Winter call feedback
Applicants appreciated new schedule and quick advice, found self-assessment of research security difficult
The results of the feedback survey on the RCF's winter 2026 call are in: applicants especially valued the smooth and predictable application process and the swift expert advice.
Respondents gave the most positive feedback on the change in the application deadline from January to November. Respondents felt that the revised schedule was a considerable improvement, as it reduced the workload of both research teams and research services during the holiday season. Several respondents hoped that the new schedule would become permanent.
The RCF's application guidance also received a lot of praise. Respondents described the advice received through the RCF helpdesk as quick and competent. They particularly appreciated the clear and consistent guidance. As in previous surveys, respondents considered the instructions for completing the application found in the call text to be sufficient, almost without exception.
Respondents found the appendix on research security, which was included in the application for the first time, to be the most difficult part of the application. We received a lot of feedback on this appendix, and it is particularly valuable for us in terms of further development. Based on the feedback, many applicants were supported by their own organisation in filling in the new appendix. The adoption of the new practice has been a joint effort, and the expertise of the organisations plays a key role in helping applicants meet the new requirements.
The feedback helps improve the application process
For a few years now, winter call applicants have chosen the review panel that will review the application. As in previous years, the majority of respondents felt that the panel selection process was clear and that the panel descriptions were sufficient. However, especially in the case of multidisciplinary applications, the selection of a suitable panel was sometimes considered difficult.
As a whole, the feedback shows that the key features of the application process work, the guidelines are mostly in order and the applicants’ application experience is more positive than before. However, there is room for improvement. The Research Council of Finland would like to thank all who took time to respond to the survey. The feedback provides valuable information on applicants’ and applicant organisations’ experiences and is used both in planning the next winter call and in further improving the application process.
See the survey results: Winter call 2026 feedback survey: distribution of responses and key figures (PDF in Finnish: to be published later in English)
