oslo
Overview
In 2018 The Letten Foundation and the Young Academy of Norway joined forces to establish the 2 million NOK Letten Prize for young researchers. The call for applications for the Letten Prize 2023 is now open.
Our next call for applications will be in October 2025.
Details
Research is paramount for solving global challenges. Yet the role of research and the researchers behind changemaking discoveries often remain hidden. Celebrating young researchers’ commitment towards solving global human development challenges, the Letten Prize aims to change this.
The Letten Prize of 2,5 million NOK will be awarded every other year to a young researcher under the age of 45 who conducts research aimed at solving global challenges within the fields of health, development, environment and equality in all aspects of human life. Aimed at reaching a global audience and funding research of great societal relevance, researchers within all disciplines are encouraged apply for the prize.
A partnership since 2018
Since Professor Letten F. Saugstad (1925-2014) founded the Letten Foundation in 1986, the foundation has funded research in Norway and abroad. According to the Letten Foundation’s board members, Professors Borghild Roald and Sidsel Roalkvam, the prize marks a new era for the foundation. In the years to come, efforts will be concentrated on building up the prize. Both are delighted to have joined forces with the vibrant Young Academy of Norway in establishing the prize.
The Young Academy of Norway is equally excited about the new partnership:
‘For us as a young organization, the prize represents a unique opportunity to celebrate both researchers and research: The prize celebrates the commitment of excellent young researchers and will no doubt make a big difference for the winners in the years to come. At the same time, the prize also serves as a platform wherein we hope to increase the public awareness and inform debate on how research can be used to solve global challenges.’
-Dr. Magnus Aronsen, Chair of the Young Academy of Norway (2017-2018)
Contact
Håkon Sandbakken at contact@lettenprize.com
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Criteria for the 2026 Letten Prize
The Letten Prize is awarded every other year to one young researcher who:
- conducts research aimed at addressing global challenges within the fields of health, development, environment and equality in all aspects of human life
- has conducted excellent research of great societal relevance
- is under 45 years old the year when the prize is awarded. That means that you must be under the age of 45 in 2026.
[see note 1 for exceptions] - Note [1] Adjustment of the age criteria follows the standards of ERC: “For maternity, the effective elapsed time since the award of the first PhD will be considered reduced by 18 months or if longer by the documented amount of leave actually taken for each child born before or after the PhD award. For paternity, the effective elapsed time since the award of the first PhD will be considered reduced by the documented amount of paternity leave actually taken for each child born before or after the PhD award.”
In addition, it is desirable that the researcher:
- has conducted research which has impact across national borders
- engage in/with interdisciplinary research
- is a good disseminator
Researchers within all disciplines are encouraged apply for the prize.
Dates
Deadline: February 06, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
The winner is awarded 2,5 million NOK (ca. 240 000 EUR/235 000 USD) of which ¼ is for personal use and ¾ is to be used for research activities.
The Letten Prize will be awarded in Oslo on September 7, 2026. The candidate’s travel costs will be covered.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
