RESEARCH COUNCIL OF FINLANDhttps://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities2/spark-funding/
Strategic Research Council, DL 21.1.2026 (first call stage) Theme 1: The changing Arctic region (ARCTIC)https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/calls-for-applications/strategic-research/src-programme-the-changing-arctic-region-arctic/ Theme 2: Public mental health (MIND)https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/calls-for-applications/strategic-research/2026-src-programme-public-mental-health-mind/ Cross-cutting priority for the 2026 strategic research programmes is Finland as a global pioneer
2026 Finnish Flagship Programmehttps://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/calls-for-applications/research-environment/2026-finnish-flagship-programme-5/ 5 , DL 25.3.2026 The aim of the Finnish Flagship Programme is to support wide-ranging economic and other societal impact based on particularly high-level scientific research. The funding is targeted at competence clusters that are based on cooperation between organisations and that have convincing track records of results and impact. Finnish Flagships bring together expertise from different fields into competence clusters that strengthen the quality and impact of Finnish research. Flagships are required to have an ability to work in flexible ways, simultaneously running several research projects and other activities. A strong commitment from host organisations to meeting the set targets is also required.
NFRF/NordForsk call: 2026 International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challengeshttps://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/calls-for-applications/international-calls/nfrfnordforsk-call-2026-international-joint-initiative-for-research-harnessing-disruptive-technologies-to-address-global-challenges/, call opens in January 2026 (notices of intent to apply)
The International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges is administrated by New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF), Canada. Full information about the call is available on their websitehttps://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/funding-financement/nfrf-fnfr/international/2026/pre-call-eng.aspx In this call, disruptive technology is defined as “an innovation whose application replaces or radically alters systems, processes and/or behaviours to have transformative economic or societal impacts. The impact may be localised or far-reaching. Disruptive technology may include cutting-edge and novel innovations, or the application of an existing innovation in a new context, bringing about substantial change or paradigm shifts.”
INTERREG
Interreg Aurorahttps://www.interregaurora.eu/projects/calls-for-applications/ Call 8, DL 9 March (Aurora includes regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway, see the programme area herehttps://www.interregaurora.eu/about-us/)
* Interreg Aurora info, 05.02.2026 at 12:00 – 13:45 in Linnanmaa, Tellus Backstagehttps://patio.oulu.fi/en/news/interreg-aurora-info-linnanmaalla-05022026 * Interreg Aurora webinar January 14 2026https://www.interregaurora.eu/news/get-ready-for-new-interreg-aurora-calls-for-project-applications-webinar-14-january-2026/ at 10-11:30
Interreg NPA (Northern Periphery and the Arctic): 6th Call for projects for main and small-scale capacity building projectshttps://www.interreg-npa.eu/apply-for-funding/calls-for-projects/6th-call-for-projects/, DL 02.02.2026 (Programme area herehttps://www.interreg-npa.eu/our-programme/where-we-are/)
FOUNDATIONS
There are hundreds of Finnish foundations/funds that award grants, travel scholarships etc. for research. The application periods of foundations vary, and the best way to get information on them is through the database on the Research.fi website (link)https://research.fi/en/. The published calls are sometimes only in Finnish in Research.fi and thus another source for information in English on the Finnish foundations is Research Professional (link)https://www.researchprofessional.com/home. The service is available through the university intranet.
Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundationhttps://jaes.fi/en/frontpage/ (continuous call) High-level, international scientific research. Decisions to award grants by the Board of Trustees, which meet four times a year.
Fullbright Finland Travel Grant Opportunities for Visits to the U.S. https://patio.oulu.fi/en/news/grant-opportunities-researchers-and-faculty-fulbright-finland-travel-grants-us , DL 27.1.2026
Finnish Concordia Fund – Travel Grants for PhD students & working grantshttps://konkordia-liitto.com/in-english/ (all fields, women only), DL31.1.2026
The Finnish Society of Sciences and Lettershttps://scientiarum.fi/en/grants-and-prizes/research-grants/ DL 31.1.2026 Research grants from the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters may be applied for in all academic fields except mathematics, physics, astronomy, and chemistry. Applications in these fields should be directed to the Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundationhttps://magnusehrnroothinsaatio.fi/en/frontpage/, which shares the same application period (January 1.–31.).
