Academy Programme for Sport Science and Physical Activity (ACTIVE)
Academy Programme for Sport Science and Physical Activity (ACTIVE) supports research teams and consortia studying exercise and sport to address public health challenges and inform policy and practice.
Funder: Research Council of Finland
Due Dates: November 18, 2026, at 23:59 Finnish time (Application) | Within 14 days of closing (Host commitment)
Funding Amounts: Up to €450,000 per individual project or €650,000 per consortium for 36 months
Summary: ACTIVE supports innovative sport and physical activity research addressing societal and public health challenges and informing policy and practice.
Key Information: PIs need a doctorate, significant scientific merits and a close Finland connection, with funding administered by a Finnish research organisation.
Description
The Research Council of Finland’s ACTIVE programme supports research teams and consortia studying physical activity, exercise and sport. Run in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, it seeks high-quality, novel research with scientific and societal impact. Findings should inform planning, decision-making or practical promotion of physical activity, in the short or long term.
Projects must address one or more programme themes:
- Physically active lifestyles, physical fitness, and the effects and mechanisms of exercise and physical activity.
- Equitable access, inclusion, community, accountability and environmental sustainability in sport and physical activity.
- Results and ethics in competitive and elite sport.
The programme values multidisciplinary approaches, national and international cooperation, attention to societal change, and interaction with research users. Its goals include stronger research competence, accountability and sustainable development across population groups and amateur and professional sport.
