Helsinki, Finland — A new research mobility support mechanism has created a bridge between Finnish and Canadian quantum research organizations.
The Finnish Quantum Flagship and Mitacs solidified this new mobility pathway during an October 15 signing ceremony.
This Finnish-Canadian partnership aims to mutually benefit the countries’ already vibrant and growing quantum science and technology ecosystems by providing financial support for researchers to conduct extended stays in the other country. This funding is available to doctoral and post-doctoral researchers from both countries.
“Canada and Finland are global leaders in quantum innovation, united by a shared commitment to world-class research, talent, and technology. The partnership between Mitacs and the FQF marks an important step in strengthening collaboration between our quantum ecosystems. Together, we can accelerate innovation, develop future talent, and create solutions with global impact. We are pleased to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the opportunities it will create,” says Patrick Hébert, Ambassador of Canada to Finland
The funding from Mitacs is based on their Globalink Reseach Award (GRA), and would provide support for research visits lasting up to 48 weeks. The Finnish Quantum Flagship’s award would add up to €2,000 on top of the Mitacs award.
“Quantum technologies have enormous potential to shape the industries and economies of the future, and international collaboration is essential to realizing that potential. Through this partnership with the Finnish Quantum Flagship, we are creating opportunities for emerging researchers to gain international experience, exchange knowledge, and build lasting connections between Canada and Finland’s quantum ecosystems. These experiences help develop the highly skilled talent and global networks Canada needs to remain competitive in rapidly evolving technologies,” says Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs.
Doctoral and post-doctoral researchers at all InstituteQ member organizations are eligible to apply for outgoing visits. Additionally, PIs and group leaders can host incoming visitors from Canada. The following Finnish institutions participate in the FQF-Mitacs partnership: Aalto University, CSC – IT Center for Science, Tampere University, the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyväskylä, the University of Oulu, the University of Turku and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
“FQF brings together quantum expertise across Finland, enabling a coordinated framework for international cooperation. Our partnership with Mitacs connects Finnish and Canadian research strengths, with the ambition to turn researcher mobility into sustained scientific collaboration and jointly develop the skilled workforce needed as both quantum ecosystems mature,” says Mahdi Moghaddam, Manager, Finnish Quantum Flagship.
Correspondingly, Canadian researchers would be able to conduct extended research stays at any of the above-mentioned InstituteQ member organizations.
Interested applicants should first identify a research group in their home institution and another one in the destination country before starting the application process.
“Over the past year, we have had the opportunity to begin building a strong relationship with the Finnish Quantum Flagship, and this formal partnership represents an exciting next step. By bringing the Canadian and Finnish quantum ecosystems closer together, we hope to create new opportunities for researchers to connect, collaborate, and develop meaningful projects. I hope this partnership becomes a practical tool that researchers in both countries will use to strengthen collaboration and that we will see many exciting projects emerge from it. It is also a real pleasure to be here in person to solidify our collaboration and establish a strong foundation for the years ahead,” says Étienne Pineault, Senior Advisor, International relations at Mitacs.
More information about the application procedure will be provided soon.
Find below more details about the funding awards:
Funding awards
From Mitacs
Through Mitacs’ Globalink Research Award, eligible researchers would receive:
- $6,000 (CAD) for one research project in the other country spanning 12-24 weeks; or
- $12,000 (CAD) for two research projects spanning 12-24 weeks, or one research project spanning 24-48 weeks in the other country
From FQF
For both incoming and outgoing researchers who have been awarded the Mitacs’ Globalink Research Award, the Finnish Quantum Flagship and QDOC host institutions would provide an additional top-up of up to €2,000, in the form of reimbursements for travel costs against the receipts.
About Mitacs
Mitacs delivers the return on innovation Canada needs now by connecting big ideas, people, and ambition to turn potential into results. Mitacs co-funds innovation partnerships that get Canada’s businesses and researchers where they need to go.
Mitacs partners innovate faster. Commercialize sooner. Compete globally. Scale and grow stronger. We open the door to opportunity, creating jobs and equipping students and postdoctoral researchers with skills, industry experience, and professional networks.
Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.
About the Finnish Quantum Flagship
The Finnish Quantum Flagship is hosted within InstituteQ, Finland’s national quantum institute. From its inception, the Finnish Quantum Flagship represents the largest and most ambitious quantum science and technology coalition of its kind in the nation. It brings together nine different universities and research-technology organizations throughout Finland, focussing on research, education and innovation.
Finnish Quantum Flagship researchers are pioneering new advancements in the domains of quantum materials, quantum devices and quantum algorithms, software and information. And flagship activities are rooted not only in fundamental research but also in sparking collaborations and innovations across existing and new partners for the mutual benefit of Finnish society.
The flagship derives its core objectives from InstituteQ’s guiding principles: to raise the readiness of Finnish society for the disruptive potential and significant strategic advancements quantum technologies will have for society and the economy at large.
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