The Marcus Wallenberg Foundation invites applications for the Young Researchers’ Challenge.
Take the chance to present your research to leading scientists and representatives of the forest-based industry and fellow researchers from all over the world.
The program will range from October 18-20, 2026 with the opportunity to participate at the Prize ceremony and banquet in honour of the 2026 Marcus Wallenberg Prize Winner.
We invite researchers, at least PhD candidate-level and no older than 35 years, to participate. Apply now through our form at mwp.org/application (applications only accepted via this link). Your contribution should not exceed 200 words and must be submitted not later than June 2, 2026.
After evaluation, 30 contributions will be selected to be invited to the 2026 MWP Prize Ceremony and extended program (see below). All winning participants are expected to submit a short abstract on their research project to be presented in both a pitch and a poster session.
Present your vision
Briefly describe your research and how you think it will have an impact on the forest-based industry and society as a whole. Present your vision for the development you want to promote with your research and how current obstacles can be overcome. You are free to discuss opportunities in a wide range of research and business areas in the sector.
The 2026 Marcus Wallenberg Prize is awarded to Prof. Holger Militz for his groundbreaking contributions to research on, and industrialization of wood modification technologies. Prof. Militz’s groundbreaking work has directly enabled the commercialization of several sustainable wood protection technologies. See press release.
Program activities
- Interaction with this year’s prize winners, overview presentations, and with the opportunity to network with fellow scientists.
- Present your research in a “3-Minute Presentation” (3MT) session to your fellow young researchers, invited researchers and the MWP Selection Committee members. This will be filmed and made available for you.
- Ceremony and banquet to be held in the evening of October 19 in the presence of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Sweden.
- Symposium to be held on October 20 on the theme of this year’s Prize.
- Poster sessions will be held on both October 19 and in connection with the Symposium in which you will have the opportunity to present and discuss your research with leading scientists and industry representatives.
Who covers the costs for travel and accommodation?
Applicants need to cover their own costs for travel to Stockholm and accommodation for one night and the second night is covered by MWP. International applicants are recommended to apply for funding from their own Universities or other financiers. For applicants from Sweden, travel and one night accommodation are covered by financing from Erik Johan Ljungberg Foundation.
