The research funding call of the Helsinki Capital Region Research Collaboration (Urban Impact) opens 1 September 2026.
The aim of Urban Impact is to support the development of the Helsinki Capital region in key strategic areas by producing research-based knowledge to inform urban decision-making. At the same time, the initiative promotes the use of city data and strengthens structures for collaboration between cities and universities. These objectives are advanced through annually funded research projects focusing on the Helsinki Capital region.
In the 2026 funding call, research funding will be allocated broadly to timely topics that are important for the future development of the Helsinki Capital region. Research proposals are particularly encouraged in the following areas:
Research groups at Universities are also welcome to propose ideas outside these themes, provided they address issues that are relevant to cities and meet the funding criteria. Detailed descriptions of the themes and instructions for applying can be found on the Urban Impact funding call webpage.
Urban Impact funding is available for research projects conducted at Aalto University or the University of Helsinki. The funding period will begin in early 2027, and projects must be completed by the end of 2028.
Research projects funded in previous calls can be found on the Urban Impact website.
The funding call is open from 1 September to 11 October 2026. Final funding decisions are expected to be made in early 2027.
Urban Impact (Kaupunkivaikutus) is a collaborative project involving the cities of Espoo, Helsinki, and Vantaa, along with Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, aimed at incorporating researched information into decision-making.
We are developing interdisciplinary research to enhance planning and engineering, architecture and design for better living environments.
