FIMM received over 100 applications in calls for FIMM International and Associated Group Leaders

FIMM International Group Leaders are expected to relocate to Finland and initiate a new research program as part of the new Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. We received altogether 32 applications from 30 universities and research institutes. Almost half of the applications are from scientists working currently in the US. From the European countries most of the applicants are currently working in the United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Germany and Switzerland.

Applications will first be reviewed by a national FIMM panel for relevance. The relevant applications will be reviewed and ranked by an international Search Committee in May. Based on the recommendations of the Search Committee the top candidates will be invited to visit Helsinki in June for an interview and discussions.

The Board of FIMM will decide on the selection of the Group Leaders taking also into account added value for FIMM as well as for Finnish science. Based on the EMBL-model the group leaders are nominated for a five-year term and FIMM provides a support package for five
years. The term is renewable for up to four additional years.

The associate group leader category is meant for scientists who are currently based in Finland. We received altogether 72 applications from 15 universities and research institutes in Finland. About half of the applications were addressed to translational research, 15 to genetic epidemiology and genomics of complex diseases, 14 to medical systems biology and genome-scale biology and 7 to bioinfomatics. Almost half of the applications were sent by scientists working currently at the University of Helsinki.

Applications for associate group leader positions will first be reviewed by a FIMM panel for relevance and value to its scientific, technological and translational mission. After the first review, the relevant applications will be reviewed and ranked by an international panel. Highly qualified, and scientifically already reviewed senior group leaders (such as Academy Professors) may be invited based on FIMM review only.

Accepted FIMM group leaders are eligible for grants, initially for two years, but will not be guaranteed funding throughout their associate membership.