Digital Futures invites proposals from potential organizers for the Digital Futures Focus Period 2027, scheduled for May/June 2027.
DEADLINE to submit proposals: 2026-05-20. Those intending to apply are encouraged to notify us by sending an email to call@digitalfutures.kth.se no later than May 8, 2026.
Purpose
The Digital Futures Focus Period is a 5-week flagship international guest research program held annually in Stockholm, designed to spotlight a research theme of high scientific importance. Each year, the program brings outstanding senior and junior researchers to our community, supports their stay in Stockholm, and fosters high-quality scientific exchange, networking, and collaboration around emerging research challenges central to Digital Futures.
By convening world-leading experts, the Focus Period serves as a strategic instrument for positioning Digital Futures as a thought leader in rapidly evolving scientific domains, while catalyzing new international collaborations and showcasing the centre’s capacity to mobilizeworld-class talent. Through various activities, the Focus Period accelerates the development of high-impact research directions that advance Digital Futures’ long-term vision and strategic ambitions.
Digital Futures has sponsored Focus Periods since 2023, covering topics such as: AI and Agricultural Management, Machine Learning, feminist technology and AI-mediated education. These events have demonstrated the value of high scientific ambition and strong international engagement. More information about previous focus periods can be found here
Who can apply?
- Main organizers: KTH Digital Futures faculty members
- Co-organizers: Stockholm University and RISE Digital Futures faculty members
Funds will be transferred to the main organizer.
Application
Applicants must submit their applications by May 20, 2026. Those intending to apply are encouraged to notify us by sending an email to call@digitalfutures.kth.se no later than May 8, 2026.
Digital Futures encourages cross-disciplinary proposals that are aligned with the Digital Futures Strategic Research Matrix. The topic should have a digitalization aspect addressing at least one research theme and societal context area. For a description of the different areas,please visit this link https://www.digitalfutures.kth.se/research/
A complete proposal (3 pages max in PDF) must include:
(a) A description of the proposed research topic, including scientific relevance and novelty. Explain also how the topic relates to Digital Futures research matrix.
(b) Justification for the topic: Scientific timeliness, long-term potential to strengthen and shape Digital Futures research, and expected value of hosting international researchers within this theme.
(c) A short description of the planned activities, including the visiting scholar program and the 3-day workshop where all participants in the focus period meet.
(d) A preliminary budget specifying the main items and approximate cost.
(e) Names of the main organizer (KTH Digital Futures faculty member) and co-organizers.
(f) Suggested members for the international scientific program committee (confirmed and wished members).
Submit your proposal as a single PDF via email to: call@digitalfutures.kth.se
Subject line: “Application: Digital Futures Focus Period 2027”.
Budget
Up to 1,000k SEK is available to support:
- Travel and accommodation for visiting scholars
- Cost for renting venues for the activities at KTH or within Stockholm.
- Workshop costs (catering, invited speakers, etc.)
- Other research‑related expenses
Resources
Administrative responsibilities lie primarily with the organizing team. This includes:
- Booking travel and accommodation (funds provided by Digital Futures)
- Coordinating visitor schedules
- Securing and arranging office space for guests
- Planning the workshop (agenda, speakers, logistics, communication materials)
- Booking venues for the focus period activities
Digital Futures provides:
- Funding to organize the focus period
- Share information about the focus period on the Digital Futures website, newsletter, and social media.
Expected results
At the end of the Focus Period, the organizing team is expected to submit a brief report summarizing the scientific outcomes, key activities, and overall impact of the event. The report should include a concise overview of the 3-days workshop, seminars or other activities developed during the focus period, visiting researchers, collaborations initiated, and any follow‑up actions planned.
Organizers are also asked to provide a selection of high‑quality images from the activities (with appropriate permissions) that Digital Futures may use for communication purposes, including the website, newsletter, and social media channels.
Evaluation criteria
Proposals are assessed based on:
- Scientific relevance
- Timeliness
- Potential long-term impact on Digital Futures research and strategy
The funding decision will be communicated at the beginning of September 2026.
Practical information
Practical information about planning the focus period and the main 3-days workshop can be found here:
In more details – Focus period practical information
Focus period practical information
Organization process
Once your proposal is accepted, please follow these main steps:
- Invite the international scientific program committee.
- Finalize the budget and workshop dates.
- Invite the workshop’s speakers.
- Make a public announcement.
- Invite visiting scholars.
- Open a call for workshop attendees.
- Execute the Focus Period.
1) Form the International Scientific Program Committee
Invite a small group of internationally recognized experts. Choose a Program committee that:
- Cover a broad range of scientific expertise
- It is diverse in its composition in terms of gender and geographical provenance.
- Can attract and suggest strong speakers and program participants.
- Preferably attend the workshop and, if possible, stay for part of the period.
2) Set dates and draft a budget
- Confirm the workshop dates early (May–June is busy at KTH/SU) and communicate them to the Digital Futures Site and Event Officer by emailing event@digitalfutures.kth.se.
- Book the venue for the three-day workshop and any other locations you need for other events. If the Digital Futures hub is available, one day of the three-day workshop can be held there.
- Prepare a budget that determines:
- The number of speakers you can invite
- The number of visiting scholars you can host
- Space availability at the hosting division
- Catering cost
- Room booking cost
- Flight tickets, accommodation
Please share the updated budget with Digital Futures for approval at this stage.
3) Invite Workshop Speakers
Select speakers together with the scientific committee.
- Focus on scientific excellence and diversity (geographical, gender, seniority).
- Invite speakers for all three workshop days and offer:
- Economy-class airfare
- Accommodation
- If a speaker can’t stay longer than the duration of the workshop, ask them to recommend a junior researcher as a visiting scholar.
4) Public Announcement
- Create and maintain a public webpage for the focus period.
- Digital Futures will also:
- Publish the announcement on its website, newsletter, and social media
- Encourage outreach to relevant research communities
5) Invite Visiting Scholars
Invite scholars directly or via an open call (optional).
- Provide office space
- Travel and accommodation should be booked directly by the host division (not reimbursed).
- Encourage visitors to stay at least half the focus period plus the workshop (around three weeks).
6) Open registration for Workshop attendees
The three-day workshop is free of charge but has limited spots.
Priority for attendance is given to:
- Invited speakers and visiting scholars (and their hosts).
- Digital Futures faculty and researchers at KTH, Stockholm University, and RISE.
- Industry and societal partners.
If spots remain available, open registration more broadly. Online participation is discouraged, to maintain strong in-person engagement
7) Run the Focus Period
The final step is to carry out the focus period, including the three-day workshop and the visiting scholar program. Organizers are responsible for welcoming attendees, managing practical logistics, etc.
Digital Futures encourages organizers to employ student helpers to support the planning and execution of the focus period.
Contact & Questions
For further questions, send an email to call@digitalfutures.kth.se
Subject line: “Digital Futures Focus Period 2027”.