Jorma Ollila Grant for ICT Researchers (Finland)

The Nokia Foundation Jorma Ollila Grant supports recently graduated doctoral researchers and early-career academics in Finland working in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and related fields. The grant provides up to €30,000 for a 12-month international research visit, with exceptional awards of up to €50,000 available in specific cases.

Overview of the Jorma Ollila Grant

The Nokia Foundation is accepting applications for the Jorma Ollila Grant, which supports recently graduated doctoral researchers in developing their research careers through international research opportunities.

The grant is designed for postdoctoral researchers and early-career scholars who are advancing scientific research in ICT and related disciplines while strengthening Finland’s research and education ecosystem.

Purpose of the Grant

The Jorma Ollila Grant aims to:

Support international research mobility.
Strengthen ICT-related research excellence.
Promote multidisciplinary research approaches.
Develop the careers of early-stage researchers.
Support education and research activities in Finland.
Encourage international academic collaboration.

Research Areas Supported

Applicants must propose research connected to Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) or related fields.

Supported research areas include:

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Projects may focus on:

Artificial intelligence methods.
Machine learning.
Data science tools and applications.
Augmented intelligence.
AI-driven innovations.

Wireless and Network Technologies

Research may include:

Future communication technologies.
Wireless connectivity.
Fixed and mobile networks.
Advanced networking systems.

Future Microelectronics

Supported topics include:

Digital transformation technologies.
Microelectronics systems.
New technological methods and practices.
Hardware and computing innovations.

Multidisciplinary ICT Research

The programme also supports research connecting ICT with other disciplines, including:

Social sciences.
Behavioural sciences.
Economics.
Service sciences.

Projects should demonstrate how ICT contributes to broader scientific development and innovation.

Grant Benefits

The grant provides:

Financial support for international research visits.
Professional networking opportunities through Nokia Foundation contacts.
Opportunities to strengthen international research experience.
Support for academic career development.

Funding Amount

The maximum grant amount is:

€30,000 for a 12-month research visit

In exceptional cases with strong justification, funding may increase up to:

€50,000 for a 12-month research visit

Higher funding may be considered, for example, when researchers travel internationally with family members.

For research visits shorter than one year, funding is reduced proportionally based on the duration of the visit.

Eligible Applicants

The grant is intended for:

Recently graduated doctoral researchers.
Postdoctoral researchers.
Early-career scholars on the tenure track at assistant professor level.
Researchers affiliated with Finnish universities.

Applicants should demonstrate potential to advance research in ICT or related scientific fields.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Conduct research related to ICT or supporting disciplines.
Submit a proposal aligned with Nokia Foundation requirements.
Demonstrate how the research supports education and research in Finland.
Undertake an international research visit lasting between six months and three years.

Research Visit Duration

Supported international research visits may last:

Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 3 years

Funding amounts depend on the duration and requirements of the proposed research stay.

Application Requirements

Applicants should provide:

A research proposal.
Details of the international research visit.
Explanation of research relevance to ICT.
Alignment with one of the Jorma Ollila Fund focus areas.
Information demonstrating contribution to Finnish research and education.

Selection Considerations

Applications are expected to demonstrate:

Scientific quality.
Research innovation.
Relevance to ICT development.
Potential impact on the researcher’s career.
Contribution to Finland’s research environment.
Feasibility of the proposed international collaboration.

Tips for Applicants

Researchers can strengthen applications by:

Clearly linking their research to ICT priorities.
Explaining the importance of the international research visit.
Highlighting potential long-term academic impact.
Demonstrating collaboration opportunities.
Showing how the research benefits Finland’s scientific community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Jorma Ollila Grant?

The grant is available to recently graduated doctoral researchers and early-career scholars working in ICT and related fields at Finnish universities.

What is the maximum funding available?

Applicants can receive up to €30,000 for a 12-month research visit, with exceptional cases eligible for up to €50,000.

Can the grant support research outside traditional ICT fields?

Yes. Multidisciplinary research is eligible when ICT plays a significant role, including connections with social sciences, economics, behavioural sciences, and service sciences.

How long can research visits last?

Research visits must last between six months and three years.

What ICT fields are prioritised?

The main focus areas are Data Science and AI, Wireless and Network Technologies, and Future Microelectronics.

Conclusion

The Nokia Foundation Jorma Ollila Grant provides valuable support for early-career ICT researchers seeking international research experience. By funding global research visits and encouraging innovation in artificial intelligence, networking, and microelectronics, the programme helps strengthen Finland’s position in future digital technologies and scientific advancement.