Fulbright-Hanken Distinguished Chair in Business and Economics
Finland
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Hanken School of Economics is a research-intensive business school with a program portfolio covering the whole range from BSc to Ph.D. and Executive Education.
The Chair conducts research in the area of specialization and contributes to Hanken's knowledge dissemination to academia and the corporate world and teaches in Hanken's degree programs and Executive Education. Hanken prefers applicants who will both teach and conduct research during their grant term.
In addition to guest lecturing at Hanken School of Economics, the Fulbright-Hanken Distinguished Chair is encouraged to network and create linkages throughout Finland, and give occasional guest lectures at other Finnish universities. The Chair and Hanken faculty at the department work together in designing the Chair’s activities.
The Fulbright-Hanken Distinguished Chair is jointly funded by Hanken and the Fulbright Finland Foundation (the Finnish Fulbright commission).
Hanken School of Economics (Helsinki or Vaasa):
Hanken School of Economics is a leading, internationally accredited university with over one hundred years of experience in education and research in economics and business administration, and is the first university in Finland to introduce a mandatory period abroad as an integrated part of the curriculum. Hanken, one of the oldest business schools in the Nordic countries, was established in 1909 as a Swedish speaking school. Today, Hanken is the only stand-alone business school in Finland. The research and study environment is international, and there are campuses in Helsinki and Vaasa, Finland. Classroom instruction is conducted in both Swedish and English.
Hanken has four departments, and research is carried out within all of them: the Department of Accounting and Commercial Law, the Department of Finance and Economics, the Department of Management, and the Department of Marketing. Departments cover the following subjects:
- Accounting (part of the Department of Accounting and Commercial Law)
- Commercial Law (part of the Department of Accounting and Commercial Law)
- Finance (part of the Department of Finance and Economics)
- Economics (part of the Department of Finance and Economics)
- Entrepreneurship, Management and Organisation (part of the Department of Management)
- Information Systems Sciences (part of the Department of Management)
- Management and Organisation (part of the Department of Management)
- Marketing (the Department of Marketing)
- Statistics (part of the Department of Finance and Economics)
- Supply Chain Management and Social Responsibility (Department of Marketing)
Many of Hanken faculty members are at the forefront of their research areas and publish in top-tier academic journals. Hanken also cooperates with the corporate world, which is reflected in joint research projects, active interaction through our partner programs as well as generous support in fundraising.
As a mandatory period abroad is an integrated part of the curriculum, students are thus offered a unique opportunity to create their own international networks for life through an exchange or internship period abroad. These lifelong networks are created both internationally and at Hanken. They permeate the studies and play an important role in the excellent placement of alumni in the international job market.
Through the Hanken alumni network and activities, the network built while at Hanken and the ties to the School are maintained and broadened after graduation. Hanken has more than 15,000 alumni, working in leading positions in more than 70 different countries. Hanken alumni are highly competitive and appreciated on the job market; 92% have a job within six months of graduation, and 97% are employed five years after graduation. In addition to getting a high-quality degree, Hanken alumni become part of a lifelong network with excellent opportunities for both professional and personal development.
Grants must begin in either August 2025 or January 2026, unless otherwise agreed upon with the host and Fulbright Finland Foundation.
It is possible to split an award into two segments that do not exceed the maximum grant period of 5 months (see Flex Description).
The academic year begins in September and ends in August. Lecturing takes place from early-September to early-May.
The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over two or three short segments. Applicants must select Flex in the application form, and clearly describe their plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community.
While this award is open to any project in the disciplines listed above, there is interest in scholars who are in these particular specialty areas:
Accounting; commercial law (including IP law); economics; entrepreneurship, management and organization; finance; information systems science; management and organization; marketing; supply chain management and social responsibility; statistics.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
A letter of invitation is strongly preferred. Applicants are highly encouraged to submit a letter of invitation from the relevant unit at Hanken. The letter should include information on the agreed teaching and research plan, confirmation that the host institution will pay for and arrange housing (for scholar and their accompanying family), and length and dates of the proposed visit (Finnish host institution should refer to these instructions).
NOTE: Hanken typically sends out invitations in May and June; applicants are advised to contact the Finnish host well ahead of time to solicit an invitation letter for their application. Late June, July and early August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland and responses to inquiries may be delayed.
An international scholar does not need Finnish or Swedish in order to be able to live in Finland. English is widely spoken in academic circles.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to a Teams call in mid-January 2025.
The Chair is available to applicants who are full or associate professors in Business and Economics. Candidates should have a prominent record of scholarly accomplishment.
Additionally, candidates in all Fulbright programs are reviewed on the project’s contribution to the objectives of the Fulbright Program, as well as on the adaptability and suitability of the candidate to act as a Fulbright ambassador for the U.S. in Finland.
