Finland launches new programme for hiring top foreign researchers
Finland has launched a new funding programme aimed at attracting leading foreign researchers to the country, or encouraging top Finnish researchers working abroad to return home. The 'Finland Distinguished Professor Programme' (FiDiPro) is a joint initiative of the Academy of Finland and the National Technology Agency, Tekes. It responds to a call by the Finnish Council of State for public funding agencies to develop new methods and instruments to attract foreign researchers to the country. Under the open call for applications, Finnish universities and research institutes can apply for funding to cover the salary and travelling expenses of professor-level researchers for a period of two to five years. The funding may also be used to offset their research costs and the relocation expenses of accompanying family members. The selected researchers may also bring with them key members of their own research groups, whose expenses can also be partially covered. In order to gain selection for funding, the foreign-based researchers must be internationally recognised and have a strong track record in researcher training. Grants will be particularly targeted towards researchers working in key disciplines of strategic importance to Finnish universities and research institutes. According to the FiDiPro website: 'The selected researcher will actively take part in the work of the research group or groups to which he/she has been appointed. The selected researcher may give a limited amount of scientific instruction, but should above all transfer special knowledge and know-how into Finnish research environments.' The ultimate aim of the programme is to raise the level of scientific and technological know-how in Finland, and to add more of an international element to the national research system. Applications should be submitted by Finnish universities and research institutes, rather than by individual researchers themselves.
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