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.

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

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.

Application guidelines

Please keep the following points in mind when applying for SAFIRE funding:

Other sources of funding: If you have funding available from other sources, such as your own project funding or a fellowship, please explain why you are also applying for SAFIRE funding. Priority will be given to applicants who do not have access to other funding sources.
Applications to multiple schemes: You may apply to more than one SAFIRE funding scheme within the same funding round. If you do so, please indicate which application you would prioritise in the event that SAFIRE is only able to support one of your applications.
• Evaluation criteria: Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Alignment with SAFIRE – the extent to which the proposed activity has a clear and meaningful connection to SAFIRE’s objectives and priorities.
- Purpose and expected benefit – the clarity and relevance of the proposed activity and the extent to which it is likely to contribute to the aims of the relevant SAFIRE funding scheme.
- Budget and proportionality – whether the requested costs are eligible, reasonable, clearly justified, and proportionate to the proposed activity.

Alignment with SAFIRE is the primary consideration in funding decisions. Applications that do not demonstrate a meaningful connection to SAFIRE’s objectives will not normally be funded.

SAFIRE may award the amount requested or offer a reduced amount where the proposed activity is considered suitable for support but some costs are considered unnecessary, insufficiently justified, or disproportionate.

Where applicants have access to other sources of funding, this will also be taken into consideration. Priority may be given to applicants who do not have other appropriate funding available.

Budget justification: Please provide a clear and realistic justification for your budget. In particular, ensure that estimated travel and accommodation costs are accurate and reasonable.
Daily allowances: Please note that SAFIRE funding cannot be used to cover daily allowances.
Application timing: Please apply well in advance of when you expect to need the funding. Funding decisions are made at scheduled points during the year, and the review and decision-making process may take some time.
Applicant responsibilities: Applicants are responsible for organizing and administering their funded activities, including any required HR, payment, travel, and reimbursement processes. SAFIRE can provide advice and help with promotion but does not manage these tasks on behalf of recipients.
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.

For more information about SAFIRE funding, contact: rebecca.carlson@oulu.fi

About the SAFIRE network

The SAFIRE Network brings together researchers from the University of Oulu and partner institutions who engage with SAFIRE through research collaboration, events, and funding opportunities.

Researchers may join the network by participating in SAFIRE activities, subscribing to the SAFIRE mailing list, collaborating with SAFIRE researchers, or applying for SAFIRE funding. Applicants to SAFIRE funding automatically become part of the network.

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
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 (see Evaluation Criteria above).

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 here »

SAFIRE Support Ecosystem

SAFIRE funding

Application guidelines

About the SAFIRE network

SAFIRE Roots

SAFIRE Seeds

Postal address

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