Finland invests €543m in research in record-breaking funding year

By admin On Mar 10, 2025

The Research Council of Finland (RCF) granted €543 million for scientific research in 2024, marking an all-time high in research funding. The increase was made possible by additional government allocations, supporting long-term projects, research environments, and doctoral education.

The Finnish Government raised research and development (R&D) spending by €264 million, of which €55 million was allocated to the RCF.

The extra funds were directed towards Finnish Flagship initiatives, research infrastructures, and advancing the utilisation of research findings.

RCF-funded research is selected through a competitive process based on international peer review. In 2024, 48% of the budget, or €236 million, was dedicated to long-term and innovative research.

Doctoral education received a significant boost, aligning with the Government Programme and the RCF’s strategic goals. A pilot scheme, coordinated by the Ministry of Education, allowed universities to recruit 1,000 new doctoral researchers. Additionally, €43.4 million was allocated to doctoral training within the Academy Project funding scheme. RCF-funded research contributes to approximately one in four doctoral degrees awarded in Finland.

Support for research environments and international collaboration also increased. The Finnish Flagship Programme, which combines scientific research and business cooperation, played a key role. More than a third of researchers in the programme come from outside Finland, and the initiative contributes to job creation.

With €138 million allocated to research clusters and international cooperation, 2024 marked a significant step in strengthening Finland’s knowledge base and global competitiveness.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi