Paavo Nurmi Foundation - Scholarship

Paavo Nurmi Foundation research grant

You will receive a grant for research into cardiovascular diseases or in the field of public health, to be carried out in Finland. The amount depends on your career stage. In the most recent funding rounds (2025), approximately 10,000 to 19,000 EUR was awarded to experienced researchers, 4,000 to 12,000 EUR to postdoctoral researchers (researchers who have already completed their PhDs), 4,000 to 8,000 EUR to PhD students working on their theses, and 500 to 2,000 EUR for conference travel. You may also use the funds to purchase equipment and materials. The Paavo Nurmi Foundation (Paavo Nurmen Säätiö), which was founded in 1968 by the Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi, awards a total of around 200,000 euros annually across all its grants and prizes.

Who can apply

• Career stage: You are a PhD student working on your thesis, a postdoctoral researcher, or a senior academic, for example as a lecturer or professor.
• Field: Your research focuses on cardiovascular diseases or public health issues, such as cardiac arrhythmias, vascular health, stroke or metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
• Where you work: You carry out the research in Finland.
• Nationality: Applicants of any nationality may apply, provided that the research is carried out in Finland.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Foundation’s funding portal. First, you must register, and then submit your application. The application window runs every year from 1 to 30 September and closes at 23:59.