This funding call by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) aims to strengthen the German-Swedish research cooperation within the framework of the Röntgen-Ångström-Cluster (RÅC). The focus is on projects that advance material research and structural biology by using neutron and synchrotron radiation at large-scale research facilities. The programme supports bilateral collaborative research and development projects, enhancing both scientific excellence and innovation transfer. The call underlines the strategic importance of large-scale research infrastructures, such as the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, the European XFEL in Schenefeld, and other photon and neutron sources in Germany, Sweden, and Europe.

The overall objective is to intensify cross-border cooperation, strengthen the education and qualification of young scientists, enable groundbreaking research in material sciences and structural biology, and expand the utilization and performance of large-scale facilities. Projects should combine the complementary expertise of German and Swedish partners, aiming to develop or improve research instruments and methods that enhance the performance of large-scale infrastructures. Methodological advances that include the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for data processing are particularly encouraged.

The call supports collaborative projects that: (1) strengthen binational networking and mobility of researchers, (2) advance innovations through transfer of scientific results into applications, (3) contribute to global sustainable development, and (4) prepare early involvement in ESS operations. Research groups are expected to demonstrate the effectiveness of developed methods or instruments with relevant scientific case studies. Priority is given to projects involving early-career researchers, cross-border mobility, and integration of sustainability principles.

Eligible applicants include universities, non-university research institutions, and industrial enterprises, particularly SMEs. Industrial participation is encouraged where it enables transfer to applications or supports innovation in methods and technologies. Cooperation between academia and industry, including start-ups, is explicitly welcomed. Projects must ensure clear agreements in cooperation contracts and alignment with AGVO (EU General Block Exemption Regulation) rules.

Funding is provided as non-repayable grants, covering up to 100% of eligible costs for non-economic research institutions, while industrial partners must contribute own resources. Universities receive an additional 20% overhead allowance. The maximum project duration is four years, with an intended start in July 2026. Open access publication, science communication, and research data management are mandatory elements. The programme also encourages CO2 compensation for travel and emphasizes family compatibility in research careers.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the easy-Online system and coordinated with the Swedish partners’ submission in Prisma. A joint English project description (max. 17 pages) must be identical on both sides. Additional documents such as CVs, consortium overview, and support letters from infrastructure management are required. Proposals are evaluated on scientific quality, originality, feasibility, relevance to programme goals, and exploitation plan.

This measure directly supports the ErUM programme objective of strengthening the German-Swedish research space and contributes to the UN Agenda 2030 sustainable development goals.