Deadline: 17-Apr-2026
The Jorma Ollila Fund supports early-career researchers and postdoctoral scholars at Finnish universities to advance Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) research through international visits. Grants cover research-related expenses for periods of six months to three years, with funding up to €30,000 per year (up to €50,000 in exceptional cases). Applicants gain access to international collaboration, professional development, and networking opportunities via the Nokia Foundation.
What is the Jorma Ollila Fund?
The Jorma Ollila Fund is a grant program for early-career ICT researchers at Finnish universities to enhance academic excellence through international research experience. It supports research in ICT and multidisciplinary areas linking ICT with social, behavioral, economic, and service sciences. Key focus areas include:
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Wireless and Network Technologies
- Future Microelectronics
- Education and research promotion within Finland
The grant prioritizes projects that foster international collaboration and strengthen the research capacity of early-career scholars.
Grant Overview
- Funding Type: Research support for international visits
- Duration: 6 months to 3 years (funded annually)
- Maximum Funding: €30,000 per 12-month visit; up to €50,000 in exceptional cases
- Eligible Costs: Research visit-related expenses, excluding salary
- Additional Benefits: Networking opportunities, professional development, and support via the Nokia Foundation
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Postdoctoral researchers at Finnish universities
- Early-career scholars on tenure-track positions (assistant professor level)
- Applicants with official permission to defend their doctoral thesis (must include pre-examiner statements and complete the degree before the research visit)
Applicants must hold affiliation with a Finnish university and provide an invitation letter from the host institution abroad.
What Research Projects Are Supported?
The grant supports projects that:
- Focus on Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
- Include multidisciplinary approaches bridging ICT with social, behavioral, economic, or service sciences
- Promote research excellence and collaboration in Finland and internationally
- Align with priority areas such as AI, data science, wireless networks, and microelectronics
How the Jorma Ollila Fund Works
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure you are a postdoctoral researcher or early-career scholar at a Finnish university
- If completing a PhD, include pre-examiner statements and ensure the degree is completed before your visit
Step 2: Identify a Host Institution Abroad
- Select an international university or research institution relevant to your ICT research
- Obtain a formal invitation letter from the host institution
Step 3: Plan Research Visit and Budget
- Determine the duration of your visit (6 months–3 years)
- Calculate research-related expenses
- Ensure funding request aligns with the grant limits (€30,000 standard; up to €50,000 for justified cases)
Step 4: Submit Application
- Include host invitation letter, research proposal, budget, and CV
- For continuation funding, provide a progress report detailing research outcomes
Step 5: Receive Funding and Begin Visit
- Funds cover research-related costs only, not salary
- Utilize networking and professional development opportunities offered by the Nokia Foundation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an incomplete or missing host institution invitation letter
- Requesting funding for salary or unrelated expenses
- Applying before completing doctoral requirements (if applicable)
- Failing to provide justification for visits exceeding €30,000
- Not including a detailed research budget or progress report for continued funding
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Jorma Ollila Fund?
Postdoctoral researchers and early-career tenure-track scholars at Finnish universities. Applicants completing a PhD may also apply with pre-examiner approval.
2. What types of research are eligible?
ICT-focused projects, including multidisciplinary research bridging ICT with social, behavioral, economic, or service sciences.
3. How long can the research visit last?
6 months to 3 years, with funding awarded annually.
4. What is the maximum funding available?
€30,000 per year for a 12-month visit, up to €50,000 in exceptional cases with strong justification.
5. Can funding cover salary or family expenses?
No, the grant covers research-related expenses; salary is not included. Funding may cover family-related costs only in exceptional, well-justified cases.
6. What documents are required?
Research proposal, host invitation letter, CV, budget in Euros, and pre-examiner statements for applicants completing a PhD.
7. Is networking or professional support provided?
Yes, the Nokia Foundation facilitates networking and professional development opportunities.
Conclusion
The Jorma Ollila Fund is a strategic opportunity for early-career ICT researchers to gain international research experience, strengthen academic excellence, and build professional networks. With funding of up to €30,000 per year and support for multidisciplinary, high-impact projects, this grant enables Finnish scholars to advance research in AI, data science, wireless technologies, and microelectronics while fostering global collaboration.
For more information, visit Nokia Foundation.