Academy Research Fellowships 2027 in Finland (Up to €700,000)

What Is the Academy Research Fellowship?

The Academy Research Fellowship is one of Finland's most respected funding schemes for early-career researchers. It's run by the Research Council of Finland.

It gives talented researchers four years of funding to lead their own research, build a team and take a big step forward in their career. The call is open to all research fields, from sciences and engineering to social sciences and humanities.

Important Dates

• Call opens: 14 October 2026
• Application deadline: 11 November 2026 (23:59 Finnish time)
• Funding decision: June 2027
• Fellowship period: 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2031

Who Can Apply?

• Researchers whose first PhD was awarded between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024
• Applicants who do not hold a permanent senior research position. A fixed-term tenure-track post is fine.
• Researchers in any field
• Researchers who will be based in Finland with a Finnish host organisation, such as a university or research institute

Exceptions: if your PhD date falls outside the window because of parental leave, military or civil service, or long-term illness, you may still be considered.

There's no nationality requirement, but your research must be carried out mainly in Finland, with a Finnish host organisation committing to support you.

What You Get

• Up to €700,000 in funding over four years
• Funding for your salary, possible team member salaries, and research costs, including travel and international collaboration
• The chance to spend time abroad during the fellowship, including at the European University Institute
• A strong step towards an independent research career

Note: the Research Council funds up to 70% of total costs, and the host organisation covers the rest.

How to Apply

Apply online through the Research Council of Finland's SARA system. You'll need:

1. Research plan, on the template
2. CV, on the template
3. Merits and competencies description
4. Research security assessment
5. Full list of publications
6. PhD certificate
7. A data management plan, an ethics section, an abstract and a list of collaborators
8. A commitment from your Finnish host organisation, due within 14 days of the deadline

Applications should be written in English.

Simple Tips

• Contact a Finnish university or research institute now to secure your host, as the deadline is close.
• Show clearly how the fellowship will grow your skills and independence as a researcher.
• Make your research plan bold but realistic, with a clear four-year timeline.
• Highlight international collaborations and planned research visits.
• Join the Research Council's call webinar for guidance.

Apply Here

• Call details: https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/calls-for-applications/for-researchers/2027-academy-research-fellowships-all-research-fields/
• Contact: Research Council of Finland helpdesk, or kirjaamo@aka.fi for urgent deadline issues

Disclaimer: World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Research Council of Finland. Please check all details on the official website before applying.

| Organization | Research Council of Finland | | Region | Finland (Europe) | | Deadline | 11 November 2026 | | Level | Early-career researchers (PhD 2020–2024) | | Funding | Up to €700,000 over 4 years |