SAMPO...

Sampo program aims to allow French researchers who have not yet contacts in Finland to explore the country and its research environment, the landscape of their scientific area, and to exchange with colleagues in order to build new partnerships and extend their international network.

Although open to all, it is particularly intended for researchers aged 35-45 years.

All areas of science including Human and Social Sciences are concerned by this program.
However, four areas represent centers of interest for the Franco-Finnish cooperation:
- valorization of products from biomass;
- electric vehicles;
- energy efficiency (transport, positive energy buildings ...).
- links between health and ICT (tele-medicine, bio-chips, bio-informatics ...).

The French researcher was invited for a week, during which a visiting program (research teams, laboratories, companies, institutions ...) is organized in coordination with the scientific and academic office of the Embassy. 
He can be also asked to give lectures. 

The financial support mainly covers transport from France, travel in Finland and accommodation.

If you are interested, you have until May 30, 2010 to apply.

The call for proposals can be downloaded (pdf) on the website of the French Cultural Centre in Helsinki, which hosts the cooperation service of the French Embassy in Finland.