# Strategisen tutkimuksen uudet ohjelmat – aiehaku (Strategic Research new programmes – letter of intent call)

**Funder:** Research Council of Finland
**Consortium:** Required — consortium preparation explicitly supported
**Application:** 2-stage: letter of intent (aiehaku) → full programme call
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026-11
**Eligible countries:** FI
**Official call:** https://www.aka.fi/link/44be246c6adf43b3961db9e182cd4e08.aspx
**Last verified:** 4 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

New thematic programmes under the Strategic Research Council (STN). Timing depends on Finnish Government decision schedule. Targets societal-impact research consortia at Finnish institutions. Full call to follow the letter-of-intent stage.

## Summary

Academy of Finland's Strategic Research new programmes support consortium-based research tackling societal challenges through the Strategic Research Council (STN). The call opens in November 2026 with a letter-of-intent stage, followed by a full programme call; timing is subject to Finnish Government approval. Consortia must be based at Finnish institutions and demonstrate clear pathways to societal impact.

## Who should apply

- Research teams based at Finnish academic and research institutions
- Interdisciplinary consortia combining multiple research groups or partners
- Projects with clear societal-impact focus aligned with Government priorities
- Researchers with experience in consortium leadership and project coordination

## Key dates

- Letter-of-intent call opens November 2026 (subject to Government decision)
- Two-stage process: letter of intent (aiehaku) followed by full programme call
- Academy of Finland provides consortium preparation support during the letter-of-intent stage

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium formation is required and supported, use the letter-of-intent stage to build partnerships and clarify the societal-impact angle before the full call.
- Government decision timing is critical; monitor Academy of Finland announcements closely from June 2026 onwards for final call details and theme scope.
- The letter of intent is a gateway; clarity and feasibility of consortium structure weigh heavily in advancing to the full programme call.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the Academy of Finland Strategic Research Council call structure?

It is a two-stage call beginning with a letter-of-intent (aiehaku) in November 2026, followed by a full programme call open to consortia selected from the letter-of-intent stage.

### Do I need a consortium to apply?

Yes, consortium participation is required; Academy of Finland provides support during the letter-of-intent stage to help form and prepare consortia.

### Who is eligible for the Strategic Research new programmes call?

Research consortia based at Finnish institutions working on societal-impact research aligned with Government-approved strategic themes.

### When does the Strategic Research call open?

The letter-of-intent call is targeted for November 2026, subject to Finnish Government decision-making; theme proposal was submitted to Government in June 2026.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/academy-of-finland-strategisen-tutkimuksen-uudet-ohjelmat-aiehaku-str-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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