RJ is a Swedish independent research financier with a unique position with its relationship to the Riksdag. The board's composition of parliamentarians and researchers gives the foundation significant and unique characteristics.

Through its funding, the foundation wants to promote fundamental research of the highest scientific quality in the humanities and social sciences.

Research in the humanities and social sciences is needed to be able to understand and manage society's current challenges, nationally and globally. The research area is in particular need of long-term and stable research funding.

History

Sweden has the world's oldest central bank, and ahead of its 300th anniversary in 1968, the bank wanted to promote an urgent national cause connected to science and research. Therefore, the Riksbank made a donation to establish a prize in economic sciences in Alfred Nobel's memory, and a donation to support future research. After an investigation led by Prime Minister Tage Erlander, the Riksdag decided on 2 December 1964 to establish a foundation for this donation – Riksbankens Jubileumsfond.

Since 1965, the foundation has supported research with a total of SEK 18.7 billion.

RJ received new statutes on 1 January 1988, thus making the foundation an independent financial actor. This new form of the foundation began with capital in the amount of SEK 1.5 billion. Additional donations were received over the following years. As regards the manner in which the foundation’s objectives are to be advanced, among other matters, the statutes specify:

• that priority should be given to research areas in which financing from other sources is limited, 
• that the foundation’s funds shall be used to support major, long-term research projects in particular,
• that new research assignments requiring quick and substantial contributions be given prioritised attention,
• that the foundation should seek to promote contact with international research. 

During 1993, the Riksdag resolved to supply RJ with an additional donation of SEK 1.5 billion, known as the “The Humanities and Social Sciences Donation”. To this resolution was attached a memorandum that, among other information, stated those areas for which this donation is to be used:

• the establishment of research centres or research areas with an international impact,
• support for projects and programmes of an interdisciplinary character, 
• the establishment of networks or more fixed forms of national and international cooperation, among other means, through the establishment of an international exchange programme for researchers,
• the promotion of doctoral studies and recruitment for research, 
• the promotion of free mobility for researchers on an international level and between universities/university colleges and other fields.