FAQ
Tips for Applying for a Grant
For what purposes can a grant be applied for?
The research plan must comply with the themes and subject areas of the call. The Science Foundation primarily awards grants for the following purposes:
- Doctoral research in Finland aimed at completing a PhD dissertation
- Postdoctoral grants supporting research periods of up to two years
- Instrufoundation Fellow grants for researchers recently returned from abroad who are establishing independence, either by founding a new research group or strengthening an existing one during a one-year research period in Finland
- Silmu grants for researcher-innovators and science entrepreneurs conducting one-year, Finland-based projects that foster new business opportunities; the grant is paid to the company.
How much funding can be applied for?
Applicants are encouraged to review the purposes and typical amounts of previous years’ grants before submitting their application.
- Doctoral dissertation grants typically range from 10 000 to 28 500 euros.
- Postdoctoral grant has recently been approximately 50 000 euros.
- The Instrufoundation Fellow grant is 150 000 euros.
- The Silmu grant is 50 000 euros.
Doctoral and postdoctoral grants are personal and intended to cover living expenses during the applied period. Postdoctoral grants are awarded for up to two years of work, and doctoral grants for a minimum of four months (commonly for one year).
Can the requested amount be reduced?
The Foundation may need to reduce the applied amount. Typically, we expect the host institution to provide the necessary research environment, so equipment and material purchases may be excluded.
What does the grant not cover?
- The Science Foundation does not award grants for studies leading to a basic degree.
- Grants are not awarded solely for conference trips, but such trips may be included in a funded project.
- The Foundation does not fund the organization of events such as conferences or seminars.
- Grants are not awarded for reallocation as new grants or prizes.
Will I receive an explanation of the funding decision?
The Instrumentarium Science Foundation does not provide justifications for grant decisions, but applicants receive written feedback on their research plan. The Foundation receives hundreds of applications annually, and not all can be funded.
Can a grant be received more than once?
It is possible to apply again for a well-progressing doctoral project.
What kind of things evaluators value in grant applications?