Magnus Ehrnrooth Foundationhttps://magnusehrnroothinsaatio.fi/en/frontpage/?noredirect=en_GB, DL 31.1.2026 (mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and medical chemistry)
The Väisälä Project Grant - Suomalaisen Tiedeakatemian Väisälä-hankeapuraha https://acadsci.fi/en/grants-and-prizes/available-grants/vaisala-project-grant/ DL 31.1.2026 (first stage) The Väisälä project grant (“Suomalaisen Tiedeakatemian Väisälä-hankeapuraha“) is intended for researchers working in Finland at the early stages of the tenure track (assistant professor level) to set up their research group and cover the group’s research costs. Eligible fields are physics, mathematics, geophysics, astronomy, and meteorology.
The Finnish Foundations’ Post Doc Poolhttps://postdocpooli.fi/?lang=en (for post-doctoral research abroad), DL 31.1.2026
Finnish Cultural Foundation – Regional Grantshttps://skr.fi/en/grants/the-january-round/ DL 6.2.2026 Grants to applicants residing or born in the region, for scientific or artistic work.
MINISTRIES
Ministry of Education and Culture - Project grants for developmenthttps://www.haeavustuksia.fi/en/haku/va-okm-2025-1/hakuilmoitus/perustiedot DL 31.12.2025
Valtioneuvoston päätöksentekoa tukevan tutkimustoiminnan tarjouskilpailu 1/2026https://tietokayttoon.fi/-/valtioneuvoston-tutkimustoiminnan-tarjouskilpailu-1-2026, DL 26.1.2026 (in Finnish only) Tarjouskilpailu perustuu valtioneuvoston päätöksentekoa tukevaan tutkimussuunnitelmaan. Tietotarpeet: 1. Taloudellinen kestävyys, 2. Sosiaalinen ja terveydellinen kestävyys, 3. Ekologinen kestävyys, 5. Turvallisuuden, oikeusvaltion ja demokratian kestävyys Suora linkki aihelistaan täällähttps://tietokayttoon.fi/documents/113169639/251309810/Vuoden%202026%20tutkimussuunnitelman%20tietotarvekuvaukset.pdf/1e04b7ba-31c6-c5e1-21a8-2569c241e163/Vuoden%202026%20tutkimussuunnitelman%20tietotarvekuvaukset.pdf?t=1764248593777
NATO
NATO Science for Peace and Security Call For Proposals 2026-1https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-structure/science-for-peace-and-security-hub/sps-call-for-proposals-2026-1 DL 31.1.2026 The NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme promotes dialogue and practical cooperation between NATO member states and NATO partner countries based on scientific research, technological innovation and knowledge exchange. It enables scientists, experts and officials from Allied nations and NATO partner countries to work together to address emerging security challenges and their impact. (topics of particular interests: autonomy, AI, biotechnologies, space technologies)
STRUCTURAL FUNDS / RAKENNERAHASTOHAUT (EAKR, ESR+, JTF) VUONNA 2026 (in Finnish only) Rakennerahasto-ohjelmaan on tulossa muutos ensi vuonna. Muutoksen johdosta EAKR- ja ESR-rahoituksesta siirretään 300 miljoonaa euroa ohjelman uusiin toimintalinjoihin. Uudet toimintalinjat ovat "8 Puolustusteollisuutta ja kaksikäyttöisyyttä tukevan teollisuuskapasiteetin vahvistaminen" ja "9 Sotilaallista liikkuvuutta edistävän kaksikäyttöisen liikenneinfrastruktuurin kehittäminen".
Ohjelmamuutos kasvattaa suoraan yrityksille myönnettävän rahoituksen määrää. Samalla rahoitus vähenee muilta toimialoilta sekä yleisiltä kehittämishankkeilta. Toimintalinjaan 9 eli sotilaalliseen liikkuvuuden edistämiseen liittyviin infrastruktuurin rakentamishankkeisiin kohdistetaan valtaosa siirrettävästä rahoituksesta eli 210 miljoonaa euroa.
