Deadline: 19-Jun-2026
The French Institute Nordic Award supports early-career Nordic researchers in Arctic-focused studies by funding collaborative research exchanges with French institutions. It provides lump-sum grants for travel and living costs and requires multinational consortia from Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands). The program promotes scientific cooperation in Arctic research areas such as environmental change, society, economy, and geopolitics.
French Institute Nordic Award – Overview
The French Institute Nordic Award is an international research mobility and collaboration program designed to strengthen Arctic scientific cooperation between Nordic countries and France.
- The program supports:
- Early-career researchers and PhD candidates
- Collaborative Arctic-focused research projects
- Academic exchange between Nordic countries and French institutions
- Core objective:
- Strengthen Franco-Nordic scientific cooperation in Arctic research through structured research visits
Program Focus Areas (Arctic Research Themes)
The award prioritizes research related to the Arctic region, with a strong interdisciplinary scope.
- Key thematic areas include:
- Environmental change in the Arctic
- Economic dynamics and resource development
- Societal transformations in Arctic communities
- Geopolitical and strategic developments in the Arctic region
- Academic scope:
- Open to all disciplines
- Includes natural sciences, social sciences, and human sciences
- Emphasis on contributions to Arctic studies
Funding and Financial Support
The program provides lump-sum funding to support short-term research visits in France.
- Funding amounts by country:
- What the grant covers:
- International travel costs
- Accommodation in France
- Daily living expenses during the visit
- Funding structure:
- Lump-sum payment (fixed amount)
- No itemized reimbursement required
Research Visit Requirements
Selected consortia must design and complete a structured research visit in France.
- Minimum duration:
- At least one week
- Required components:
- Meetings with French research institutions
- Engagement with relevant academic partners
- Clearly defined research objectives
- Plan for strengthening Franco-Nordic collaboration
- Expected outcomes:
- Academic networking
- Joint research development
- Long-term collaboration potential
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The program is designed for early-career researchers in a structured multinational consortium format.
- Individual eligibility:
- PhD students, OR
- Researchers who obtained a PhD within the last 5 years
- Nationality requirements:
- No nationality restrictions for individuals
- Must be affiliated with eligible Nordic countries
- Consortium requirements:
- Must consist of 4 researchers total
- Each must represent one of the following:
- Sweden
- Norway
- Finland
- Kingdom of Denmark (including Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands)
- Additional conditions:
- Consortia must already be formed before application
- Full representation of all four countries is mandatory
Program Structure and Collaboration Model
The award is built around cross-border teamwork and institutional collaboration.
- Key structure:
- Multinational research consortium (4 members)
- Joint application submitted as a group
- Coordinated research visit plan to France
- Collaboration expectations:
- Existing links with French institutions should be identified
- New collaboration opportunities should be developed
- Clear shared research goals must be defined
Strategic Importance and Impact
The program contributes to both scientific and diplomatic objectives.
- Scientific impact:
- Advances Arctic research knowledge
- Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration
- Strengthens research mobility in Europe
- Diplomatic and cooperation impact:
- Builds stronger Franco-Nordic academic ties
- Enhances international research networks
- Supports shared understanding of Arctic challenges
- Long-term outcomes:
- Sustainable research partnerships
- Joint publications and projects
- Expanded Arctic research cooperation frameworks
Key Requirements Summary
- Must be a 4-person consortium (one from each Nordic country group)
- Must focus on Arctic-related research themes
- Must include a minimum one-week research visit in France
- Must be early-career researchers (PhD or within 5 years of PhD completion)
- Must propose clear collaboration goals with French institutions
Conclusion
The French Institute Nordic Award is a targeted mobility and collaboration grant that strengthens Arctic research partnerships between Nordic countries and France. By supporting structured research visits and interdisciplinary cooperation, it helps early-career researchers build international networks while advancing critical understanding of Arctic environmental, social, and geopolitical issues.
For more information, visit FINA.
