Deadline: 21-Jan-2026
The Academy of Finland Strategic Research Program funds long-term, multidisciplinary research to strengthen population wellbeing and prevent mental health problems in Finland.
The programme supports large research consortia developing people-centred, cost-effective, and societally impactful solutions, with funding of up to €3 million per project for an initial three-year period.
Programme Overview
The Academy of Finland is accepting applications for its Strategic Research Program focused on strengthening mental wellbeing and preventing the development of mental health problems across the population.
The programme addresses mental health as a major societal challenge with wide-ranging implications for individuals, communities, economic productivity, and social cohesion. It supports solution-oriented research that can directly inform policy, services, and societal practices in Finland.
The initiative is coordinated by the Strategic Research Council (SRC), which funds high-quality, multidisciplinary research designed to respond to pressing societal needs and produce measurable real-world impact.
Programme Objectives
The Strategic Research Program aims to:
• Strengthen population-level mental wellbeing
• Prevent the emergence and escalation of mental health problems
• Identify social, cultural, technological, and structural drivers of mental health outcomes
• Develop innovative, cost-effective, and people-centred preventive solutions
• Position Finland as an international leader in mental health promotion and prevention
Mental wellbeing is viewed not only as an individual concern but as a foundation for resilient communities, sustainable economies, and inclusive societies.
Research Focus Areas
The programme supports multidisciplinary research that examines mental health from multiple perspectives.
Key thematic areas include:
• Promotion of overall wellbeing across the life course
• Prevention-oriented mental health strategies
• Impacts of societal change, uncertainty, individualism, and increasing life demands
• Opportunities and risks related to digitalisation and technological change
• Development of real-world interventions grounded in people’s lived experiences
• Co-creation of services with users, professionals, and institutions
• New models for social innovation, service delivery, and business opportunities
Research is expected to integrate scientific excellence with practical relevance and societal usability.
Funding Scope and Duration
Projects funded under this programme are expected to run for a total duration of six years.
The current call covers the first three-year funding period, with a total allocated budget of approximately €24 million.
The Strategic Research Council plans to fund around 8–9 projects in this call.
Each project may receive between €2.75 million and €3 million for the initial funding period.
Continued funding for the second three-year phase is subject to performance review and parliamentary budget approval in Finland’s 2026 national budget.
Who Is Eligible?
Only research consortia are eligible to apply for Strategic Research funding.
Eligible consortia must consist of research organisations capable of conducting large-scale, multidisciplinary projects.
Key Eligibility Requirements
• Applications must be submitted by a consortium, not individual researchers
• The consortium leader must hold a doctoral degree and have significant research leadership experience
• Work package leaders must hold doctoral degrees and demonstrate strong scientific expertise
• An interaction manager must be appointed and qualified to facilitate collaboration with knowledge users
• Consortia must demonstrate the capacity for long-term cooperation and societal engagement
Consortium Structure and Interaction Requirements
A defining feature of strategic research is structured interaction with society.
Each consortium must include a clear interaction plan that outlines how researchers will engage with policymakers, service providers, communities, and other knowledge users.
The interaction manager plays a central role in ensuring that research results are translated into usable knowledge and societal action.
Strong leadership, clear governance structures, and responsible research practices are essential evaluation criteria.
How the Strategic Research Program Works
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Research organisations form a multidisciplinary consortium addressing mental wellbeing and prevention.
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The consortium defines a six-year research vision aligned with the programme’s societal objectives.
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An application is submitted for the initial three-year funding period.
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Funded projects are monitored regularly by the Strategic Research Council.
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Continued funding is granted following evaluation of scientific quality, societal relevance, and impact.
Why This Programme Matters
Mental health challenges affect healthcare systems, labour markets, education, and social stability.
By investing in prevention and wellbeing, the programme supports long-term cost savings and improved quality of life.
The emphasis on co-creation, digital innovation, and societal impact ensures that research outcomes extend beyond academia into policy and practice.
The programme also strengthens Finland’s role in international mental health research through global cooperation and comparative analysis.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Submitting applications from individual researchers rather than consortia.
Weak or unclear interaction plans with societal stakeholders.
Insufficient leadership experience within the consortium.
Projects focused solely on treatment rather than prevention and wellbeing.
Lack of multidisciplinary integration across research themes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Academy of Finland Strategic Research Program?
It is a funding initiative supporting long-term, solution-oriented research that addresses major societal challenges, including mental wellbeing and prevention of mental health problems.
How long are funded projects expected to run?
Projects are designed to run for six years, with funding granted in two three-year phases.
How much funding can a project receive?
Each project may receive between €2.75 million and €3 million for the first three-year period.
Who can apply for this funding?
Only consortia of research organisations are eligible. Individual researchers cannot apply alone.
Is international collaboration allowed?
Yes. International comparison and cooperation are encouraged to strengthen research quality and relevance.
What role does societal interaction play in evaluation?
Interaction with knowledge users is a core requirement and a key evaluation criterion for funding decisions.
Conclusion
The Academy of Finland Strategic Research Program on Mental Wellbeing represents a major investment in preventive, people-centred, and societally impactful research. By funding multidisciplinary consortia and emphasizing real-world relevance, the programme aims to strengthen mental wellbeing, prevent future mental health problems, and support sustainable societal development in Finland and beyond.
For more information, visit Academy of Finland.