Alueellisiin EAKR- ja ESR -hakuihin käytettävissä olevaan rahoitukseen ohjelman muutos aiheuttaa merkittävän laskun ensi vuonna. Pohjois-Pohjanmaan EAKR-rahoitus vähenee 55 % ja ESR-rahoitus vähenee 38 %. Ennakkotietoa yliopistolle soveltuvista vuoden 2026 EAKR-, ESR+- ja JTF-hauista (muutokset mahdollisia):
* Pohjois-Pohjanmaan liiton JTF-haku avautunee tammi-helmikuussa (rahoitus 2 milj. €) * Pohjois-Suomen elinvoimakeskuksen JTF-haku avautunee tammikuussa (jatkuva) * Pohjois-Pohjanmaan liiton EAKR-haku/kestävä kaupunkikehittäminen avautunee keväällä (rahoitus 1,5 milj. €) * Pohjois-Suomen elinvoimakeskuksen ESR+-haku/Uutta osaamista työelämään (et 4.2) avautunee kesällä * Pohjois-Pohjanmaan liiton EAKR-haku (et 1.1, 2.1,2.3, 3.1) avautunee kesällä (rahoitus 4 milj. €) * optio: Pohjois-Suomen elinvoimakeskus toimintaympäristön kehittämisavustus TYT/EAKR ReArm -teema
Valtakunnallisten hakujen tai Kainuun ja Lapin liittojen EAKR- ja JTF-hakujen ajankohdista ei ole vielä tietoa. Lisätietoja ohjelmamuutoksesta löydät tästähttps://rakennerahastot.fi/-/uudistuva-ja-osaava-suomi-ohjelma-300-milj.-euron-uudelleenkohdistukset-puolustusvalmiuksien-vahvistamiseksi-suomessa Lisätietoja aluehallinnon uudistuksesta löydät tästähttps://rakennerahastot.fi/-/aluehallinnon-uudistus-vaikuttaa-ely-keskusten-alue-ja-rakennepolitiikan-rahoitukseen
HORIZON EUROPE PILLAR II II: GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS – CLUSTERS (Collaborative research projects carried out by several organisations from different countries. The partners work together toward shared research objectives, combining their expertise and resources to address common European challenges.)
The EU has published the Work Programmes for Horizon Europe 2026-2027 funding | Patiohttps://patio.oulu.fi/fi/uutiset/eu-has-published-work-programmes-horizon-europe-2026-2027-funding The European Commission has released final Work Programmes for funding research and innovation for Horizon Europe 2026-2027. The newly released Work Programmes can be found in EU website: Horizon Europe work programmes - Research and innovationhttps://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/horizon-europe-work-programmes_en. To simplify the funding calls, the Commission has ensured that the calls are now less prescriptive, reducing the length of the work programmes. In addition, the calls grant fewer, but larger projects. Half of all calls will use Lump Sum budgeting, which reduces administrative burden by removing detailed financial reporting requirements. Furthermore, 41 calls will follow a two-stage application process: applicants first submit a short proposal, and only the most promising are invited to provide a full application. Some two-stage calls include anonymized (blind) evaluations. Be sure to review the call conditions carefully when preparing proposals for these calls.
You can find Work Programmes, summary excels and online tools to support proposal preparation also in our Teams site: General | Horizon Europe Consortium project (Pillar II) support | Microsoft Teamshttps://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3AJj7FmV9Iu9QWh4O1Vurc1-MBP4i9DrnpWfw_vWkVN-k1%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=11ded95b-f7b2-4558-83e8-66dd342f4e45&tenantId=9f9ce49a-5101-4aa3-8c75-0d5935ad6525
CLUSTER 1: Healthhttps://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-1-health_en CLUSTER 2: Culture, creativity and inclusive societyhttps://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-2-culture-creativity-and-inclusive-society_en CLUSTER 3: Civil Security for Societyhttps://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-3-civil-security-society_en CLUSTER 4: Digital, Industry and Spacehttps://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-4-digital-industry-and-space_en CLUSTER 5: Climate, Energy and Mobilityhttps://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-5-climate-energy-and-mobility_en CLUSTER 6: Food, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environmenthttps://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-6-food-bioeconomy-natural-resources-agriculture-and-environment_en
