Research Council of Finland (RCF) – National Institutes of Health (NIH) Partnership Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for U.S. researchers seeking collaborative funding with Finnish partners through a bilateral partnership program.
Eligible applicants are U.S. institutions and individual researchers affiliated with NIH-supported disciplines. International collaboration with the Research Council of Finland is required.
Domestic applicants must be located in the United States. All projects must involve active partnership with Finnish research institutions or researchers.
Funding supports biomedical and health sciences research. Project scope is determined by both agencies' strategic research priorities.
Key dates
- Sep 22, 2025 Applications open
- Jun 5, 2026 Application deadline
- Apr 1, 2027 Award announced
- Apr 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The Research Council of Finland (RCF)-National Institutes of Health (NIH) Partnership Program established in 2020 fosters the expansion of U.S.-Finland biomedical and behavioral research, generating valuable discoveries and innovations which may lead to enhancements in multiple areas of science and technology that are of mutual benefit to RCF and NIH such as population health, disease prevention, artificial intelligence in health, and quantum sensing in biomedical applications.
U.S. institutions will be encouraged to submit applications that must include significant collaboration with Finnish investigators who have received permission from RCF to participate in the joint research program. NIH will support receipt, review, and selection for funding of the projects. RCF will fully fund the Finnish investigators on collaborative grant applications while participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) will fund the U.S. component(s).
Authorities that allow Fogarty International Center to forecast this opportunity: Sections 301, 307, and 482 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241, 242, and 287b).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) or equivalent NIH application form
- Project Narrative
- Budget Justification
- CV of Principal Investigator(s)
- Institutional Support Letter
- Finnish Partner Letter of Commitment
Program contact
- 👤 Sarah Scharf
- 📧 sarah.scharf@nih.gov
- 📞 301-496-4784
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.989 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$52,173,936
-
$50,365,175
-
$40,336,583
-
$37,297,868
-
$32,687,125
-
$26,205,220
-
$20,151,900
-
$11,176,429
-
$10,064,263
-
$7,636,456
Top States by Funding
- NY 12 awards $116.6M
- IN 3 awards $68.1M
- TN 5 awards $57.2M
- IL 6 awards $39.9M
- CA 7 awards $30.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.989). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $67,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $69,732,021 | |
| 2026 est. | $70,429,341 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this partnership program?
U.S. researchers and institutions in biomedical and health sciences. Finnish research partners are required for all applications.
What types of projects are funded?
Research projects in health and biomedical sciences with collaborative U.S.-Finland teams. Both agencies must approve the research direction.
Is there a limit on funding amounts per project?
Funding varies based on project scope and agency guidelines. Check the program solicitation for current budget caps.
How competitive is this grant?
Highly competitive. International partnerships and dual-agency review require strong scientific merit and feasibility.
What is the application deadline?
Application opens September 22, 2025. Specific submission deadlines vary; consult the NIH GRANTS.GOV portal for current dates.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish your Finnish research partnership early. Both partners must commit formally to the collaboration.
- Align your research with both NIH and Research Council of Finland strategic priorities.
- Budget carefully for international coordination and travel between institutions.
- Ensure your Finnish partner has equivalent institutional support and funding capacity.
- Submit through NIH GRANTS.GOV using the partnership program's specific application instructions.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without a confirmed Finnish partner. Weak collaborative plans that lack specific roles and deliverables. Misalignment with both agencies' research priorities.
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