RCF to open new call for applications under Finnish Flagship Programme in spring 2026

The Research Council of Finland (RCF) is planning to open a fifth call under the Finnish Flagship Programme next spring. The call text is set to be published in late 2025, and the call is scheduled for March 2026. The preliminary budget for the new Finnish Flagships is 120 million euros. The Finnish Flagship Programme is part of the RCF’s funding category Forge, with which the RCF funds research environments that reinforce cutting-edge science.

Since 2018, the RCF has funded 14 Finnish Flagships. The Flagships pool together top-level research, business and other societal actors into large-scale ecosystems where solutions are developed to meet the needs of Finnish society. The eight-year funding period supports the Flagship in conducting long-term research and achieving broad economic and societal impact. The Flagships also attract international top talents to Finland.

Next spring, a mid-term evaluation of the Flagships selected in the fourth call will also be carried out. The related call for applications for continued funding is being prepared to be opened in May 2026.