Info days and brokerage events Cluster 1 - Health · Info Day 10 February 2026 at 10:00 (GMT+02:00). Online. Link to the eventhttp://newsletter-researchfunding.oulu.fi/go/54554941-1441688-95376481. · Brokerage Event 2026 26 January 2026 - 30 January 2026. Online. Link to the eventhttp://newsletter-researchfunding.oulu.fi/go/54554951-4871216-95376481. Cluster 2 - Culture, creativity and inclusive society · Info Day 26 March 2026 at 10:30 (GMT+02:00). Online. Link to the eventhttp://newsletter-researchfunding.oulu.fi/go/54554944-497361-95376481. · Brokerage Event 2026 25 February 2026. Online. Link to the eventhttp://newsletter-researchfunding.oulu.fi/go/54554963-5346848-95376481. Cluster 5 - Climate, Energy and Mobility · Info Day 15 January 2026 at 10:00 (GMT+02:00). Online. Link to the eventhttp://newsletter-researchfunding.oulu.fi/go/54554943-1753331-95376481. · Brokerage Event 2026 14 January 2026. Online. Link to the eventhttp://newsletter-researchfunding.oulu.fi/go/54554955-2059112-95376481. Cluster 6 - Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment · Info Day 22 January 2026 - 23 January 2026 at 10:00 (GMT+02:00). Hybrid (Online & On-site event in Brussels). Link to the eventhttp://newsletter-researchfunding.oulu.fi/go/54554942-3548366-95376481. · Brokerage Event 2026 21 January 2026. On-site event in Brussels. Link to the eventhttp://newsletter-researchfunding.oulu.fi/go/54554966-2781218-95376481.
Horizon Europe - ERC (European Research Council)
NEW ! ERC Plus Grants 2026 (call will open in June 2026) ERC Plus Grants are for up to 7 years and up to 7 million euros. They are for highly ambitious projects which cannot be done with a regular ERC grant. Grants will be open to individual researchers of any nationality working at, or ready to move to, a host institution in a Horizon Europe country. The new ERC Plus Grant is part of the EU's Choose Europe package to make the EU more attractive for international talent. Only 30 grants will be awarded in this new funding scheme in 2026. If you are thinking of applying, please watch this short video that recaps the main features of the ERC Plushttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU2ymXwm-Cw. The updated ERC Work Programme 2026 which will have more details will be available at the ERC websitehttps://erc.europa.eu/homepage in the coming weeks.
Horizon Europe – Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions
Postdoctoral fellowships,https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships DL 9.9.2026 Support postdoctoral researchers (max 8 years after PhD) through international mobility, advanced training, and career development, typically for 1–3 years at a host institution abroad.
Interested in hosting an MSCA PF fellow in your research group? We encourage research groups to create adverts for the international EURAXESS portal to attract suitable MSCA PF applicants. Adverts should briefly describe the position, the research group, and the applicant’s required expertise. The Research and Project Services team can assist with drafting the advert and will take care of posting it on EURAXESS. Publishing adverts for the MSCA PF 2026 call early in 2026 will help reach a wide audience and attract strong candidates to the University of Oulu. Further information in Patiohttps://patio.oulu.fi/en/news/adverts-msca-postdoctoral-fellowships-2025-0 .
RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL FUNDING SEARCH - INTERNATIONAL FUNDING DATABASE
Research Professional is an online platform listing global research funding opportunities and news for researchers.
* Free access to all UOULU employees * Create automated funding call notifications on topics of your interest * Get info on opening calls and forecasts based on the calls of previous years
Use the Research Professionalhttp://newsletter-researchfunding.oulu.fi/go/33899589-1341806-95376481 search tool to find further funding possibilities for your research. To log in open the drop-down menu on the log in page on the left under the tab "With your university account" and choose University of Oulu from the listed institutions. Use your Haka login information to sign in.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Best regards Päivi
Päivi Tomperi Tutkimusrahoitusasiantuntija | Research Funding Specialist Oulun yliopisto | University of Oulu Tutkimus -ja projektipalvelut | Research and project services Tel. +358 294 483972 PO Box 8000, FI-90014 OULUN YLIOPISTO www.oulu.fihttps://www.oulu.fi/ [Oulun yliopisto.]https://www.oulu.fi/ Follow us on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/unioulu/, Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/unioulu/?hl=fi, Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-oulu/, Bluesky,https://bsky.app/profile/oulu.fi and YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/user/UniversityOfOulu.
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Päivi Tomperi