This page compiles example questions and answers to help grant recipients understand the practices and obligations related to grant payment, usage, and reporting. Before logging into the payment system, make sure to read the grant recipient’s guidelines on the website.
CHANGES TO THE PURPOSE OF THE GRANT
Q: My grant is for a research visit to a foreign university, but the professor who invited me has left his position. Can I carry out the visit at another university?
A: Once you have a letter of invitation or other confirmation from the new university, please send the document to the Foundation for Economic Education (Liikesivistysrahasto) by email: apurahat@lsr.fi. The grant usage plan will be reviewed and reprocessed. You will receive a confirmation notice if the change is approved.
Q: I was unable to carry out the international research visit stated in my grant decision, but I plan to do so within the next two years. Can the timing be flexible?
A: The project can be initiated within three years of the grant decision without separate notification. The usage period of the grant can also be extended for justified reasons. Please submit a confirmed invitation and certificate from the host university before the planned visit.
Q: I had to cancel my participation in a conference for compelling reasons, but I have now been accepted to another international conference of similar level. Can I change the grant target?
A: Yes, you can. First, submit a new invitation or acceptance document before submitting the payment request, and ensure that the travel budget is at the same level as the original destination. Furthermore, we ask you to report on the change of destination in the electronic usage report form after your attendance at the conference.
GRANT PAYMENTS
Q: I’m starting my grant period and have filled in the grant-specific commitment and payment details in the system. Do I need to submit a separate payment request on the 20th of each month?
A: No. We recommend entering all payment installments for the entire grant period in the system at once. Working grants are typically paid in 5–7 installments depending on project progress, but the number and size of monthly installments may vary. Once all installments are recorded, no separate requests are needed. Please note: No payments are made in July (payments are processed in June/August).
HIRING A RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Q: I received a grant for postdoctoral research, but my application did not mention hiring a research assistant. Can I use the grant for this purpose?
A: You may hire an assistant, for example, for data collection, if your budget allows. Please note the legal requirements related to paying salaries, fees, commissions, and reimbursements. You can use tools like palkka.fi for salary payments.
GRANT REPORTING DURING ONGOING RESEARCH
Q: I need to submit a report on the grant project, but my dissertation is not yet complete. How should I proceed with the reporting?
A: Please complete the report based on what you have achieved during the grant period. It is sufficient to report the results of the period. If you are applying for a new grant from the Foundation, you are requested to attach an informal interim report to your application.
DURATION AND POSSIBLE DELAYS OF THE GRANT PERIOD
Q: Is it possible to extend the grant period beyond the original plan and does this require separate notification or approval?
A: The duration is especially relevant for grant-funded work. If the work lasts at least four months, the recipient must apply for statutory Myel insurance at the start of the period (mela.fi). According to the practice between the Foundation and Mela, the recipient may report a working period up to 50% longer than the defined grant period. However, the total duration must not exceed 12 months, unless the recipient is part of a multi-year research group.
PART-TIME WORK DURING THE GRANT PERIOD
Q: Can I work part-time during the grant period, and what conditions or restrictions apply?
A: Part-time work during the grant period may rise up to 50% of monthly working hours, especially if the part-time work relates to the grant-funded research. If this was not mentioned in the application, it must be reported to the Foundation’s office (apurahat@lsr.fi). Please note that employment-related obligations are not the responsibility of the grant provider, so make sure to clarify your employer’s position on the matter.
RESEARCH GROUP EXPENSES
Q: Do data analysis costs (e.g., software) fall under data acquisition expenses?
A: Yes, under the responsibility of the Principal Investigator, the research and funding plan may include analysis software as part of data acquisition.
RESEARCH GROUP EXPENSES
CHANGES TO A RESEARCH GROUP MEMBER’S GRANT PERIOD
Q: Is it possible to extend a PI’s research group member’s grant period within the scope of the awarded grant decision?
A: This is possible. The grant period for a member of the research group can be extended for a justified reason. If the extension is for at least 4 months, it is insured as a separate grant. Extensions shorter than 4 months are insured by combining them with the previous grant, meaning they are chained together. However, the grant recipient must apply for the combination themselves through Mela’s online service.
TAXATION
Q: I received a grant for a six-month research visit. What tax and legal obligations should I be aware of?
A: Please consult the current guidelines on the websites of the Finnish Tax Administration (vero.fi) and Mela (mela.fi). Working grants are tax-free up to the annual maximum amount of the state artist grant (in 2025, €26,671.92). Also consider pension and insurance matters related to the visit, which are explained on the Finnish Centre for Pensions website (etk.fi). Working abroad and the duration of the stay affect insurance, social security, and possible tax deductions.