The School of Forest Sciences is an internationally renowned research and education unit. We educate specialists for jobs in the forestry and environmental field.
We offer scientific postgraduate education in the doctoral programme in Forests and Bioresources. Two thirds of the students are international students. The international reach of the programme is further enhanced by exchange students and other visitors – over 100 international students or researchers work yearly at our university.
Our main fields of research are forest ecology, forest management, forest planning, remote sensing forests with laser scanning, logistics of logging, and wood materials science.
Joensuu is one of the most important forest know-how clusters in the world. Our partners Natural Resources Institute Finland Joensuu, European Forest Institute, and Karelia University of Applied Sciences are also located in here in Joensuu.
130
annual enrollment of students
180
international scientific articles annually
120
experts and professionals
Studies
Whether you intend to work as a local expect on forestry or as an internationally respected leader, you will get the best possible education here. We emphasize the importance of having a holistic perspective on forests, sustainable use of natural resources, and on developing protection of forest environments. Our education programme in forest sciences is internationally renowned, and Finnish forest expertise is sought after.
You can specialize in forest management and forest ecosystems; forest, energy and wood technology; forest mensuration and planning; and in forest economics and politics. The Master’s degree studies can be done in English, as well, in our international Master’s degree programmes.
The forestry experts graduating from the University of Eastern Finland are employed in various planning and development roles, or as entrepreneurs in the field. Our multidisciplinary degree prepares our students for work roles in other fields related to forests and the environment.
Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes (in Finnish)
International Master's degree programmes
Doctoral programme and specialist training programmes
Research
Our school has a decades-long history in forest sciences. Our research is of high quality internationally, and is focused on forests, forestry, and the significance of forests in a society. It is associated with the research done on environment and renewable resources, which is one of the core strengths of our university.
Forest zones cross borders and forest industry operates globally. Forest researchers have always sought international contacts, because local forestry no longer exists. Climate change and biodiversity loss is relevant to all of us. Our research collaborations are close, and often the same problem is studied by several disciplines.
We participate in multiple projects financed by the EU, and our research and development partnerships include many companies and practical organizations. Our researchers participate in the product development of the forest sector and university-business cooperation with other natural resource sector actors.
Our research areas
Our research themes deal with forests and their role in the society. In broad context we carry out research on the environment and renewable natural resources, which is one of the four strategic research areas of excellence at the University of Eastern Finland. Our researchers have multidisciplinary approach and collaboration with international, national and local actors play a significant role in our activities.
- Forest Mensuration, Information Technology and Planning
- Forest Management, Soil Science, Ecology and Health
- Forest Economics, Policy and Foresight
- Wood Materials Science, Wood Procurement and Bioenergy System
Laboratory
School of Forest Sciences provides laboratory services to researchers and for educational purposes. Laboratory is located at the University of Eastern Finland Joensuu campus, Borealis building. Laboratory equipment and personnel are capable of running various chemical, physical and physiological analyses and measurements on soil, plants and wood. In addition to a research laboratory, we also have a student and teaching laboratory to serve our BSc and MSc students.

News and events
News
Events
Contact information
Head of the School of Forest Sciences is Dr. Jukka Tikkanen. Vice Heads of the School are Prof. Dr. Eeva-Stiina Tuittila (research) and Prof. Dr. Ossi Turunen (laboratories)
University of Eastern Finland’s Student and Learning Services is responsible for providing general study-related administrative services for students and staff, as well as offer support for applicants.
Read more: Student and Learning Services
Joensuu Campus
Street address
Yliopistokatu 7, (Borealis, building A, 3rd floor)
80101 Joensuu
Postiosoite
University of Eastern Finland
School of Forest Sciences
P. O. Box 111
FI- 80101 Joensuu
Email: metsa.osasto@uef.fi