One of Sweden's largest private research funders has awarded the first 30 grants in its early-career fellowship programme. The Wallenberg Academy Fellows initiative of the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation in Stockholm aims to “kick-start” Swedish science, especially basic research, says Göran Sandberg, the foundation's executive director. “Sweden is still performing well, but we need young people to focus on science,” he says. At least 250 fellows across all disciplines will be funded. Researchers in and outside Sweden are nominated by Swedish universities, which will hire them as faculty members if they are selected. Grantees receive 7.5 million kronor (US$1.1 million) over 5 years, with the potential for a 5-year renewal. Applications for the next round are due by 1 March.