# Huippuyksikköohjelman 2022–2029 väliarviointi ja jatkokauden kutsuhaku (Finnish Centres of Excellence 2022–2029 Mid-Term Evaluation and Continued Funding, Invitation Only)

**Funder:** Research Council of Finland
**Duration:** Until 2029 (continuation period)
**Application:** Mid-term evaluation (4-year report + SAB reports + original research plan) → international review panel → funding decision
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** FI
**Official call:** https://www.aka.fi/en/research-funding/apply-for-funding/calls-for-applications/research-environment/2026-finnish-centres-of-excellence-20222029-mid-term-evaluation-and-continued-funding-invitation-only/
**Last verified:** 4 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Invitation-only call for existing Finnish Centres of Excellence (2022–2029 programme) to apply for continued funding after mid-term evaluation. Applicants must be current CoE holders; evaluation covers achievement of original goals, quality of continuation plan, and plans for EU funding. Finnish research institutions only.

## Summary

The Finnish Centres of Excellence 2022-2029 Mid-Term Evaluation and Continued Funding is an invitation-only call for existing Centres of Excellence to apply for extended support through 2029 following a mandatory mid-term review. Only current CoE holders at Finnish research institutions are eligible; the evaluation assesses progress against original goals, the quality of the continuation plan, and strategies for securing complementary EU funding.

## Who should apply

- Current holders of a Finnish Centre of Excellence (2022-2029) designation
- Research teams based at recognised Finnish academic institutions
- Centres with a strong track record against original mid-term targets
- Teams with a credible plan for EU co-funding or complementary external support

## Key dates

- Invitation-only call for current CoE holders
- Mid-term evaluation phase: 4-year report, SAB (Scientific Advisory Board) assessment, and original research plan review
- Funding decisions: November 2026 and January 2027
- Continuation period extends until 2029

## Tips for applicants

- The evaluation pivots on demonstrated achievement of your original 2022-2029 targets, prepare detailed, evidence-backed progress narratives for each objective.
- EU co-funding strategy is a formal evaluation criterion; outline concrete conversations with Horizon Europe or other large funders, not aspirational statements.
- SAB reports carry significant weight; brief your board members before submission and ensure their narrative aligns with your continuation plan.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for the Finnish Centres of Excellence continuation call?

Only current holders of a Finnish Centre of Excellence designation from the 2022-2029 programme based at recognised Finnish research institutions.

### What is the mid-term evaluation based on?

The evaluation reviews a 4-year progress report, reports from the Scientific Advisory Board, and how well the centre has pursued its original research plan.

### When will funding decisions be announced?

Funding decisions are scheduled for November 2026 and January 2027.

### How long is the continuation period?

Continued funding extends until 2029, the end of the current Centre of Excellence programme cycle.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/academy-of-finland-huippuyksikk-ohjelman-2022-2029-v-liarviointi-ja-j-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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