CFPs: Strategic Research Programme – The Arctic in Transition (ARCTIC) – Finland

The Academy of Finland, through its Strategic Research Council (SRC), has launched a Strategic Research Programme focused on understanding how Arctic change affects communities, ecosystems, infrastructure, and security. The programme funds long-term, multidisciplinary research consortia to strengthen Finland’s preparedness, policy influence, and sustainable leadership as an Arctic nation.

Overview

The Academy of Finland is inviting applications for its Strategic Research Programme examining the impacts of rapid Arctic change on society, the environment, infrastructure, and security.

Funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC), the programme supports high-quality, solution-oriented research that responds to major societal challenges linked to climate change, biodiversity loss, economic development, and geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic region.

Programme Objectives and Scope

The programme aims to strengthen Finland’s knowledge base and strategic capacity as Arctic change accelerates. It focuses on understanding how environmental, social, economic, and political transformations interact and affect people, livelihoods, and governance.

Key objectives include:

• Deepening scientific understanding of Arctic environmental and societal change

• Supporting evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development

• Strengthening Finland’s role as a proactive and informed Arctic actor

• Promoting equitable solutions that balance nature, economy, and communities

Research is expected to integrate natural sciences, social sciences, economics, and policy studies through multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key Research Themes

Consortia are encouraged to address one or more of the following interconnected themes:

Environmental and Biodiversity Change

• Impacts of climate change on Arctic ecosystems

• Biodiversity loss and ecosystem resilience

• Long-term environmental monitoring and adaptation strategies

Communities, Livelihoods, and Infrastructure

• Effects of Arctic change on local and Indigenous communities

• Infrastructure resilience in extreme and changing conditions

• Adaptation of livelihoods, transport, and logistics

Nature–Economy Balance

• Sustainable use of natural resources

• Tensions and synergies between economic development and environmental protection

• Business, governance, and community perspectives

Security and Geopolitical Dimensions

• Energy security and logistics resilience

• Role of major powers and international alliances in the Arctic

• Finland’s strategic position as an Arctic nation

Projects may focus on Finland’s northern regions or examine Finland’s Arctic role in a broader international context.

How the Strategic Research Council Funding Works

The SRC funds research through structured consortia composed of multiple organisations working collaboratively. Each consortium becomes part of a thematic programme overseen by a dedicated programme director.

Key features of SRC funding include:

• Long-term, solution-oriented research

• Strong interaction with policymakers, businesses, and other knowledge users

• Continuous monitoring of progress, relevance, and societal impact

• Emphasis on both scientific excellence and real-world applicability

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applications must be submitted by research consortia that meet SRC eligibility and structural requirements.

Each consortium must include:

• Principal Investigator (PI) responsible for scientific leadership

• Work Package Leaders with relevant academic qualifications and experience

• Interaction Manager responsible for stakeholder engagement and societal impact

All leadership roles require demonstrated expertise and experience relevant to the project’s scope and objectives.

Funding Size and Project Duration

The programme supports long-term research with the following funding structure:

• Total duration: 6 years

• Initial funding phase: 3 years

• Estimated number of projects: 8–9 consortia

• Funding per project: €2.75–3 million (first phase)

• Total funding (first phase): Approximately €24 million

Funding allocations are subject to approval of Finland’s national budget by Parliament. Applicants must present realistic and well-justified cost estimates.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

The strategic research funding application follows a two-stage process.

Step 1: Initial Consortium Application

• Open to all eligible applicants

• Focuses on research idea, relevance, and consortium structure

• Evaluated by the Strategic Research Council

Step 2: Full Application (By Invitation Only)

• Only top-performing consortia are invited

• Requires a detailed research plan, budget, and interaction strategy

• Final funding decisions are made by the Strategic Research Council

Why This Programme Matters

Arctic change is accelerating faster than global averages, with profound implications for climate systems, societies, and international security.

This programme matters because it:

• Generates actionable knowledge for policymakers and practitioners

• Strengthens Finland’s resilience and preparedness

• Supports sustainable development in fragile Arctic environments

• Enhances international cooperation and strategic foresight

By linking science with real-world decision-making, the programme helps ensure that Arctic development is informed, responsible, and forward-looking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should pay close attention to the following issues:

• Weak integration between disciplines within the consortium

• Insufficient stakeholder and policy interaction planning

• Unrealistic budgets or poorly justified cost estimates

• Overly narrow research focus that ignores societal relevance

• Unclear leadership roles or governance structures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who funds the Arctic Strategic Research Programme?

The programme is funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC) under the Academy of Finland.

2. What type of research is supported?

The SRC supports multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and solution-oriented research addressing major societal challenges related to Arctic change.

3. Can international partners be part of a consortium?

Yes, as part of a consortium led by eligible Finnish organisations, depending on SRC rules and funding conditions.

4. How long are the funded projects?

Projects run for up to six years, with funding awarded initially for a three-year phase.

5. How competitive is the application process?

Highly competitive. Only the strongest proposals from the first stage are invited to submit full applications.

6. Is stakeholder engagement mandatory?

Yes. Each consortium must include an interaction manager and demonstrate meaningful engagement with knowledge users.

7. What geographic focus is allowed?

Research may focus on Finland’s northern regions or Finland’s broader role as an Arctic nation.

Conclusion

The Academy of Finland’s Strategic Research Programme on Arctic change represents a major investment in understanding one of the world’s most rapidly transforming regions.

By supporting long-term, multidisciplinary research with strong societal engagement, the programme aims to strengthen Finland’s scientific leadership, policy readiness, and sustainable role in the Arctic—ensuring that knowledge, resilience, and responsibility guide future Arctic development.