The University of Eastern Finland is committed to the principles of sustainable development and responsibility outlined by the Council of Rectors of Finnish Universities, UNIFI, and the university directs its research towards solving major sustainability challenges. Solving complex global challenges, including those related to cultural encounters, health, biodiversity depletion and climate change, requires interdisciplinary research of the highest standard. Our profile areas in research are strongly linked to sustainable development solutions.
Perspectives relating to sustainability and responsibility are integrated into all phases of our research projects, from planning and implementation to reporting. In line with the UNIFI principles, the University of Eastern Finland fosters interdisciplinary approaches, encourages researchers to embrace the principles of Open Science and promotes broad-based global thinking.
Research Communities addressing sustainability
Research conducted by the university’s strategically important Research Communities is international and of a high scientific standard, generating interdisciplinary research-based knowledge and solutions to global challenges. The work carried out by these Research Communities also provides a foundation for both undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Our research is solutions-oriented. Society needs fact-based and ethically sound solutions that foster citizens’ trust in a better future.
Arto O. Salonen
Professor, Director of the Sustainability Transformations Doctoral Education Pilot
Centres of Excellence and ERC projects in sustainability
Research groups at the University of Eastern Finland are involved in both national and international Centres of Excellence, representing the international forefront of their respective fields. These Centres of Excellence renew research, develop creative research environments and educate new talented researchers for Finnish academia and industry.
ERC (European Research Council) grants are one of Europe’s most respected research funding schemes. Starting Grants are awarded to researchers who are in the early stages of their careers, Consolidator Grants are awarded to those in the middle stages of their careers and Advanced Grants are awarded to well-established researchers.
Members of scientific panels
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland are also involved in national scientific panels that promote the societal impact of science:
- Finnish Panel on Climate Change: Professor Kati Kulovesi
- Expert Panel for Sustainable Development: Professor Arto O. Salonen and Professor Niko Soininen
- Finnish Nature Panel: University Lecturer Simo Häyrynen
- Finnish Forest Bioeconomy Science Panel: Professor Jari Vauhkonen
