Funding is one of the most critical factors enabling groundbreaking scientific discoveries and sustaining long-term research careers. For decades, the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation has been one of the most influential supporters of medical research in Finland, providing significant funding opportunities to researchers working at various stages of their academic and professional journeys.

Through its diverse portfolio of grants, fellowships, and research positions, the foundation aims to promote high-quality medical research, strengthen research careers, and advance scientific knowledge that contributes to better healthcare outcomes.

The foundation primarily supports research conducted in Finland, while also encouraging international collaboration by funding research placements abroad and inviting foreign scholars to Finnish institutions.

Notably, at least 75 percent of the grants awarded by the foundation go to Finnish researchers, reinforcing the country’s research ecosystem while also facilitating global partnerships.

Several funding opportunities are currently open for applications in 2026, particularly for researchers seeking fellowships or senior research placements abroad.

About the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation

The Sigrid Jusélius Foundation is dedicated to supporting top-level medical research in Finland. Its funding programs are designed to promote scientific excellence, enhance international collaboration, and support researchers throughout their careers—from postdoctoral researchers to senior academics.

By providing financial support for research projects, fellowships, and research positions, the foundation enables scientists to pursue innovative research initiatives that may lead to major advancements in medicine and public health.

In addition to funding research careers, the foundation also supports medical symposiums, providing platforms for scientific exchange, collaboration, and dissemination of new knowledge.

Available Grant Opportunities

The foundation offers several types of funding opportunities tailored to different stages of the research career. These grants support both research conducted in Finland and research placements abroad, helping researchers expand their expertise and collaborate internationally.

Below are the primary funding opportunities available through the foundation.

Fellowship (1–3 Years)

The Fellowship is designed for researchers who have completed their doctoral studies and wish to pursue advanced medical research abroad.

This fellowship enables early-career researchers to develop their expertise, strengthen international collaboration, and contribute to innovative research projects at leading research institutions worldwide.

Key Details

Duration: 1–3 years
Target group: Researchers who have defended their doctoral thesis
Purpose: Medical research abroad

Application Period

15 March – 15 April 2026

This opportunity is particularly valuable for postdoctoral researchers seeking to expand their international research networks and gain experience in new research environments.

Senior Fellowship (6–12 Months)

The Senior Fellowship supports experienced researchers who wish to conduct advanced medical research abroad for a shorter duration.

This funding allows senior-level researchers to collaborate with international research institutions, contribute to high-impact projects, and strengthen international partnerships.

Key Details

Duration: 6–12 months
Target group: Senior-level researchers
Purpose: Medical research abroad

Application Period

15 March – 15 April 2026

The Senior Fellowship is ideal for established researchers seeking to deepen their expertise or contribute to collaborative global research initiatives.

Visiting Professor Grant (3–12 Months)

The Visiting Professor Grant supports foreign senior researchers who wish to work at Finnish research institutes.

This initiative encourages knowledge exchange between international scholars and Finnish research institutions, strengthening Finland’s position as a hub for cutting-edge medical research.

Key Details

Duration: 3–12 months
Target group: Foreign senior researchers
Purpose: Conduct research at Finnish institutions

Application Period

1 November – 30 November 2026

1–3 Year Research Grants

These grants are designed to support research projects led by experienced scientists and emerging research leaders.

Key Details

Duration: 1–3 years
Target group:
- Senior researchers
- Young group leaders

Application Period

1 November – 30 November 2026

These grants provide funding that allows researchers to pursue long-term medical research initiatives that contribute to scientific innovation.

Large Research Grant (3–5 Years)

The Large Research Grant is intended for highly accomplished academic researchers who lead major research initiatives.

Target Group

Professors
Highly merited adjunct professors (docents)

This funding supports larger-scale research projects with significant scientific impact.

Senior Researcher Position (4 Years)

The Senior Researcher Grant supports independent medical researchers who have already established themselves in their field.

Key Details

Duration: 4 years
Target group:
- Adjunct professors (docents)
- Independent medical researchers with equivalent qualifications

Application Period

15 September – 15 October 2026

Medical Professorship (5 Years)

The foundation also provides funding to support medical professorships, helping universities and research institutions maintain world-class academic leadership in medical science.

Key Details

Duration: 5 years
Purpose: Financing medical professorship positions

Medical Symposium Funding

In addition to research grants and fellowships, the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation also supports medical symposiums that promote knowledge exchange among researchers.

These symposium grants are awarded every two years.

Application Period

15 September – 15 October 2025

Application Process

All grant applications must be submitted through the foundation’s electronic application system during the designated application periods.

Applicants should carefully review the specific instructions provided on each grant page before submitting their proposal.

In most cases, researchers can receive only one grant at a time, ensuring fair distribution of funding opportunities among applicants.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their research proposals well in advance to meet the application deadlines.

Annual Grant Application Timeline

The Sigrid Jusélius Foundation organizes its funding opportunities throughout the year according to a structured annual application cycle.

Key funding rounds occur in:

March–April (Fellowships and Senior Fellowships)
September–October (Senior Researcher Grants and Symposium Funding)
November (Visiting Professor Grants and 1–3 Year Research Grants)

This structured timeline allows researchers to plan their applications according to their career stage and research needs.

Why Apply for Sigrid Jusélius Foundation Funding?

Receiving a grant from the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation is widely recognized as a prestigious achievement within the medical research community.

The foundation’s grants provide:

Significant financial support for high-quality research
Opportunities for international collaboration
Career advancement for emerging and established researchers
Access to leading research institutions worldwide

Through these grants, the foundation continues to strengthen Finland’s role in global medical research while fostering scientific innovation that benefits society.

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