SAFIRE Support Ecosystem

SAFIRE offers a set of flexible funding opportunities to support research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and external engagement aligned with its strategic objectives.

SAFIRE funding

These schemes are designed to support activities across different stages of the research and collaboration lifecycle—from initiating ideas and building partnerships to sharing research in academic, policy, and public arenas.

All SAFIRE funding supports activities aligned with its core priorities, including:

  • Inter- and transdisciplinary research on environmental restoration, particularly in Arctic contexts
  • Development of knowledge and tools for environmentally effective and socially just restoration
  • Collaboration across disciplines and co-production with societal actors
  • Engagement beyond academia, including policy and public-facing activities

SAFIRE Roots

Mobility and Visiting Scholar Support

Enables researchers to build collaborations across institutions through short-term visits and research exchanges.

SAFIRE Seeds

Seed Funding for Events and Research Initiatives

Supports the early stages of collaboration by funding seminars, workshops, summer schools, and other activities that generate new research ideas and partnerships.

SAFIRE Roots

Description

Short-term mobility and visiting scholar funding to support research collaboration within and beyond SAFIRE.

Funding may be provided for visits lasting between one week and three months.

Eligible applicants

The programme supports:

  • SAFIRE Network members conducting research visits to partner institutions, and
  • External scholars visiting the University of Oulu to collaborate with SAFIRE members.

Researchers from outside the University of Oulu may apply independently but must:

  • Establish prior contact with a SAFIRE Network member
  • Include a short invitation letter from the SAFIRE host

Applicants become part of the SAFIRE Network upon application.

Frequency

Open continuously.

Applications are reviewed three times per year with deadlines at:

  • Mid-February (summer visits)
  • Mid-April (autumn visits)
  • Mid-September (spring visits)

Eligible costs

  • Travel costs (economy class)
  • Accommodation
  • Local transport where necessary

Application and review process

Applications should include:

A short description (maximum one page) including:

  • The proposed visit or collaboration and activity plan
  • An explanation of expected outcomes
  • A description of how the visit aligns with SAFIRE’s objectives

Curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages)

Budget, including:

  • A breakdown of expected costs
  • Proposed dates and duration of the visit

For incoming visitors: a short invitation letter from the SAFIRE host

Application documents are reviewed by the SAFIRE Team. Applications are assessed individually using evaluation criteria approved by SAFIRE’s Management Board.

The review panel will include a minimum of three members and reflect disciplinary breadth. Members with conflict of interest will be excluded.

Reporting requirements

Within one month of the visit, the SAFIRE host or Network member must submit:

  • A one-page report summarizing activities, outcomes, and concrete follow-up actions, including potential for future collaboration and partnerships
  • A brief description of how the visit contributed to SAFIRE’s objectives
  • Supporting documentation of activities (e.g. seminars, meetings, collaboration outputs)

Submit applications to: rebecca.carslon@oulu.fi

SAFIRE Seeds

Description

Seed funding for organizing seminars, workshops, summer schools, and other knowledge-building or community-building events aligned with SAFIRE’s aims.

The programme aims to stimulate new collaborations, interdisciplinary dialogue, and emerging research initiatives.

Eligible applicants

Open call to researchers affiliated with the University of Oulu.

Applicants become part of the SAFIRE Network upon application.

Frequency

Open continuously.

Applications are reviewed three times per year with deadlines at:

  • Mid-February (summer activities)
  • Mid-April (autumn activities)
  • Mid-September (spring activities)

Eligible costs

  • Speaker honoraria
  • Travel and accommodation for invited participants
  • Workshop materials
  • Catering
  • Venue or technical support where necessary

Maximum funding amount per application: €5,000

Application and Review Process

Applications should include:

A short description (maximum one page) including:

  • The proposed event, its aims, and target audience
  • An explanation of how the activity aligns with SAFIRE’s objectives

Curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages)

Budget, including:

  • A breakdown of expected costs
  • Proposed dates and duration of the event

Application documents are reviewed by the SAFIRE Team. Applications are assessed individually using evaluation criteria approved by SAFIRE’s Management Board.

The review panel will include a minimum of three members and reflect disciplinary breadth. Members with conflict of interest will be excluded.

Reporting requirements

Within one month of the event, recipients must submit:

  • A one-page report summarizing outcomes and identifying potential for future collaboration, partnerships, and follow-up activities
  • Event agenda
  • Participant list, including the total number of attendees


Submit applications to: rebecca.carslon@oulu.fi

Note

All funding recipients must acknowledge SAFIRE support in relevant presentations, publications, and event materials. Where applicable, recipients should include the SAFIRE logo in slides or promotional materials.

Recipients are encouraged to document SAFIRE-supported activities through photographs for communication and outreach purposes. Please ensure that appropriate consent is obtained from individuals prior to use.