Post-Doc Pool International Research Grant for Finnish Researchers

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The Foundations’ Post-Doc Pool provides grants to researchers who have recently completed their doctoral studies in Finland and plan to undertake international research stays abroad. The funding supports postdoctoral researchers undertaking research outside Finland for at least six months, with preference given to stays lasting at least one academic year. The programme aims to strengthen the internationalization of Finnish research by supporting early-career researchers in gaining international research experience, developing global collaborations, and conducting research abroad.

About the Foundations’ Post-Doc Pool

The Foundations’ Post-Doc Pool was established to promote the internationalization of Finnish researchers through postdoctoral research abroad. By providing financial support for international research stays, the programme helps recently graduated researchers gain experience in international research environments and develop connections with researchers and institutions outside Finland. The programme is particularly relevant for early-career scholars who have recently completed their doctoral studies and want to continue their research career internationally. How Long Must the Research Stay Be? The programme supports international research stays of at least six months. While shorter research periods may receive supplementary funding, the supported period abroad must last at least six months. Research stays of at least one academic year are preferred. Applicants should therefore clearly explain the planned duration of their international research stay and demonstrate how the period abroad contributes to their research and professional development. What Does the Grant Cover? The grant is provided as a lump sum intended to cover living expenses and other costs associated with working abroad. Depending on the applicant’s submitted cost estimate, the grant can cover expenses such as: - Living expenses during the research stay - Travel costs - Relocation costs - School fees - Insurance - Other costs incurred while working abroad The amount of the grant is determined based on the cost estimate submitted by the applicant. Salary and Working Grant Eligibility Researchers who receive a full salary are not eligible for the working grant. However, researchers who receive a partial salary may apply for a partial working grant. Applicants should therefore take their existing salary arrangements into account when determining their funding needs and preparing their application. Who Is Eligible? The Foundations’ Post-Doc Pool is intended for researchers who have recently completed their doctoral studies and plan to conduct research outside Finland. Applicants generally need to have completed their doctoral degree within the past four years. The programme also recognizes certain career breaks when determining eligibility. Allowances may be made for career interruptions resulting from: - Parental leave - Military service - Illness - Medical specialization These provisions allow eligible researchers with recognized career breaks to remain within the programme’s eligibility timeframe. Can Researchers Apply Before Defending Their Thesis? Yes. Researchers who have not yet defended their doctoral thesis may apply if they have already received permission to defend their thesis. However, the grant will only be paid after the doctoral degree has been completed. Applicants in this situation should therefore consider the timing of their doctoral defence and the planned research stay when preparing their application. What Expenses Are Not Covered? The grant is intended to support future international research expenses and cannot be used for certain purposes.

Grants are not awarded:

- For expenses that have already been incurred - To compensate for loss of income - To hire research assistants Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget reflects eligible future expenses connected with the international research stay. Supporting Internationalization of Finnish Research International research experience can help early-career researchers develop professional networks, establish international collaborations, and gain exposure to different research environments. The Foundations’ Post-Doc Pool supports this internationalization by providing financial assistance for researchers from Finland to spend extended periods conducting research abroad. The minimum six-month period encourages researchers to undertake substantial international research stays rather than very short visits. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should carefully plan their international research stay and prepare a realistic estimate of the costs they expect to incur abroad. A strong application should clearly communicate: - The researcher’s doctoral completion status - The proposed research project - The international research destination - The planned duration of the stay - Why conducting the research abroad is important - Expected international research collaboration - Professional and research benefits of the stay - Expected living and travel expenses - Relocation, insurance, and school-related costs where applicable - Any salary arrangements that affect the requested working grant Applicants who have not yet defended their thesis should also take into account the requirement that the doctoral degree must be completed before the grant can be paid. Key Features of the Foundations’ Post-Doc Pool

- Programme: Foundations’ Post-Doc Pool

- Target group: Researchers who have recently completed doctoral studies in Finland

- Purpose: Support international postdoctoral research

- Research location: Outside Finland

- Minimum research stay: Six months

- Preferred duration: At least one academic year

- Eligibility period: Doctoral degree completed within the past four years, subject to allowances for specified career breaks

- Grant type: Lump-sum working grant

- Covered costs: Living expenses and costs related to w