Fulbright-LUT-EMRC Scholar Award
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.
The Fulbright-LUT-EMRC Scholar Award can be granted within any research themes of interest of the Kempower Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC) at LUT University. The up-to-date list of the research themes can be found at www.lut.fi/en/emrc.
The Fulbright-LUT-EMRC scholar will conduct research and possibly deliver lectures at any of the three Schools of LUT University:
Applicants are encouraged to contact the EMRC, the host department, School, or research program to work together in designing the activities. Grantees will be introduced to the EMRC and have the opportunity to work in close cooperation with industry, especially Kempower.
The Fulbright-LUT-EMRC Scholar Award is jointly funded by the EMRC, LUT University, and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
LUT University
Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology, business and social sciences. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of over 9,000 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland. We are one of the top universities in the world for climate action.
The Kempower Electric Mobility Research Center (EMRC) aims to strengthen cross-disciplinary research on electric transportation and to develop education to meet the needs of future industry. The center advances science and education, cutting across the boundaries of virtually all of LUT University’s fields of specialization, from technology and business to social and communication sciences. The EMRC is the heart of e-mobility-related research at LUT.
The city of Lappeenranta
Lappeenranta combines urban culture with beautiful, soothing nature. LUT's modern and versatile campus is located right on the shores of Lake Saimaa, which is a big part of the city's identity. Lappeenranta's southern location and proximity to the Helsinki metropolitan area surprise many, as the train journey to Helsinki takes less than two hours. In 2021, the European Commission awarded the city the Green Leaf Prize. Read more about LUT in Lappeenranta
The city of Lahti
With its 120,000 inhabitants, Lahti is one of Finland's largest cities, offering a wide range of activities and events. Urban culture, a diverse range of services, and its central location close to the Helsinki metropolitan area make Lahti a great city for study and work. Having been chosen as the 2021 European Green Capital, the nature- and sports-friendly city aims to become carbon-neutral by 2025 at the latest. Read more about LUT in Lahti
Awards begin in August or September 2025, January 2026, or as separately agreed upon with the host institution and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
The academic year runs from September through mid-May (Fall Semester: September to mid-December; Spring Semester: January to mid-May).
There is generally no teaching from June to August.
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.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
The letter of invitation is optional but can be considered as an asset. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of invitation from the relevant unit. The letter should include information on the agreed research plan (and teaching if applicable), and length and dates of the proposed visit.
Potential hosts can refer to these instructions when writing a letter of invitation.
Note: Late June, July, and early August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland, and responses to inquiries may be delayed during this period. Applicants are advised to contact the Finnish host institution well ahead of time to solicit an invitation letter for their application.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to an online video call in mid-January 2025.
A candidate for the Fulbright–LUT-EMRC Scholar Award must hold a Ph.D. degree and have substantial experience in research in their field, in case of early-career postdoc, should demonstrate exceptional skills and vision in it. The candidate must be a U.S. citizen.
In addition to the general evaluation criteria, 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.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
Fulbright Finland Foundation
More information about Finland: Visit Finland and This is Finland
The stipend includes a monthly grant and free housing for the scholar and their accompanying family.
The monthly grant is 2,700 - 5,000 EUR (approx. 2900-5400 USD*), depending on the rank of scholar (post-doc level 2,700 EUR, assistant/associate professor level 4,000 EUR, full professor level 5,000 EUR), paid out in euro in monthly installments.
Please note: amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
LUT University will arrange and cover the cost of housing for the scholar and their family. This information should be confirmed in the letter of invitation. Applicants should communicate their housing needs to the host institution during the application process so that appropriate housing can be arranged for them.
There are no separate allowances for accompanying dependents.
A one-time travel allowance of $1,800 is provided.
Also, a residence permit allowance is provided - based on the actual permit fees (incl. grantee and accompanying family members).
No dependent tuition allowance is offered, but 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.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
The scholar will receive the full support services provided by the Fulbright Finland Foundation for all Fulbright grantees in Finland.
The Fulbright Finland Foundation in Helsinki arranges a four-day orientation seminar for scholars at the end of August, which scholars arriving for the fall semester are expected to attend. An orientation meeting is also arranged for scholars arriving in January. In addition, the Fulbright Finland Foundation organizes seminars and other events throughout the academic year for the Fulbright scholars to deepen their understanding of Finnish culture.
The grantee will also be eligible to participate in a Fulbright Finland pre-approved summer school in Finland consisting of courses on Finnish language, culture, and society, pending the availability of suitable programs.
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.
LUT University/EMRC
LUT University/EMRC encourages applicants to contact the university staff beforehand. Dr. Ville Naumanen is happy to help potential candidates to connect with the faculty members for discussion.
Dr. Ville Naumanen
Director, EMRC
Tel: +358 40 0299 938
ville.naumanen@lut.fi
Fulbright Finland Foundation
Fulbright Finland Foundation encourages potential applicants to visit its website for further information and contact the office directly with any questions:
Emmi Jelekäinen
Program Manager, Scholar Programs
Tel: +358 44 5535 275
UsScholars@fulbright.fi
Mihkel Vaim
Coordinator
UsScholars@fulbright.fi