How we work

TMF prioritises initiatives that generate positive societal impact. The Foundation’s funding should make a clear difference, for example by enabling research that otherwise would not have been possible.

TMF seeks to stimulate and strengthen well-founded strategic initiatives in partnership with Norwegian research institutions. TMF funding is therefore provided exclusively as co-funding and for larger initiatives that are clearly prioritised by the host institutions themselves. Recipients must therefore provide at least 50 per cent co-financing.

Who can apply for funding

Only the Foundation’s eligible partner institutions may apply for funding. These are defined in the Foundation’s statutes and primarily include the University of Bergen and Haukeland University Hospital.

The Foundation may also support research and research-promoting initiatives at other research-performing institutions in Norway, preferably in collaboration with institutions located in Bergen.

How to apply for funding

Funding through the Thematic Initiatives programme normally begins with dialouge at the leadership level with relevant partner institutions regarding potential new initiatives. Such discussions, followed by concept proposals that are considered by the Foundation’s Board, may lead to a formal invitation to submit an application. Where several research environments are relevant within a given theme, a call for proposals or competitive call may be issued.

For the TMF Starting Grant programme (UiB), an annual call for applications is issued with a fixed deadline, followed by external evaluation and interviews with shortlisted candidates.

Common to both of the Foundation’s funding programmes is that the host institution commits to co-financing and that applications are assessed by an independent panel of external experts appointed by the Foundation’s Advisory Committee.