Application Prioritisation and Evaluation Criteria

In the evaluation of applications, the following criteria are emphasised: the impact of the research, the novelty of the technology or methodology, and the applicant’s qualifications and commitment. The Foundation strongly recommends that doctoral grant applicants are already the first authors of at least one publication and that the doctoral project has progressed beyond the initial stages.

Grant Categories

1. Instrufoundation Fellow Grants

A 150 000 euros grant intended for an early-career researcher who has returned to Finland from abroad within the past two years (1.8.2023 – 31.12.2025). The grant supports the establishment or strengthening of an independent research group. The research must be conducted in Finland.

2. Postdoctoral Grants: From Finland to Abroad

A personal grant for researchers who have completed their doctoral degree within the past three years (1.8.2022 – 31.1.2025). The grant supports research work abroad for a maximum of two years and covers all related costs. The awarded amount is based on the applicant's proposed budget. The applicant must have a letter of acceptance from the host research group.

3. Postdoctoral Grants: From Abroad to Finland

A personal grant for postdoctoral researchers coming to Finland from abroad for a research period of up to two years. The grant covers all costs related to the research work, including relocation expenses and the MYEL insurance. The applicant must have a letter of acceptance from the host research group. The grant is not awarded to applicants who are already working in Finland at the time of application.

4. Doctoral Research Grants

A one-year personal grant for doctoral research. The maximum amount is 28 500 euros, including social security contributions and reasonable research costs. The applicant must demonstrate progress in the research; the first publication or manuscript is considered an advantage.

4. Silmu Grants

A 50,000 euros grant intended for researcher-innovators and science entrepreneurs. The project must last one year, and the grant will be paid to a company registered in Finland that is less than two years old. The applicant must hold a transfer agreement for the rights to the invention and a Finnish business ID (Y-tunnus). The project plan must be prepared according to the Silmu call guidelines (see: LINK).

Look for more information at the ”Instructions for applicants” page.

You can read the Silmu application instructions by opening the pdf file below.

• Ohjeet Silmu -apurahan hakemiseen - Instructions for applying for a Silmu grant (pdf, 208 KB)
  Ohjeet suomeksi sivut 1-2.
  Instructions in English pages 3-4. 

Contact for additional information:

Secretary General
Markku Lämsä
markku.lamsa(at)instrufoundation.fi
Tel. +358 40 501 5800

Instrumentarium Science Foundation Board