Suomen Biologian Seura Vanamo ry - Scholarship

Vanamo Society biology scholarship

You will receive up to 1,500 EUR as a one-off grant for your biological research, usually as part of a Master’s thesis. In the year 2026, the 14 Society awarded grants ranging from 1,000 EUR to 1,500 EUR each. You can use the money to cover your living expenses whilst working on your thesis, to purchase essential research materials, or to travel to a scientific conference. The grant is provided by the ‘Suomen Biologian Seura Vanamo ry’ (Finnish Society for Biology Vanamo), a scientific association that promotes biological research in Finland.

Who can apply

• Membership: You are a member of the Vanamo Society. You can join by applying.
• Field of study: You work in biology, in any sub-field.
• Purpose: The grant is primarily intended for a Master’s thesis (known as a ‘pro gradu’ in Finland), but you may also apply for it to cover travel to conferences or for other purposes that are in line with the association’s objectives.
• Where you study: Any university. In 2026, the prize-winners came from Helsinki, Turku, Oulu, Eastern Finland and Jyväskylä.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.
• One application: Only one application may be submitted per person.

How to apply

Applications are submitted every year in February via the online form on the Vanamo website. The form is in Finnish. If Finnish is not your first language, you may submit the supporting documents (work plan, cost estimate and CV) in English. Only the title and abstract of the thesis must be written in Finnish. The Society’s Executive Committee reviews all applications and announces the winners at its annual general meeting at the end of May.

How realistic are your chances?

In 2026 the society awarded 14 grants, worth 20,462 EUR in total. The society does not publish how many people apply.

If this biology grant is not the right fit for you, our guide Scholarships in Finland covers further funding options across Finland.