Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This page answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the Instrumentarium Science Foundation’s grant programme. We encourage applicants to read the call for applications and the guidelines carefully before submitting an application.
The FAQ provides information on the different grant categories, eligibility requirements, preparing an application, evaluation criteria, and reporting requirements. Our aim is to help applicants prepare clear, high-quality applications and make the application process as smooth as possible.
If you cannot find an answer to your question here, please contact the Instrumentarium Science Foundation.
General questions
What can I apply for a grant for?
The Instrumentarium Science Foundation supports high-quality research and research-based innovations. In the 2027 call, grants will be awarded for:
- doctoral research conducted in Finland
- postdoctoral research in Finland or abroad
- the Instrufoundation Fellow programme for researchers returning to Finland from abroad
- Silmu projects developing research-based innovations and new business opportunities.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated by independent experts appointed by the Foundation. Particular attention is paid to:
- scientific quality of the research
- novelty
- feasibility
- the applicant’s qualifications
- the scientific and societal impact of the research or project.
How competitive is the funding?
The Foundation receives considerably more applications each year than it can fund. Receiving a grant requires a high-quality research plan and convincing evidence of the feasibility of the proposed project.
Can I receive a grant more than once?
Yes. It is possible to apply for a Foundation grant again, for example, for well-advanced doctoral research or for the next stage of a research project.
Will I receive reasons for the grant decision?
The Foundation does not provide separate justifications for grant decisions. However, applicants receive written feedback on their research plan.
Preparing an application
What should I emphasise in the research plan?
The research plan should clearly describe:
- the background and objectives of the research
- the research questions or hypotheses
- the novelty of the research
- the methods to be used
- the conditions and resources required to carry out the research
- the expected results and impact of the research.
How should I prepare the budget?
The amount applied for should be based on the research plan and the actual costs of the project. Applicants must justify the requested amount and provide a brief breakdown of the costs.
As a general rule, the research organisation is expected to provide the basic facilities and research infrastructure required to carry out the research.
Can the grant amount I apply for be reduced?
Yes. The Foundation may award a smaller grant than the amount requested. Typically, reductions concern costs that are considered to fall within the normal resources provided by the host organisation.
Can I apply for a grant if I have other funding?
Yes. The application must include information on other research grants already received or currently pending, as well as their intended use.
Can I supplement my application during the application period?
Yes. Applications can be saved and edited until the application deadline. Only applications submitted electronically by the deadline will be considered.
What can a grant not be awarded for?
Grants cannot be awarded for:
- studies leading to a basic or undergraduate degree
- conference travel alone
- organising conferences, seminars or other events
- grants or prizes to be further distributed to others.
Types of grants
Doctoral grants
Doctoral grants are personal grants for doctoral research conducted in Finland. Typically, a grant is applied for one year of full-time work.
Postdoctoral grants
Postdoctoral grants are awarded for research periods of up to two years in Finland or abroad. The grants are personal and intended to support the researcher’s work.
Instrufoundation Fellow
The Instrufoundation Fellow grant is intended for researchers returning to Finland from abroad who are at an early stage of establishing their independence as researchers. The grant supports the establishment of a new research group or the strengthening of an existing research group.
The grant is €150,000. In addition, the Foundation pays the host organisation an overhead allowance of 15% of the grant amount.
Silmu grant
The Silmu grant is intended for researcher-innovators and academic entrepreneurs developing research-based innovations, products, services or new business opportunities.
The grant is €60,000 and is paid to a company. The project duration is one year, and the host organisation must be located in Finland.
What is evaluated in Silmu applications?
The evaluation takes into account, among other things:
- the novelty of the innovation
- the research basis of the innovation
- feasibility
- business potential
- the expertise of the project team.
What kind of things evaluators value in grant applications?
Decisions and reporting
When will grant decisions be announced?
The timetable for grant decisions is announced annually in the call for applications and on the Foundation’s website.
What happens if I receive a grant?
Grant recipients must use the grant for the purpose for which it was awarded and submit a report to the Foundation on the use of the grant and the results of the research, in accordance with the Foundation’s guidelines.
Can I apply for a change to the grant period?
If the schedule of the research project changes substantially, the grant recipient must contact the Foundation as soon as possible.