The foundation was created May 5, 1946, to honor Ericsson's founder Lars Magnus Ericsson, on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Its purpose is to promote scientific research by giving grants to scientists and MSc students, who want to do research in Electrical Engineering, in a wide sense that is of interest to Ericsson. "Research" is normally defined as "MSc thesis and above". Grants are sometimes given to students who want to do their MSc thesis abroad, very seldom for studies or other activities before that level. Most grants go to PhD students and doctors.

The amount of the grants varies between SEK 15 000 and SEK 50 000. The total dividend amount is around SEK 500 000 . The grants have usually been intended as partial financing of a research visit to a foreign university or for participation in a conference.

The grants are announced by e-mail to relevant universities in early February every year, with a deadline for applications March 22 (this year 2010). Decisions are always announced on May 5.

Applications are sent to susanne.sturesson@ericsson.com. Decisions are taken by the Board of Ericsson's Research Foundation.

Read the latest announcement here