Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Distinguished Chair in Health Sciences
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-Saastamoinen Foundation Distinguished Chair position provides U.S. scholars with the opportunity to conduct research at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) at the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Chair position is available for scholars and specialists in any field of Health Sciences, but priority will be given to research work in Cardiovascular Diseases and/or Metabolic Diseases or Neuroscience research.
Chair’s research and other activities are planned together with UEF faculty. Applicants are requested to include an invitation letter from the relevant unit at UEF in their application as well as a research plan in the project statement of the Distinguished Chair application. Proposals for medical research involving clinical training, patient care, or patient contact are not eligible.
The Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Distinguished Chair is jointly funded by the Saastamoinen Foundation and the Fulbright Finland Foundation (the Finnish Fulbright commission).
The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) is one of the largest universities in Finland with 16,000 students and 2,750 members of staff. The university has two campuses in Joensuu and Kuopio, located 400 kilometers northeast of Helsinki.
UEF is the most multidisciplinary university in Finland, and we offer education in nearly 100 major subjects. Our interdisciplinary research and education respond to global challenges to build a sustainable future. Kuopio is known for its nature and quality of life, science and technology and, its lively people. These and excellent services, make Kuopio an attractive place to live.
Joensuu, the capital of North Karelia, is fashioned by Karelian lifestyle, and hosts numerous cultural events. Iconic national landscapes and rich Karelian culinary tradition attract visitors especially in the summertime.
The Chair is awarded as a Flex Grant for two visits of one month over two consecutive years. Grants should begin no earlier than August 2025. The grant periods will be agreed together with the Chair, host Professor, and UEF unit.
The grant is awarded as a Flex grant for two visits of one month each over two consecutive years.
The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over short segments, preferably during the fall and/or spring semesters.
Applicants should clearly indicate 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 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 Chair position is available for scholars and specialists in any field of the Health Sciences or interdisciplinary areas with a specific focus on Health Sciences; priority will be given to research work in Cardiovascular Diseases and/or Metabolic Diseases or Neuroscience research.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
The Distinguished Chair application must include a letter of invitation or copy of correspondence with a relevant unit at University of Eastern Finland. The letter should include information on the agreed teaching and research plan, contact details of host, confirmation that the host institution will pay for and arrange housing, and length and dates of the proposed visit (potential hosts can 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 ahead of time to solicit an invitation letter for their application.
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.
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
Information on the Fulbright-Saastamoinen Distinguished Chair on the Fulbright Finland website
University of Eastern Finland
UEF Strategy Strategy 2030
Faculty of Health Sciences
2021-22 Fulbright-Saastamoinen Distinguished Chair David Dorman's experience in Kuopio
Visit Finland-Kuopio
Puijo Tower
This is Finland - Finnish culture, politics, history, society etc.
The monthly grant is €8,000 EUR (approx. $8,700 USD), paid in euros in monthly installments. Note: Amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
There are no separate allowances for accompanying dependents in any category.
The University of Eastern Finland pays for and arranges housing for the Chair and their family (this information should be confirmed in the letter of invitation) and offers working facilities at the University. 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.
UEF 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 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 highly encouraged 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.
The University of Eastern Finland
Applicants are encouraged to contact the University of Eastern Finland directly.
Primary point of contact:
Director of International Affairs
Email: Riikka.Pellinen@uef.fi
Tel: +358 40 3552453
Executive Head of Administration
Faculty of Health Sciences, UEF
Email: hanna.ollikainen-richards@uef.fi
Tel: +358 403552163
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, UEF
Email: Jussi.Pihlajamaki@uef.fi
Tel: +358 50 3440 187
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