2026 call: Flagship Programme Call 5

Guidelines and template for research and impact plan

The research and impact plan is submitted as a PDF appendix on the tab ‘Research and impact plan’ in the online services. Remember to convert the Word file into PDF format (Save as -> .pdf) Read the call text carefully and familiarise yourself with the review guidelines, review form and principle of responsible evaluation before you start writing the plan. Name the attachment file as follows: research_plan_yoursurname.pdf.

The maximum length of the research and impact plan is 20 pages.

The paper size is A4.

The font is Calibri/Carlito 12 pt.

The line spacing is 1.

The margins are 20 mm.

The text is left-aligned.

Do not use paragraph indents.

The font size in tables and figures must be at least 10 pt.

Use a single-column layout when writing the text.

The list of references is part of the research and impact plan and does not count towards the length of the plan, maximum length 2 pages.

All references must be added directly into the text, for example as follows: (author(s), year) or [number]. You must not use footnotes.

The maximum size of the PDF appendix is 50 MB.

The instructions, structure and layout provided must be followed to ensure the equal treatment of applicants. Use the headings provided. The application cannot be submitted if the system detects a deviation in the headings, page configuration or structure.

Write the research and impact plan on this template.

Fill in the sections according to the practices of your own discipline.

You cannot edit or delete the headings in the template. If necessary, you may add subheadings.

See the How-to guides for the online services on our website for the technical instructions.

The plan should describe the scientific excellence and impact of the candidate flagship between 2024 and 2025 as well as a plan for promoting excellence and impact between 2026 and 2030.

Please delete the instructions in blue before attaching the research plan in the online services.

Click and write here: Title of research and impact plan

Click and write here: Applicant’s name (and abbreviation of consortium)

1. Flagship details

Name and abbreviation of candidate flagship; host organisation(s); director and vice director; possible subgroup PI(s)

2. Central idea

Anticipated future prospects or factors on which the central idea is based; 3–5 key objectives for the flagship term 2027–2034; brief description of the central idea from the perspectives of research and impact; added value generated; support provided by the candidate flagship for building internationally competitive competence centres and ecosystems in Finland

3. Demonstrated scientific excellence and impact in support of economic growth and/or society

Previous research on the topic and results in an international comparison as well as demonstrated impacts in support of economic growth and/or society originating from the previous research; brief description of the competence and merits of key researchers and impact experts; brief description of connections to innovation networks and ecosystems as well as to other actors important for generating impact

4. Plan for promoting scientific excellence and impact in support of economic growth and/or society

4.1 Description of plan for promoting scientific excellence and impact

Scientific and impact objectives of the research, justifications and follow-up; expected scientific results, new initiatives, breakthrough potential and scientific impact together with expected contribution to society in its various forms and routes to impact

4.2 Implementation of proposed plan for promoting scientific excellence and impact including aspects of responsible science

Implementation of the plan, approaches, methods, new initiatives, data, schedule, risk management and mitigation.

Responsible science

This subsection is a mandatory part of the plan. All listed points must be fully addressed, as each constitutes a factor in the review and decision-making process. Furthermore, please note that applications will not be processed if any one of the following four elements is missing: (1) a description of dimensions related to gender equality and nondiscrimination in the research, or a justification if not relevant; (2) a description of how equality and nondiscrimination will be promoted in the composition of the research group and collaborations; (3) a description of how research ethics will be addressed in the project; or (4) a description of how open access to research publications and research data will be ensured. Read more about responsible science.

State whether dimensions related to gender equality and nondiscrimination are relevant to the proposed research. If relevant, explain how these aspects are integrated into the research plan (e.g. concerning project’s objectives, methodology, analysis and dissemination). If not relevant, justify their non-applicability.

Describe how equality and nondiscrimination will be promoted in the composition of the research group and collaborations.

Describe how research ethics will be addressed in the project.

Explain how open access to research publications and research data will be ensured.

Consideration of sustainable development goals in project activities

5. Ecosystem and organisation

Links to host organisation’s strategic priorities; description of host organisations’ roles, flagship management and administrative structures; key collaborators and their roles together with a description of active collaborations with the business sector and/or other sectors of society; description of the innovation orientation of the environment; actions to increase the appeal of the competence cluster/research environment

References

The list (no more than 2 pages) does not count towards the length of the plan. Please note that the text type, font size and line spacing of the list are the same as elsewhere in the plan.