Fulbright Finland
More information about the Fulbright-Hanken Distinguished Chair can be found on the Fulbright Finland website
Hanken School of Economics
This is Finland (Finnish culture, politics, history, society etc.)
The monthly grant is €5,600 EUR (approx. $5,926 USD), paid in euros in monthly installments. Please note: amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
There are no separate allowances for accompanying dependents.
Hanken will arrange and cover the costs of housing for the scholar and accompanying family members; this information should be confirmed in the letter of invitation. Applicants should communicate their housing needs to the host institution as early as possible, so that appropriate housing can be arranged.
A one-time travel allowance of $2,000 USD is provided. Also, a residence permit allowance is provided - based on the actual permit fees (including permit fees for accompanying dependents).
For Flex grants: round trip travel will be included for each segment of the grant.
K-12 education in Finland is generally free or heavily subsidized (some special schools, such as private international schools, may charge tuition). Instruction in English is available in Helsinki and other bigger cities at kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, as well as at the university level, however many of them require an aptitude test and sometimes entry is competitive.
For details about the Finnish education system please visit the Ministry of Education and Culture, which provides greater insight to education at all levels across Finland.
Hanken arranges housing for the Chair and their family and provides working facilities at the institution. The Chair is provided with a monthly allowance, travel allowance, residence permit allowance, and an accident and sickness insurance for the grant period.
In addition to being a distinguished academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the U.S. and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, the Fulbright Finland Foundation organizes orientation, lectures, and visits for the Fulbright scholars to deepen their understanding of the Finnish culture. The Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki arranges an orientation for scholars at the end of August and again in January; scholars are expected to attend one depending on their arrival.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Finland
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Finland for 2025-26, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff, and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience, and application guidance.
Finland is a Nordic country the size of California located in northern Europe and is part of the European Union. It is rather sparsely populated (5.6 million people) and has extensive nature: forests, coastline, and lakes. The six largest cities host approximately 60% of the population; urban environments are closely linked to nature. It is a country that has a well-organized and efficient society. The general infrastructure, both public and private services, is considered very effective. Well run public services such as transportation, police, education, and healthcare are fundamental and highly regarded parts of the society. The arts and design, cultural life, nature, and sports are highly valued. Finland ranks as one of the world’s most stable nations and has been named one of the safest and least corrupt countries in the world, which makes it an easy place to live and travel.
Finns believe strongly in equality and education, and the country is especially known for its effective and free education system. Finland has two types of higher education institutions: universities and universities of applied sciences (UAS). Finnish higher education institutions engage in world-leading research and offer high-quality academic programs. On a national level, research and development is highly emphasized. The Finnish government is committed to the target of raising research and development expenditure to four per cent of GDP by 2030. Together with a welcoming and intriguing environment, Finland offers interesting opportunities for American researchers, teachers, and professionals. English is widely used at the university level.
The academic year in Finland is based on a two-semester system. The official academic year starts on August 1 and ends on July 31. However, in the fall semester, lectures are usually scheduled between September and mid-December, and in the spring semester, between early January and May. Typically, there is no teaching during the summer and on public holidays.
Finland has a strong Fulbright program with a unique history. The program has an important role in supporting the internationalization of education and research in Finland, helping U.S. and Finnish institutions create linkages, and promoting a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts between Finland and the United States. The program has grown in recent years due to the close cooperation of the Fulbright Finland Foundation with Finnish universities, research institutions, governmental agencies, and private foundations, as well as to U.S. and Finnish alumni contributions. Most of the program’s funding currently comes from Finland.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation offers awards to U.S. scholars to teach or pursue research in Finland. The majority of awards are available to scholars in all disciplines, but some awards are limited to certain fields. In nearly all categories, housing is provided for the grantee. Awards are also available for professionals for career development.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation also provides information for Finnish institutions, which applicants are encouraged to utilize when contacting prospective hosts.
Read more about Finland:
Fulbright Finland Foundation website
Fulbright Finland News Magazine
Visit Finland
This is Finland
Scott E. Buchanan - Fulbright Bicentennial Chair in American Studies 2019-20
David Dorman - Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Distinguished Chair in Health and Environmental Sciences 2021-2022
Visit the Fulbright Finland Foundation website to see grantees from previous years.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Hanken School of Economics
Hanken School of Economics encourages applicants to contact the university staff beforehand.
Scholarship Liaison Officer, Office of Research and International Affairs
Email: stipendieombud@hanken.fi
Tel: +358 (0) 40 3521 375
Fulbright Finland Foundation
Fulbright Finland Foundation encourages potential applicants to visit its website for further information and contact the office directly with any questions: office@fulbright.fi
Senior Program Manager
E-mail: karoliina.kokko@fulbright.fi
Tel: +358 44 5535 268