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 prestigious opportunity for a U.S. scholar or specialist to:
- Conduct research at a Finnish higher education institution chosen by the scholar
- Collaborate with Finnish academic and industrial partners
- Teach and guest lecture
- Engage with Finland’s vibrant R&D and high-tech community
This award is designed to strengthen long-term partnerships between U.S. and Finnish research groups and boost academic–industry collaborations.
The Chair position emphasizes:
- Active research: including publications and long-term collaboration plans between Finnish and U.S. research groups
- Teaching and mentoring: guest lecturing and student supervision are welcomed
- Networking and outreach: scholars are encouraged to actively engage with Finnish universities, research centers, and high-tech companies, such as Nokia, to broaden the impact of their visit. Opportunities may include guest lecturing, collaborative events, and industry engagement that strengthen ties between academia and society.
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 e.g. in human-computer interaction and business practices are also eligible. Topics in law, policy and socio-economic development, directly related to the evolution of information and communications technology, will also be considered.
The award emphasizes projects that prioritize active research work, including publications, with plans for long-lasting collaboration between Finnish and U.S. research groups. The target is that the award helps in establishing new research collaboration that continues after the visit has taken place. 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 create joint publications with Finnish colleagues, develop international exchange collaboration between U.S. Finnish host institution, and otherwise engage with the host community and Finnish companies. Fulbright scholars are often invited to give guest lectures 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 the society and industry.
Designing Your Project
Applicants should begin by identifying and securing a Finnish host institution that aligns with their research interests, field of specialization, and goals for the visit.
The scholar and the Finnish potential host should work together in designing the Chair position activities. The host may expect the scholar to supervise students who are completing their master’s theses or Ph.D. dissertations. A detailed research and teaching plan should be included in the Fulbright 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 multiple host institutions, the project statement must clearly indicate the exact period the scholar will be affiliated with each host. However, as stated, it is also encouraged to have this kind of wider networking.
The goal of the award is to establish a new research collaboration that continues after the visit. Applicants should include a plan describing their post-visit research activities and how they intend to promote and sustain the new collaboration.
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.
Awards begin in August 2027 or January 2028, or as separately agreed upon with the host institution and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
It is possible to split an award into two segments that do not exceed the maximum grant period of 6 months (see Flex Description).
The academic year runs from September through mid-May (fall semester: September to mid-December; spring semester: January to mid-May). No teaching is generally offered from June to August. The Finnish host department can give details on the term structure and teaching periods.
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.
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 six 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 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.
This award supports projects in the fields of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Computer Science. We are especially interested in scholars whose work aligns with the following specialty areas:
- Telecommunications
- Communications Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering
- Electronics and Components Design
- Optics and Materials Technology for communication components and systems
- Data Science
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.
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.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to a virtual call in mid-January 2027.
Fulbright Finland Foundation
The Nokia Foundation
More information about the Fulbright-Nokia Distinguished Chair in Information and Communications Technologies award can be found on the Fulbright Finland website.
Destination Finland
This is Finland
The Official Travel Site of Finland: Visit Finland
The monthly grant is 5 600 EUR (approx. 6 500 USD), paid in euros in monthly installments. The maximum amount for a six-month grant is 33 600 EUR (approx. 39 500 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, and residence permit allowance. 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 in Helsinki organizes orientation training, lectures, and visits for the Fulbright scholars to deepen their understanding of Finnish culture.
The Foundation organizes two multi-day orientations annually: one in mid to late August for grantees beginning their academic year in the fall, and another in late January for those arriving for the spring semester. Grantees are expected to plan their arrival so they can participate in the orientation. The program provides essential information to help prepare for life in Finland and offers a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow Fulbrighters and the Foundation team.
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
Living in Finland
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. 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. For the eighth year in a row, Finland has also been named the happiest country in the world by the annual United Nations World Happiness Report.
World-Class Education System and Cutting-Edge Research
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.
Strong Fulbright Program with a Unique History
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.
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.
For its grantees, the Foundation offers extensive orientation and support services. In addition to Arrival Orientations in August and January, the Foundation organizes seminars and other events throughout the academic year for the Fulbright scholars to network and deepen their understanding of Finnish culture.
The 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
"I've never had this kind of access to conduct my research, at any other point in my career. The opportunities I've been provided through this grant have been transformational for my career. Conducting this research study has provided me career-long connections with scholars in Finland and an unforgettable experience for me and my family." - Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Finland 2024-25
"I would highly recommend the Fulbright Finland Foundation's grant programs to everyone who is eligible and interested. The programs and universities are world-class. Most Finns speak perfect English and are friendly and helpful. Finland is safe, quiet, and beautiful. You will meet some amazing people and have unforgettable experiences in Finland." - Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Finland 2024-25
"Through this Fulbright U.S. Scholar award, I was able to grow as a scholar and a global citizen, and bring my family along for this transformative experience! We all have learned about Finnish culture; we've learned to embrace the cold and quiet and the uniqueness of the Finnish language; we've gained new qualities, all of us, as learners and teachers that will imprint our futures. Thanks to the Fulbright Finland Foundation for making this Finnish experience possible." - Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Finland 2024-25
"The Fulbright program is simply like none other. It has the potential to open up your mind in wonderful ways and compel you to harness your unique strengths toward mobilizing meaningful impact. And if you're really lucky, you'll get to be part of Fulbright Finland Foundation's cohort - the Foundation is run by a small but inspiring group of people who embody the spirit of Fulbright as a leadership program. Having been through the experience, I can safely say that the mission and efforts of the Fulbright Program and the Fulbright Finland Foundation are vital to our global society." - Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Finland 2024-25
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.
Read more grantee experiences on the Fulbright Finland News Magazine.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Fulbright Finland Foundation
Fulbright Finland Foundation encourages potential applicants to visit its website for further information and contact the office directly with any questions.
Program Manager, Scholar Programs
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi
Tel: +358 44 5535 275
Coordinator
Email: USscholars@fulbright.fi