The Research Council of Finland is accepting applications for its 2027 Academy Research Fellowships across all research fields. Eligible early-career researchers can apply for four-year funding of up to €700,000 by 11 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Research Council of Finland (RCF) is inviting applications for its 2027 Academy Research Fellowships, a funding programme designed to support early-career researchers in advancing their research careers and strengthening their position in the national and international research community.
The programme supports ambitious, innovative, high-quality research projects that help researchers develop their expertise and progress towards more advanced research positions.
The four-year funding may cover the applicant’s salary, the salaries of a research team where applicable, and other research-related costs. The maximum funding available is €700,000, with each application budget expected to reflect the objectives and needs of the proposed research project.
Applications opened on 14 October 2026 and close on 11 November 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time. The funding period runs from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2031.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding organisation | Research Council of Finland |
| Programme | 2027 Academy Research Fellowships |
| Research fields | All research fields |
| Target applicants | Early-career researchers |
| Funding duration | 4 years |
| Maximum funding | €700,000 |
| Funding period | 1 September 2027 – 31 August 2031 |
| Applications opened | 14 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 11 November 2026, 23:59 Finnish time |
| Application platform | SARA online services |
| Official announcement | Research Council of Finland – Academy Research Fellowships 2027 |
Tasks and Fellowship Benefits
The Academy Research Fellowship supports researchers in developing independent research careers while producing ambitious and innovative research.
The funding can contribute towards:
- Researcher salary: Salary costs for the applicant during the funded project.
- Research team salaries: Eligible salary costs for a research team, where applicable.
- Research expenses: Other costs necessary to carry out the proposed research project.
- Career development: Building research competence and progressing towards more demanding research positions.
- Research impact: Producing high-quality research and strengthening participation in the national and international research community.
Applicants are expected to prepare a cost estimate that reflects their project’s objectives and the requirements of the funding scheme.
The programme covers all research fields, according to the call announcement.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The fellowship is intended for individual researchers who have completed their first doctoral degree within the eligibility period specified in the call.
To be eligible for the 2027 call, applicants must meet the following key requirements:
- Have obtained their first doctoral degree between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024.
- Be an early-career researcher seeking to advance their research career.
- Not already hold a permanent and senior research position, such as a professor, assistant or associate professor, research director or a comparable senior-level post.
- Propose a research project that supports career development and aims to produce high-quality, innovative and ambitious research.
The programme is designed to help researchers progress towards more demanding research positions and establish themselves within the research community.
Applicants should read the complete call text and the applicable Research Council of Finland funding terms before preparing their applications.
Additional Information
Applications opened on 14 October 2026 and must be submitted by 11 November 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time.
The four-year funding period begins on 1 September 2027 and ends on 31 August 2031.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should:
- Read the full official Academy Research Fellowships 2027 call.
- Review the eligibility requirements, funding conditions and application guidelines.
- Prepare a research proposal and project cost estimate aligned with the fellowship’s objectives.
- Submit the application through the Research Council of Finland’s SARA online services before the deadline.
Important: The €700,000 figure is the maximum funding available under the scheme, not a guaranteed personal payment to every fellow. The actual funding requested should be based on the proposed project’s objectives and costs.
For enquiries about the programme, applicants can contact the Research Council of Finland through its official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Academy Research Fellowships 2027?
They are four-year research funding opportunities offered by the Research Council of Finland to help early-career researchers advance their careers and undertake ambitious research projects.
2. How much funding is available?
The maximum funding is €700,000. The funding can cover the researcher’s salary, possible research team salary costs and other project expenses.
3. Who can apply for the 2027 fellowship?
Individual early-career researchers whose first doctoral degree certificate is dated between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2024 may apply, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.
4. Which research fields are eligible?
The call covers all research fields.
5. How long does the fellowship last?
The funding period is four years, running from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2031.
6. Can researchers who already hold senior positions apply?
The call states that the fellowship can be granted to researchers who do not yet hold a permanent and senior research position. Senior roles include professors, assistant or associate professors, research directors and comparable positions.
7. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 11 November 2026 at 23:59 Finnish time.
8. How do applicants submit their applications?
Applications must be submitted through the Research Council of Finland’s SARA online services after applicants review the official call and funding guidelines.
9. Is the €700,000 awarded directly to the researcher?
Not necessarily. It is the maximum funding available for a proposed project. The funding may cover salary costs and other eligible research expenses, according to the approved budget and funding conditions.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Research Council of Finland’s Academy Research Fellowships 2027 may be particularly valuable for eligible postdoctoral and early-career researchers seeking to develop ambitious research projects and strengthen their academic careers. The scheme’s four-year duration and maximum funding of €700,000 provide scope to budget for research activities, salary costs and potentially a research team.
Applicants should carefully verify the doctoral degree date requirements, their current research position and the complete application guidelines before submitting a proposal.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares research funding and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Research Council of Finland and does not administer the fellowship. Applicants should confirm all eligibility requirements, funding conditions and submission instructions through the official website.
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