SafeEarth visitor programme

The SafeEarth research programme integrates the University of Oulu’s specialised expertise in space security, cybersecurity, and human security into a comprehensive security profile responding to current global and geopolitical challenges. SafeEarth is funded by the Research Council of Finland (PROFI8, 2025–2030).

The SafeEarth programme now introduces a Visitor Program to support international research mobility in the fields of cybersecurity, space threats, and comprehensive security. The programme funds both incoming and outgoing research visits for researchers at all career stages.
International researchers studying in sauna
Researchers studying the famous Finnish sauna. Photo: Emma Bruus

Funding and Calls

A total of €130,000 is available for the Visitor Program and will be allocated through spring and autumn application calls. Each call is expected to fund two to four research visits.

Application periods:

  • May 19:th – 10:th June
  • October 2026
  • April 2027
  • October 2027
  • April 2028
  • October 2028
  • April 2029
  • October 2029

The SafeEarth programme ends on 31.12.2030, and no visits will be supported after the program has concluded.

Incoming and Outgoing Visits

Incoming visiting researchers will spend a research period at the University of Oulu or the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory, and participate in the activities of the host unit(s).

Outgoing researchers based at the University of Oulu may visit universities or research institutes abroad.

In both cases, a letter of support from the host unit is required.

Incoming visitors are expected to give an open research presentation for University of Oulu researchers and students or participate in other knowledge‑sharing activities within the university. Outgoing visitors are expected to write a blog post or present their visit at a SafeEarth event.

Visit duration and funding

The duration of both incoming and outgoing visits may range from one week to four months.

The funding covers travel expenses and accommodation costs. Salary costs are not covered.

Grant payments are reimbursed upon submission of receipts. The maximum grant amount is €8,400 per visit.

Evaluation criteria

Applicants’ research profiles must be closely aligned with SafeEarth’s safety and security themes, including (but not limited to): Space threats, Cybersecurity and Communications security.

Funding decisions are based on relevance of the research focus, purpose of the visit and expected outcomes and impact.

Application Process

Applications are submitted via the Webropol form (link), where applicants must upload a Curriculum Vitae (CV), Letter of Motivation, Invitation/support letter from the host institution.

In the Letter of Motivation, applicants should address:

  1. The purpose and motivation for the visit
  1. The added value and expected scientific outcomes
  1. The work plan and schedule
  1. Contribution to the safety and security profiling themes at the University of Oulu
  1. An estimated budget and visit schedule

For further information, applicants may contact the SafeEarth programme coordinator: Emma Bruus, emma.bruus@oulu.fi,Phone: +358-50-5731213