The purpose of the Fulbright–Technology Industries of Finland Grant Program is to strengthen Finnish excellence and to promote the renewal of industry and commerce with a long-term goal in mind. In particular, this program aims to develop the multisectoral know-how of Finnish researchers and their abilities to apply top-level, need-based technology in different areas. For the applicant to be selected, their research topic should have a significant meaning for the renewal of technological fields and future competitiveness.
The grant can be awarded for a postdoctoral research visit in a U.S. university or research center, lasting between 8 and 12 months. The grantee’s project has to have a significant meaning for the development of Finnish know-how. For example, the goal can be to bring internationally renowned and newest know-how of a specific field to Finland, or to build long-term, cooperative relations to a research group in the U.S. The applicant should also have a strong interest in using their competence for the benefit of both their technological field and for society in the future. Existing networks and research collaboration with economic life is considered as an additional advantage in the application process.
The program awards grants for research which supports the development of different fields of technology (electronics and electrical technology, machinery and metal technology, metallurgical industry, information technology, planning and consulting). Suitable fields include, for example technology, science and economics. Some projects in the fields of humanities and social sciences are also possible.
The research work in the U.S. has to start with the Fulbright–Technology Industries of Finland grant. The grant cannot be awarded for a research project that the applicant has already started in the U.S. The grant is meant for research visits taking place in the academic year 2021–2022. The earliest possible starting date of the grant period is August 1, 2021.
The program is also suitable for master or doctoral-level studies (please note a different application deadline and see more information on the program page).
The grant for postdoctoral researchers is USD 36 000 at most (3 000 USD per month). In addition to this, there are several significant additional benefits and program services included, such as a free visa, personal advice services throughout the process, orientation to the American culture, education system and the upcoming Fulbright period, seminars and other free time events in the U.S., as well as local support networks of the alumni in Finland and in the U.S.
The grant program is funded by the Technology Industries of Finland Centennial Foundation and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
The applicant should have completed their doctorate within a maximum of 4 years by the time of the application deadline.
Applicants must be Finnish citizens and enter the U.S. on a nonimmigrant Fulbright sponsored J-1 visa. The J-1 visa sponsorship of the Fulbright program is available for a maximum period of 12 months. Dual citizens (Finland and the U.S.) are ineligible to apply.
Applicants who aim to have or already have a permanent residence permit in the U.S. are not eligible to apply for the Fulbright–Technology Industries of Finland Grant. The J-1 scholar visa and J-2 dependent visa include regulations which may limit the possibility to re-enter the United States.
Additionally, there is a requirement according to which the research results of the grant period have to be public and freely accessible and usable by the scientific community and society. This means that an immediate commercial use or registering a patent during the grant period or directly after it is not possible. However, the grantee can utilize his or her research results and competence for commercial purposes later.
There are also some restrictions for employees of the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development and U.S. missions abroad. Please see more information on eligibility guidelines and other Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) policies that are applicable to the program candidates under FFSB Policies, Chapter 700.
The selection is based on the information provided in the application. The applicant has to attach their research plan and an invitation from the U.S. host university or research center in the application. The detailed application instructions and more information on the application process can be found in the links below. Please read them carefully.
These instructions, targeted at Finnish applicants, provide you with further information on the questions of the application form and guide you through the application step by step. Please follow the instructions while you are filling in the form. If there is any contradictory information in the form and the instructions, always follow the instructions for Finnish applicants specifically.
The application is submitted through the IIE online application form. Before submitting the application, you should carefully read the application instructions.
Documents which are required to be included in the application:
Use the checklist to make sure you have attached all the required documents in the application. The applicant is responsible for saving all the required attachments in the application system by the deadline, and for sending them to the Fulbright Finland Foundation by email (applications(at)fulbright.fi).
Only complete applications sent by the application deadline will be reviewed.
The applications are evaluated according to the evaluation criteria set by the Fulbright Finland Foundation Board.
| Deadline for applications | December 6, 2020 (Finnish time) |
| Applicant interviews in Helsinki | February 10-12, 2021 |
| Selections announced | March 2021 |
| Compulsory Orientation Day for all selected grantees | May 2021 (date TBC) |
The Fulbright Finland Foundation is a private, independent, not-for-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland. The Foundation’s aim is
Fulbright-Technology Industries of Finland Grants program is part of the global Fulbright program operating in over 160 countries worldwide.
