Making research matter: the impact of EU funding and how to get started

Obtaining the right funding is critical in achieving ambitious research goals. At LUT University, the ability to tackle global issues is rooted in a unique blend of expertise across technology, business, and social sciences. The approach has enabled LUT University to access funding from a diverse range of institutions. 

An example of this is Horizon Europe, the European Union’s key funding programme for research and innovation. Its objective is to support the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals, while promoting competitiveness and growth in the region. 

On this occasion, Associate Professor Annika Wolff from LUT University, who is on the tenure track at the Department of Software Engineering, shares her experiences with research programmes and EU funding. 

Interdisciplinary projects made possible through EU funding 

In recent years, Wolff has coordinated and participated in numerous EU funded research projects focused on human data interaction and advancing the green transition through clean energy solutions. 

Among these is GRETA (GReen Energy Transition Actions), which focused on understanding the factors that influence people’s willingness and ability to take sustainable energy actions, as well as the barriers that prevent them from doing so. The project had eight partners and received outstanding reviews from the European Commission. More recently, she has been involved in the TANDEM project, which seeks to implement just transition pathways in low-carbon policies by actively involving individuals who may be affected by these changes. The goal is to ensure that future transitions are not only environmentally beneficial but also equitable and supportive of local communities. 

Finally, she is part of CELINE (Cross-sectorial integrated digital services Enabling energy Localized InnovatioN and community Empowerment), an ongoing project that also aims to help communities adopt digital energy solutions by creating open-source tools that make local energy management easier and smarter. All these projects are interdisciplinary, involving science, technology, art/based methodologies, and community development.  

Securing funding once leads to other opportunities 

There are many reasons why Wolff recommends applying for funding for development projects.  

– You get to meet a lot of people through networking, and it cascades because once you get involved in one project, you are being invited to other proposals. And they are fun to do, Wolff says. 

She also emphasises that securing research funding is a significant achievement, not only personally and academically, but also for the institution. At the same time, such funding creates opportunities for others. Wolff has supported several doctoral and postdoctoral students in conducting research alongside her.  

– This enables them to learn about managing administrative processes, leading teams, and navigating the challenges that can arise during research projects, she explains. 

Clearly, there are other responsibilities, such as financial and control management, drafting proposals, day-to-day monitoring, technical reporting, and navigating partnerships, among many others. Nevertheless, successfully executing projects of this scale fosters innovation and creativity in the region, due to their interdisciplinary nature. 

Tips for applying research funding: 

For those readers who are wondering, where can I start with applications? Here is a list of some useful suggestions: 

• Start writing proposals. Even if you are afraid or have never written one before, you should start. Rejection is part of the process, and the most important part is to begin practicing. 

• Network. Reach out to academics outside your usual network; they are the ones who bring complementary skills to your projects. The aim is not to have multiple professionals from the same field; you need diversity in disciplines. 

• Look for opportunities on consortium websites. They regularly post that they are seeking partners to carry out projects.   

• Write sensible and coherent proposals that make sense within itself and what is being asked for. Align your proposal with the formal requirements, understand the cross-cutting priorities, but also leave space for your interests. 

Find more information about the research carried out by LUT University and the Horizon programme.

Image: Annika Wolff