Request for Applications: Grants for Nokia Visiting Professors

Deadline: 05-Nov-2026

The Nokia Visiting Professor Programme supports academic mobility and collaboration in ICT and related fields. It enables distinguished professors to carry out research and teaching visits at universities in Finland or at universities abroad.

The programme is designed to strengthen international research cooperation, build academic partnerships, and improve the quality of ICT research and education. It supports both incoming and outgoing visits, as long as the visit meets the minimum duration and academic requirements.

Key facts

• Programme: Nokia Visiting Professor Programme.

• Field: Information and Communications Technologies.

• Purpose: Support academic exchange, research cooperation, and teaching collaboration.

• Visit duration: At least two months.

• Destination: Finland or foreign universities.

• Eligible applicants: Distinguished professors in ICT or closely related fields.

• Funding use: Travel and accommodation only.

• Not covered: Salary expenses.

• Application system: Nokia Foundation official application system.

• Review rounds: Two annual rounds.

What the programme supports

The programme supports visiting professorships that combine research and teaching. Visiting professors are expected to contribute to academic life during their stay and to strengthen cross-border collaboration in ICT.

The grant is intended to support:

• Research visits.

• Teaching activities.

• Joint academic work.

• New institutional partnerships.

• International scientific collaboration.

Who is eligible?

The programme is open to distinguished professors in ICT or closely related fields. Eligible applicants may be:

• Professors from international universities visiting Finland.

• Professors from Finland visiting foreign universities.

Applicants must present a clear and feasible research plan and show how the visit will benefit Finnish research and higher education.

What strong applications should include

A competitive application should clearly show:

• A strong academic profile.

• A focused research plan.

• A feasible visit schedule.

• Clear teaching or research activities.

• Ethical considerations.

• Scientific value of the collaboration.

• Benefits to Finnish research and academic development.

• Potential for new research partnerships.

How the programme works

1. Prepare a research and teaching plan.
   Explain what the professor will do during the visit and why it matters.

2. Define the academic benefit.
   Show how the visit supports ICT research, education, or collaboration.

3. Confirm the host institution.
   Identify the Finnish or foreign university where the visit will take place.

4. Submit the application.
   Use the Nokia Foundation’s official application system.

5. Await review.
   Applications are assessed in two annual review rounds.

6. Receive funding decision.
   The amount depends on the approved application and the visit duration.

Why it matters

Academic mobility helps universities share expertise and build stronger international research networks. In a fast-moving field like ICT, visiting professorships can accelerate collaboration, new ideas, and scientific output.

This programme matters because it supports both research quality and educational exchange. It also helps ensure that Finnish research remains connected to international academic developments.

Common mistakes and tips

• Mistake: Proposing a visit shorter than two months.

  • Tip: The visit must meet the minimum duration requirement.

• Mistake: Focusing only on travel without a research plan.

  • Tip: The application should clearly explain the academic value of the visit.

• Mistake: Forgetting the benefit to Finnish research.

  • Tip: Show how the visit contributes to Finnish higher education and research.

• Mistake: Treating the grant as salary support.

  • Tip: The funding is for travel and accommodation, not salary.

• Mistake: Ignoring ethics and feasibility.

  • Tip: Include ethical considerations and a realistic schedule.

FAQ

What is the Nokia Visiting Professor Programme?

• It is an academic exchange programme that funds visiting professorships in ICT and related fields.

• It supports research and teaching visits in Finland or abroad.

Who can apply?

• Distinguished professors in ICT or closely related fields.

• They may be based at international universities or in Finland.

How long must the visit be?

• The visit must last at least two months.

What does the grant cover?

• Travel costs.

• Accommodation costs.

• It does not cover salary expenses.

How are applications evaluated?

• Applications are reviewed by the Nokia Foundation.

• Evaluation is based on the research plan, academic merit, collaboration potential, and benefit to Finnish research.

How many review rounds are there?

• Two annual review rounds.

Where are applications submitted?

• Through the Nokia Foundation’s official application system.

Conclusion

The Nokia Visiting Professor Programme is a focused opportunity for ICT scholars who want to build international academic partnerships through research and teaching visits. The strongest applications will combine a clear research plan, strong academic value, and a demonstrated benefit to Finnish research and higher education.

For more information, visit Nokia Foundation.