This means that it is a requirement that researchers active in Sweden participate in the research or that a Swedish research institute is actively involved. This also means that RJ allows the participation of foreign researchers based abroad. The researchers are free to define their own research tasks.

Programmes require a highly developed research environment or researcher network, and advanced expertise on the part of the researchers and research leader. Research groups of this kind are characterised by being well established in the international research community, with considerable contributions, both national and international.

The average size of RJ Programme grants to date has been approximately SEK 35 million, including LKP (employer's social-insurance contribution top-up) and indirect costs. RJ budgets for up to three programmes annually.