Fulbright-Nokia Distinguished Chair in Information and Communications Technologies
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-Nokia Distinguished Chair in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) offers a unique opportunity for a U.S. scholar and/or specialist to engage in research, collaboration, teaching, and guest lecturing at a higher education institution in Finland, while simultaneously networking in the Finnish R&D community. The intention is to further enhance collaboration between U.S. and Finnish research groups and also to boost industrial-academic collaborations.
The research questions are expected to be related to the digital infrastructure of future societies and industries, as well as directly connected to disciplines of the digitalization era. Topical research areas of interest include software or hardware and algorithms, data science, advanced network technologies, and design issues related to digitalization. Interdisciplinary research agendas in human-computer interaction, business practices, and also in law, policy, and socio-economic development, directly related to the evolution of technology and information and communications technology, will also be considered.
The Fulbright-Nokia Distinguished Chair in Information and Communication Technologies award emphasizes projects that prioritize active research work, including publications, with plans for long-lasting collaboration between Finnish and U.S. research groups. Some guest lecturing and/or supervising students is therefore welcomed. While the main aim of this Chair position is designed to promote international exchange, the selected Chair is encouraged to network in the whole Finnish research and high-tech industrial community additionally to write joint publications with Finnish colleagues, develop international exchange collaboration between U.S. and Finnish host institution, and otherwise engage with the host community and Finnish companies. Fulbright scholars are often invited to guest lecture in other Finnish higher education institutions. The Fulbright-Nokia Chair may also be asked to give a guest lecture at Nokia, or other Finnish high-tech companies, in order to increase the impact of the visit in society and industry.
The scholar and the Finnish host institution work together in designing the Chair position activities. Candidates should discuss and come to an agreement with the host about the ratio of teaching to research, as well as the number and level of courses to be taught. The host may expect the scholar to supervise students who are completing their master’s theses or Ph.D. dissertations. A research and teaching plan should be included in the project statement of the Distinguished Chair application. The host should be from the information and communication technologies field, with the same definitions as above stated for the Chair applicant.
If a scholar proposes to collaborate with more than one host institution, the project statement must clearly indicate the exact period of time the scholar will be affiliated with each host. However, as stated it is also encouraged to have this kind of wider networking.
Visit the Program Homepage. The Fulbright-Nokia Distinguished Chair is jointly funded by the Nokia Foundation and the Fulbright Finland Foundation (the Finnish Fulbright Commission).
Finland is technologically one of the most advanced countries in the world. One quarter of the Finnish labor force is directly or indirectly employed by the technology industry and three quarters of private-sector R&D investment goes to the technology sector. The size and the role of Information and Communications Technologies in the Finnish economy and R&D have grown considerably along with Nokia’s worldwide success and subsequently very active technology startup scene. In the last three years, Finland has been the top European country in venture capital investments (relative to the GNP). The purpose of the Fulbright-Nokia Distinguished Chair in Information and Communications Technologies is to enhance cooperation with Finnish and U.S. universities and academics in this field.
Candidates are expected to secure an affiliation with a Finnish institution and include a letter of invitation in the application. Assistance in locating possible host institutions and making connections is available from the Fulbright Finland Foundation, if needed.
Grants must begin in late 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 9 months (see Flex Description).
The academic year in Finnish higher education institutions begins in September and ends in May/June. The Finnish host department is able to give details on the term structure and teaching periods.
The award can be split into two segments within one academic or calendar year. Each segment must be a minimum of three months, and together, the two segments cannot exceed nine months.
The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. Applicants should clearly indicate plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline.
The purpose of the Flex Award is to make the visit as admirably and scientifically productive as possible for both the host institution and the Chair. Therefore, it might be beneficial to have the visit in two segments, e.g., when experimental equipment manufacturing or data collection takes place when the Chair is not in Finland. Also, the long summer pause in Finnish universities needs to be taken into account. Longer pauses (more than three months) between visits need to be explained in the application.
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.
There is a special interest in scholars who work in the following specialty areas:
- Communication Technologies and Science
- Computer Science
- Electronics
- Optics and Material Sciences applied to information and communication sciences, including circuit and component designs
Interdisciplinary research specializations that directly focus on the evolution and/or adaptation of information and communication technologies will also be considered.
Scholars selected for this award will be required to
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing, leading to a longer-lasting collaboration between U.S. and Finnish research groups.
Advise and/or mentor younger scientists and graduate students according to the Chair applicant's schedule, related to the target above. The interaction with graduate students and younger scientists in Finland should target collaboration between the research groups. This can also include giving courses, or other forms of mentoring.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
The Distinguished Chair application should include a letter of invitation from a Finnish higher education institution. The letter should include information on the agreed research and teaching plan, contact information for the host and others responsible for the visit, confirmation that the host will pay for and arrange housing (for the scholar and family), and length and dates of the proposed visit (Finnish host institution should refer to these instructions).
NOTE: Late June, July and early August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland and responses to inquiries may be delayed. Applicants are advised to contact the Finnish host institution well in advance to solicit an invitation letter for their application.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to a Teams call in mid-January 2025.
Candidates should have a prominent record of scholarly accomplishment, including a significant publication record. Projects that prioritize active research work and publications yet also include guest lectures and student supervision are particularly encouraged.
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
Information on the Fulbright-Nokia Distinguished Chair in Information and Communications Technologies award on the Fulbright Finland website
This is Finland (Finnish culture, politics, history, society, etc.)
The Nokia Foundation
The Official Travel site of Finland: Visit Finland
Studies and Research in Finland
The monthly grant is €5,600 EUR (approx. $5,926 USD), paid in euros in monthly installments. The maximum amount for a nine-month grant is €50,400 EUR (approx. $53,332 USD). Please note: amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
There are no separate allowances for accompanying dependents.
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.
The host institution arranges housing for the Chair and their family (this information should be confirmed in the letter of invitation) and provides working facilities at the institution. The Chair is provided with a monthly allowance, travel allowance, residence permit allowance, and accident and sickness insurance for the grant period. Finnish medical care is of high quality and low cost. At some institutions, Fulbright Scholars have access to the university health care services provided for faculty and staff.
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 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.
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