WASP-HS aim to fund research clusters, or national hubs for research, to advance the understanding of the consequences of AI and autonomous systems for humanity and society. We are currently seeking input from the research community to help shape the initiative and define themes for the research clusters. The invitation is directed both to senior researchers already active in WASP-HS and other researchers with a strong research record in the area. With this process we hope to initiate discussion and exchange to find common interests and partners.

We hereby want to
– invite senior members of the WASP-HS research community to submit a letter of intent to form a WASP HS research cluster, and
– invite all interested parties to suggest themes for WASP-HS research clusters.

Aims and Structure

Through the research cluster initiative, WASP-HS aims to
– Establish structures for long-term research collaboration, building on research and networks established in the first five years of the program
– Invite new researchers into the WASP-HS research community
– Foster knowledge exchange among researchers who have common research aims
– Reduce research duplication
– Increase the international visibility and impact of WASP-HS

Ultimately, the clusters are intended to facilitate advancements in knowledge, enhance both the quality and impact of research, and foster long-term competence building. Clusters should form around a joint research question that require contributions from several researchers. As currently envisioned, we are planning to support the formation of 3-5 clusters. A cluster should bring together established researchers from different disciplines to tackle an ambitious research problem. Each cluster should be led by 1-3 principal investigators and engage researchers from more than one Swedish university. Cluster leaders should have extensive research leadership experience and a record of working with researchers from other disciplines.

Funding for clusters will begin in 2025 and run for five years. The funding will cover resources for research and coordination but will primarily be ear-marked for guest professors, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral students. Total funding for each cluster is expected to range from approximately 25 to 40 million SEK.

Support from host universities is essential to secure the success and potential of these clusters to contribute to long-term research impact and capacity. Host universities should be able to demonstrate what initiatives, structures and competences are in place, or are to be formed, to support the planned research cluster.

Next Steps

WASP-HS invites you to take part in the preparation dialogue on the format and themes of clusters, and encourage those interested to submit a letter of intent to form a research cluster no later than 15 November 2024.

To submit a Letter of Intent to form a WASP-HS research cluster

Researchers who want to propose a research cluster should send a letter of intent including the following information to contact@wasp-hs.org with subject line “LOI research cluster”, by 15 November 2024:

1. Title of the proposed cluster
2. Research questions and specific aims (max 500 words)
3. Description of core competencies, projects, research structures/centers/facilities, etc. (max 500 words)
4. Name, email address, link to homepage, and discipline of the cluster leader(s)
5. Name, affiliation, and link to homepages of other key personnel (max. 10)
6. Key international collaborators
7. Estimated number of PhD students currently supervised by the cluster leaders and other key personnel on the proposed topic

To suggest theme for a WASP-HS research cluster

Researchers who want to suggest theme for a research cluster should send the following information to contact@wasp-hs.org with subject line “Research cluster theme”, by 15 November 2024:

1. Title of the proposed theme
2. Motivation and description of the thematic area (max 500 words)
3. Primary disciplines/competencies and research groups engaged in the proposed theme
(max 500 words)
4. Name(s) and email address(es) of the proposing researcher(s)

Tentative Timeline

15 November 2024 – Deadline for submitting letters of intent and suggesting themes
Winter 2024/2025 – Call for WASP-HS Research Clusters open
6 February 2025 – Workshop on WASP-HS research ideas (by invitation)
Mid/late March 2025 – Call close
Spring 2025 – Funding decision

Frequently Asked Questions