Call for Applications for the Una Europa Helsinki Researcher Mobility Instrument

The Una Europa Helsinki Researcher Mobility Instrument is a new opportunity for researchers at the University of Helsinki, created within the context of the Una Europa alliance. The instrument complements the aims and objectives of Una Europa by offering targeted support to University of Helsinki researchers who wish to establish new connections with researchers at Una Europa partner institutions. 

We are excited to announce the launch of a call for travel grants through this instrument, inviting researchers to apply for funding to facilitate their visits to partner institutions. This is an excellent chance to foster collaboration and expand research networks within Una Europa. 

The Mobility Instrument aims to: 

• Support University of Helsinki researchers in expanding and developing their networks of international collaborators, sharing and exploring the use of research infrastructures, and/or engaging in international research cooperation.
• Strengthen and diversify the University of Helsinki’s research connections, enhance understanding of partners’ research expertise and infrastructure, and promote collaboration with partners from the Una Europa alliance.
• Raise the profile of the University of Helsinki among Una Europa partner institutions.
• Contribute to the development and expansion of the research component of the Una Europa alliance.  

The University of Helsinki welcomes applications for travel grants to support researchers from the University of Helsinki to visit one of the ten Una Europa partner institutions for duration of 5 days to 15 days.  

The grants are particularly intended to support early career and senior researchers who aim to: 

• develop new networks and partnerships with researchers based at Una Europa partner institutions, or
• share expertise and explore the research environments in Una Europa partner institutions, with a view to future research collaboration.  

Researchers are encouraged to include visits with the hosting researcher’s local partners, such as companies, civil society organizations, city agencies, or other organizations. 

Priority will be given for applicants with a demonstrated research connection to one of the six Una Europa focus areas: 

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Budget 

A maximum of 3 500 EUR will be awarded per individual grant.  

Eligible costs include: 

• Transportation to/from the host university;
• Local transportation;
• Accommodation for the period of stay;
• Per Diem for the period of stay; and
• Other relevant costs, with justification. 

The following costs are not eligible for funding with the grant:  

• Conference or symposium fees;
• Bench fees charged by the hosting institution; and
• Additional costs incurred if combining personal travel with the visit. 

All costs covered by grant must follow the University of Helsinki’s policies and guidelines. 

Eligibility 

Eligible applicants are early career researchers* or senior researchers** affiliated with the University of Helsinki via an employment contract, right to study in a doctoral programme, or a (valid at least until the end of 2026). 

Visiting researchers are not eligible to apply. A Docent affiliation with the University of Helsinki alone is not sufficient affiliation with the University of Helsinki to qualify for the grants. 

The period of mobility must take place before December 2026.  

* Level 1 and 2 in the University of Helsinki’s four-level career model for teaching and research staff, .  

** Level 3 and 4 in the University of Helsinki’s four-level career model for teaching and research staff, . 

Administration of Funding 

Funding awarded to employees of the University of Helsinki will be administered as a standard work trip. Selected applicants will need to submit a travel request using the WBS provided to them. Grantees are expected to follow the University of Helsinki policies when booking their travel. Costs will be reimbursed after the completion of the mobility, in accordance with the University’s usual practices. 

Funding awarded to non-employees of the University of Helsinki will be provided as a grant, paid in advance of travel. Selected applicants will need to complete a Confirmation of Travel Grant document to process the grant. 

Requirements 

Each funded applicant will be asked to submit a combined financial report and short report on the activities and outcomes upon the completion of the visit. A reporting template will be provided. 

The following criteria will be used for evaluating the travel grant applications: 

• Purpose and clarity of outcomes from proposed collaboration are clearly defined.   
• The mobility utilizes the strengths and/or competencies of the involved institutions.
• The collaboration is beneficial and relevant for the applicant and for the University of Helsinki.
• The planned mobility and collaboration lay the groundwork for a sustainable, long-term partnership beyond the initial mobility funding.
• Applicant’s research profile is aligned with at least one of the core themes of the Una Europa programme.
• Applicant shows a commitment to collaborative research and knowledge exchange with researchers at the host institution. 

The online application form will open on 5 January 2026 and close on 13 February 2026 at 23:59. 

Applications are submitted using an online form you can find . The online form opens only once applications may be submitted. 

Included in the application form, the following attachments are required as one single PDF document, named according to the following format Surname_Firstname.pdf.  

1. A motivation letter, stating the aims, expected outcomes, relevance of the visit, and value of the cooperation (max. 3 pages).
2. Letter of invitation from the host institution and researcher.
3. For early career researchers, a letter of support from your thesis supervisor or research group leader.
4. Budget for the trip, using the . (To download: Click File -> Create a Copy -> Download a Copy)

The funding decisions will be made by 10 March 2026 and the results will be emailed to all applicants.  

Questions may be sent to Una Europa Helsinki, .