General information on the Nordic Chemicals Programme (NCP)
The main objective of the chemicals programme is to contribute to reducing the risks posed by hazardous chemicals and pollution, both globally and locally, by enhancing the exchange of knowledge, producing new knowledge, and identifying and utilising synergies between the Nordic chemical authorities (Goal 3 of the new Cooperation Programme 2025-2030). The programme primarily focuses on and contributes to sub-goals 3.1 and 3.3 of the Nordic Cooperation Programme for environmental and climate 2025-2030:
- 3.1: contribute to high level of ambition to the negotiations and active implementation of international agreements concerning chemicals, waste, pollutants, plastic and similar.
• 3.3: reduce risks to humans and the environment from chemical substances and products by phasing out hazardous chemicals, developing new knowledge, and informing key target groups.
Open call priorities
The NCP covers five themes. This open call invites project applications for Theme 3 - Impact and screening of chemicals and pollutants. Proposals for other themes will be invited at a later stage of the programme.
The aim of this Theme is to collaborate to produce and share new knowledge about hazardous chemicals, screen chemicals and monitor the state of the Nordic environment. In addition to the benefits of synergies, the aim is to identify and address knowledge gaps.
This Theme is expected to contribute to the second programme outcome i.e., “Enhanced competence by improving the knowledge of the chemical authorities regarding/ for chemical regulation”.
The Theme 3 priorities may include but are not limited to:
- Screening and identification of emerging hazardous chemicals and pollutants in the Nordic environment and assessing their environmental loads. This involves. co-ordinating screening studies and providing information of a high scientific standard, through the collection of samples from all the Nordic countries.
- To collect data on the occurrence and distribution of chemicals and pollutants, especially their occurrence and distribution in the Nordic environment and biota, in order to support EU regulations and international conventions.
- To increase awareness and collaboration between authorities, scientists and policymakers.
- To support programmes that substitute hazardous chemicals and reduce exposure for both workers and consumers in the Nordic countries.
- An enhanced knowledge base on chemicals in the Arctic and other vulnerable environments that are at risk.
- A PFAS project or a series of relevant PFAS projects is needed to address society`s increasing demand for knowledge and to restrict and manage the use of PFAS substances.
- Workshops focusing on emerging environmental issues in the Nordic countries, providing a platform to increase discussion and harmonisation between science and policy.
- Where appropriate, applicants are encouraged to build on the foundations laid by previous projects supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Project duration
Up to two years (until 2027).
Eligibility – who can apply?
- Any municipal, regional, or national authorities.
- Universities and colleges.
- Research institutes and other non- profit organisations
- Business enterprises cannot be the main applicants or recipients of funding. However, they may be included as project participants, participate in the project group, or work on the project on behalf of the project owner.
Nordic participation
This call is available in the following countries: Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
At least three of these countries must be involved in the project. Alternatively, one of these three countries can be replaced by one of the Baltic countries Estonia, Lithuania or Latvia. In addition, other countries may be included from outside the Nordic Region.
Involvement is defined as helping to run, implement or guide the project.
Budget
Projects lasting one to two years are eligible for funding.
If the total project budget exceeds the national cut-off criterion for a call for tenders, and if the project involves subcontracting work, it is the applicant´s responsibility to follow the required procurement processes.
Application
Questions regarding the open call can be sent to
Applications must be sent to
Attach to the application:
- A word version of the application
The application should only include the application form. By submitting your application, you are agreeing that both Tukes and the Nordic Council of Ministers can process it, along with any personal data it contains, electronically.
Evaluation
The Nordic Chemicals Programme Steering Committee is responsible for evaluating project applications. These proposals are assessed against the following criteria.
General criteria
- The overall quality of the project proposal overall, including the expected results and outcomes of the project, and the relevant competence and experience needed to complete it.
- Relevance and contribution to i) the outcomes and outputs of the Nordic Chemicals Programme; ii) the goals and sub-goals of the Nordic Cooperation Programme for the Environment and Climate 2025-2030, and the Nordic Vision 2030; iii) added Nordic value, i.e. the project is a collaborative effort between the Nordic countries, with the outcomes benefiting the Nordic countries; and iv) the relevance of the project proposal to the Nordic region.
Call-specific criteria
- Projects that align with the priorities of Theme 3 will be prioritised.
