Published on 9 June 2026

We are pleased to share that the Finnish Scholar Protection Scheme (FSPS) will be opening a call for proposals for member universities to host scholars at risk with co-funding provided by Kone foundation. Kone Foundation has granted FSPS a total of 450 000 euros for the period of 2027–2029. The call is administered by the FSPS coordination hosted by UniPID – The Finnish University Partnership for International Development. Launched in the beginning of 2026, the Finnish Scholar Protection Scheme establishes a national model to strengthen both the funding base and the impact of scholar protection.

Further information on FSPS at Finnish Scholar Protection Scheme — UniPID.

Co-funding

Finnish member universities can apply for co-funding up to 240 000 euros to host a scholar at risk for a period of up to three years. Funding is available for the hosting of two scholars.

Eligibility

Member universities of FSPS are eligible host institutions to submit proposals for co-funding of a scholar. All 13 Finnish universities under the Council of Rectors of Finnish Universities UNIFI are members of FSPS.

The definition of a scholar used in this initiative is “a person that holds a PhD or equivalent and has a cv where the publication and teaching work history corresponds with the academic age (i.e. years after PhD) of the candidate”.

The risk faced by the scholar is assessed in line with SAR network guidelines. If the risk is preliminarily assessed as either low or modest, the candidate is expected to file a formal status application to SAR Network. The candidate will be eligible only after the SAR Network has awarded the “scholar at risk” status. Scholars on Scholars at Risk lists of scholars seeking hosts as well as scholars on Scholar Rescue Fund list of fellows seeking placement are eligible candidates. In case of extreme risk, a minimum eligibility criterion is defined as a self-report of risk that is credible on individual and contextual levels. Even in the case of self-report, the principles of SAR Network Guidance (Guidance for prospective host institutions on assessing candidate risk May 2024) are followed as closely as possible.

Universities submitting proposals are expected to provide a hosting plan with a committed host unit, an appointed supervisor and a mentor and a designated contact person in university administration.

Indicative timeline

Webinar for FSPS member institutions: September 2026

Official call announcement and launch of the submission: Beginning of October 2026

Deadline for proposal submissions: End of November 2026

Call results: December 2026

Earliest start of co-funded projects to host scholars: March-September 2027

For general questions please contact:

if.feu@spsf