5 janúar 2026

Applicati­ons for rese­arch grants

Applications are invited for grants from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s Research Fund for research projects to be carried out in 2026.

The application deadline is 5:00 pm on 30 January 2026.

Applicants are advised to read the full information below carefully before preparing and submitting an application.

Both internal and external parties may apply for funding for research projects related to the activities of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. Grant allocations are managed by the Administration’s Research Council.

Research supported by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration is divided into four main categories:

• Infrastructure
• Traffic
• Environment
• Society

The Administration’s focus within these categories reflects the objective of the Research Fund to support the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration in fulfilling its role, while also generating new knowledge within its fields of operation.
Within the Administration, three expert committees work within these areas and have defined the Fund’s priorities for grant allocations in 2026.

Infrastructure

Research in the field of infrastructure focuses on roads, bridges, tunnels, ports and lighthouses. Emphasis is placed on materials research, the use of different materials, recycling and reuse in construction, with the aim of improving the durability and safety of infrastructure. Consideration is given to the integration of routine and winter maintenance, as well as the durability of pavements and structures as a whole, to ensure accessibility, safety and a cost-effective service life. Continued research on pavements and concrete is considered essential, along with further development in strengthening, maintenance, rehabilitation and monitoring. Cost-effective solutions that meet requirements in seismic areas are sought. In addition, emphasis is placed on research related to the circular economy, life-cycle assessment and carbon footprint analysis. Research is also encouraged on the impacts of the energy transition and heavy freight transport on the road network, as well as on traffic safety and accessibility under potential natural hazards in both rural and urban areas.

Traffic

Priority is given to research related to traffic safety, the development, operation and maintenance of the road network, as well as projects that contribute to the development and updating of design standards and guidelines for transport infrastructure. Research supporting informed decision-making on transport mode choice is encouraged, including assessments of cost-effectiveness, safety, environmental impacts, accessibility and positive regional development. Particular emphasis is placed on economic factors, such as the assessment of accident and delay costs, which are used to evaluate the socio-economic benefits of public investments. Research is also encouraged on the effective implementation of intelligent transport systems (ITS), the impacts of increased land freight transport on the road network, and studies supporting efficient asset management and the development of methods for assessing life-cycle costs of infrastructure.

Environment

Focus is placed on sustainability in the projects of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. This includes projects aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the Administration’s activities, through research and innovation that support the circular economy and minimize the negative environmental impacts of construction, as well as mitigation measures. Projects related to biodiversity in connection with the Administration’s activities are also emphasized.

Society

Research priorities include air quality impacts resulting from traffic and construction, diverse modes of transport, changing travel behaviour, the development of public transport, and the interaction between new energy sources and the road network. Projects related to sustainable spatial planning in the built environment and the development of labour market regions are also encouraged.

Applications that do not directly align with the Fund’s priorities for 2026 are nevertheless welcome, provided they support the objectives of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and the Research Fund. When evaluating applications, particular emphasis is placed on the extent to which the proposed research will be of practical benefit to the Administration.

The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s policy for 2024–2028 states that its role is to promote safe, sustainable, efficient and cost-effective transport on land and at sea, and to support the development of transport in line with societal and environmental objectives. In this context, reference is made to the Icelandic government’s climate action plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Research projects should take these frameworks into account.

The Administration’s research policy, available on its website, also emphasizes the importance of fostering new talent within fields related to its activities through cooperation with the academic community. Applications from universities that include student participation in projects are therefore welcome, although such applications do not receive priority over others.

When defining research projects, applicants should at an early stage identify the intended users of the project results and, where appropriate, involve them in shaping the project and implementing its outcomes. Applicants are therefore requested to designate a contact person within the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and ensure that this person is informed. Applicants are also advised to review existing research that may already have been conducted in connection with the proposed project.

The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration cooperates with its Nordic counterpart institutions on research activities (see: www.nordfou.org). Applicants are encouraged to consider whether their project idea has a Nordic dimension, i.e. whether the subject matter may also be of interest to other Nordic countries. If so, this should be clearly stated in the application.

Applicants must complete an electronic application form, which is available via “My Pages” on the Administration’s website.

When assessing applications, consideration will be given to the criteria set out in the table below. Particular emphasis is placed on adherence to the instructions in the application form, and any ambiguities resulting from insufficient information may be considered to the detriment of the application.

Information on the outcome of applications will be published on “My Pages” once available, with decisions expected in the first half of March 2026. Notifications will be sent to the email addresses of both the applicant and the project manager as provided in the application.

Information on funded projects will be published on the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.

Enquiries:

Ólafur Sveinn Haraldsson
Head of Research Department
olafur.s.haraldsson@vegagerdin.is