ERA-NET NORFACE: Joint Research Programme "Dynamics of (In)equality across the life-course" (JRP DIAL)

ERA-NET NORFACE is a research programme intended to strengthen social sciences at European and national levels. NORFACE is launching a call for proposals entitled "Dynamics of (In)equality across the life-course (JRP DIAL)" as part of the Joint Research Programme.

The ERA-NET "New Opportunities for Research Funding Agency Co-operation in Europe (NORFACE)" is a pan-European initiative in the field of social sciences, comprising funding organisations from 17 European countries. It supports cross-border research co-operation in the social sciences with the aim of strengthening their profile in the corresponding countries and at European level. The SNSF has been a full member of NORFACE since spring 2015.

Focus on the dynamics of inequalities

The scope of the JRP DIAL is as follows: Existing and rising inequalities pose fundamental challenges to European societies and economies. The increasing gulf between rich and poor, exacerbated by the recent financial and economic crises, is a key concern. The sources of inequalities in contemporary societies are complex and highly intertwined and they and their consequences can only be understood through comprehensive research activities. Given our relatively mature understanding of life course inequalities, it is time to focus on the dynamics of inequalities – across different life stages, across different dimensions of inequality, and across different dimensions of identity – and to identify opportunities to reduce them.

Overall, up to 20 million Euros are available to the JRP DIAL, part of which is financed by the European Union. Research groups comprising members from at least three NORFACE member countries are able to participate in the call for proposals. They have between now and 13:00 (CET) on 30 March 2016 to submit their proposals. The maximum amount available to individual projects is 1.5 million Euros, although the upper limit for projects in Switzerland is 450,000 euros. Applicants from Switzerland must fulfil the participation requirements of the SNSF for the "Project Funding" scheme. Interested researchers can find all the necessary information on the NORFACE website, including the submission requirements, a guide to submitting proposals and an FAQ document.