On this page, you will find frequently asked questions about the general grant call. If you do not find an answer to your question here or in the general funding call guidelines, we will answer questions related to the application, project budget, and other practical matters during our phone service hours while the call is open. Unfortunately, we do not respond to questions about the general funding call sent by email.
Doctoral thesis and postdoc projects
My research area is x/y/z. Does the Nessling Foundation fund this research field? We can fund any area of research if the research project in question contributes to the sustainability transformation that protects natural systems, and is grounded in strong sustainability. You can also see the previous funding decisions on the website for reference.
Which fields of research are stressed in the call? We do not prioritise or exclude any fields of research in the general call. All disciplines are needed and must work together to promote the sustainability transformation.
My project focuses on a theme /subject outside Finland, can I apply? Projects with global themes are welcome to apply, but please note that the results need to be applicable to decision making in Finnish society and support Finland’s environmental goals.
Can I apply for funding for doctoral thesis or postdoc research abroad? Does the affiliation need to be to a Finnish university? You do not need to be affiliated with a Finnish institution. The grant can also be used at a non-Finnish research institution.
I am part of a research group; can I apply and what should I stress in the application? You can apply for a personal grant for doctoral thesis or postdoc research as part of a research group. The application should focus on your specific contribution to the project. Please also briefly describe the overall goals of the project to provide broader context.
What kind of communication and interaction is expected from doctoral and postdoc researchers? We do not prioritise any specific forms of communication or interaction in the evaluation. What matters is that you identify the methods that are best suited to your research and goals, that they are realistic, and that they support the impact of your project. You can find additional guidance, helpful questions, and links to further information in the Communication and interaction plan section of the application instructions.
Can the budget include travel costs, analysis services, or communication expenses? In addition to the personal grant, you may apply for funding to cover travel expenses, analytical services, equipment, other research-related tools, communication and interaction, as well as potentially other costs. The purpose and target of the requested funding must be described precisely in the “Costs breakdown” section of the budget.Please note that the budget cannot include commuting costs between home and workplace, the purchase of a standard laptop, or office space.
Does the Nessling Foundation have travel guidelines? Yes, the Nessling Foundation has travel guidelines. Please follow these guidelines when budgeting any potential travel expenses.
I already have partial funding for my PhD/postdoc project (e.g., salary or another grant). Can I apply for a grant from the Nessling Foundation? It depends on the situation. Please note at least that doctoral thesis project funding must be applied for 2–4 years, and we do not fund dissertations that are already over halfway. Postdoc funding must be applied for 1–2 years. Please also note that you cannot have two overlapping sources of funding at the same time.It is also possible to work part-time with a Nessling Foundation grant, in which case overlapping funding may be possible if it covers the share of work left outside the part-time grant.
Science-based action projects
What kind of actions does the Nessling Foundation particularly value and encourage in the dissemination of scientific knowledge? We do not prioritise any specific forms of action. The starting point for science-based action projects is societal impact and promoting a sustainability transformation that protects natural systems. What matters is that the project has clearly defined its own goal and chosen the methods of action(s) that best support achieving that goal.
What kinds of stakeholders are considered important for ensuring the project’s impact? We do not prioritise certain stakeholders over others. The starting point for science-based action projects is societal impact and promoting a sustainability transformation that protects natural systems. What matters is that the project has clearly defined its own goal and chosen the methods of action(s) and stakeholders that best support achieving that goal.
What does it mean in practice that action-oriented projects must be based on scientific knowledge? Science-based action projects do not involve conducting research themselves, but they must be grounded in scientific knowledge. A project is considered to be science-based when its content, objectives, or implementation rely on previously produced, peer-reviewed, and documented scientific knowledge. This knowledge can guide the project’s planning, form the foundation of its content, or be reflected in its implementation (for example, through collaboration with researchers) and in its impact goals.
Can a science-based action project include data collection for research purposes or conduct evaluation or other research during the project? We do not fund research projects in the general funding call. Science-based action projects can vary greatly, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. As a general rule, the majority of the project’s work and the funding from the Nessling Foundation must be directed toward action, not research. Any research-related component must play only a very minor role within the project or be carried out after the Nessling-funded project has ended.
Can I apply for a project longer than one year? At the moment, funding for science-based action projects can be applied for one year at a time. However, the same applicant may apply for new funding once the previous Nessling-funded project has ended and the final report has been reviewed by the foundation.
Who can apply for a science-based action project? The applicant can be an individual, a working group, or an organisation. When registering in the Nesslink system to submit your application, please make sure you register under the correct applicant type.
