Role of experts and the Research Council

The Academy of Finland grants funding to the best researchers and research teams as well as to the most promising junior researchers. Experts are invited to review the scientific quality and the innovativeness of the submitted research proposals. In most cases the review is finalised in expert panel meetings.

After receiving the evaluations, the Academy’s Research Council members rank the proposals and make the funding decisions. The decisions are mainly based on the peer review, but science policy-related factors may also play a role in the decisions. Examples of such factors are promoting equal opportunities for both genders, the advancement of junior researchers’ careers, as well as the economic, environmental, societal and technological impacts of research. At all levels of the evaluation process you are advised to pay attention to potential breakthrough research containing risks.