Foundation for Research of Natural Resources in Finland - Scholarship

What you get

You will receive a research grant to cover your annual salary, travel and other research costs for a project lasting up to 3 years. The funding is awarded on an annual basis, and you must submit a new application each year, together with a progress report. The grant also covers statutory social security contributions (pension and accident insurance) as well as up to 15% in overheads for your research institution. The funds will be paid as a salary via your university or research institute. The grant is provided by the Foundation for Natural Resources Research in Finland (Suomen Luonnonvarain Tutkimussäätiö, SLTS), which was established in 1952. It supports applied research into the sustainable use of Finland’s natural resources in two areas: the bioeconomy (forests, fields, water bodies, and the forestry, chemical, food, fisheries and pharmaceutical industries) and the mineral economy.

Who can apply

• Level: You have already completed your PhD. You are leading the project and are listed as the applicant.
• Field: Your research is about Finland's natural resources, within bio-economy or mineral economy.
• Where: You will be based mainly in Finland. You will be able to carry out some of your research work abroad.
• Benefit: Your project must be of benefit to Finnish research, society or international cooperation.
• Research site: A university or research institute must agree to employ you and pay your salary. Please enclose this written confirmation with your application.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Since 2022, a scholarship has been set aside under a separate special call for applications for a Ukrainian doctoral or postdoctoral researcher at a Finnish university or research centre.

The grant is not intended to fund individual scholarships, travel allowances, funding for the completion of a doctoral thesis, or to partially finance projects that are already underway.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Foundation’s funding portal. The application period runs from 1 September to 11 October 2026 (until 23:59). Early-career researchers may be invited to a brief one-to-one interview with the Foundation’s Executive Board.

If you are weighing your options, our guide Scholarships in Finland brings together further funding opportunities available across Finland.