Open Call for Constructive Advanced Thinking (CAT) Programme 2026-2028

The Constructive Advanced Thinking (CAT) programme is now accepting applications for the 2026–2028 cycle.

Jonatan Kurzwelly presents his research project during lunch seminar

Jonatan Kurzwelly spent two weeks at CAS with his research group as part of the CAT programme. Photo: Camilla K. Elmar/CAS

The aim of the CAT initiative is to foster networks of excellent early-career researchers dedicated to devise new ideas to understand and to tackle current or emerging societal challenges. Although the programme has a strong focus on the societal relevance of the projects, it is entirely blue-sky, bottom-up and non-thematic. CAT encourages a collaboration with stakeholders outside academia (industry, policymakers, NGOs…) who are willing to support or engage in innovative research initiatives.

In order to engage in fruitful discussions and mature their ideas, the groups will be given the opportunity to meet for short stays at different participating institutes, and to be put in contact with their fellows and local research communities. With few guidelines and a very light application process, CAT is designed to maximize the creativity of research groups. CAT provides teams of early-career researchers (3 to 5) time and space for thought and discussion in the best research environments Europe has to offer.

Interested applicants can find detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures in the call.

Applications must be submitted through the application portal by 14 October, 15:00 CET.

Launched in 2019 under the Network of European Institutes for Advanced Studies (NETIAS), the CAT initiative is supported by twelve Institutes for Advanced Study across Europe. CAS joined the CAT program in 2023, enabling researchers from our partner institutions to apply for the CAT Grant and travel abroad to visit various sister institutions.

We welcomed our first CAT group, led by Jonatan Kurzwelly, in February 2025. The ‘Over Their Dead Bodies’ project explore the historical and ongoing ethical and political challenges surrounding the collection of human remains worldwide. You can read more about Jonathan's project here >

In spring 2027 we are excited to welcome Hampus Östh Gustafsson and his research group to CAS with their project: 'Freedom to Research - Shifting Funding Regimes and their Effects on Early-Career Academics in the Social Sciences and Humanities'.

Participating institutes:

Published 18 August 2025, 12:52 | Last edited 19 September 2025, 11:06