Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Grant in Health and Environmental 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 award is meant for conducting research and teaching in the fields of health or environmental sciences at any of the following faculties or research units at the University of Eastern Finland:
Faculty of Health Sciences
- A. I Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences (research institute)
- School of Medicine (Proposals for medical research involving clinical training, patient care, or patient contact are not eligible)
- School of Pharmacy
- Department of Nursing Science
Faculty of Science and Forestry
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences
- School of Forest Science
- Department of Applied Physics
Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies
- Law School
- Department of Health and Social Management
- Department of Geographical and Historical Studies
- Department of Social Sciences
Other Research Units
- The Institute for Natural Resources, Environment and Society (LYY)
- Karelian Institute
Applications should preferably be on the following multidisciplinary research focus areas:
- Water Research
- Forests and Bioeconomy research
- Neuroscience research
Applicants are encouraged to contact the host department, faculty or research program to work together in designing the activities.
The Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Grant in Health and Environmental Sciences is jointly funded by the Saastamoinen Foundation, the University of Eastern Finland, and the Fulbright Finland Foundation.
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 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 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).
Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of invitation from the relevant unit. The letter should include information on the agreed teaching and research plan, confirmation that the host institution will pay for and arrange housing during the visit, and the 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 ahead of time to solicit an invitation letter for their application.
During the selection process, some applicants may be invited to a virtual call in mid-January 2025.
A candidate must hold a Ph.D. degree and have sufficient experience in teaching and research in Health or Environmental Sciences.
Fulbright Finland Foundation
Saastamoinen Foundation
Information on the Fulbright-Saastamoinen Foundation Grant in Health and Environmental Sciences award on the Fulbright Finland Foundation website
University of Eastern Finland
City of Kuopio
City of Joensuu
This is Finland
The stipend includes a monthly grant and free housing for the scholar and their accompanying family.
The monthly grant is €7,500 EUR (approx. $8,200) a month, paid out in euro in monthly installments.
Please note: amounts in USD are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
The University of Eastern Finland will arrange and cover the cost of housing for the scholar and their family. Applicants should communicate their housing needs to the host institution during the application process, so that appropriate housing can be arranged for them.
A one-time travel allowance of $1,800 is provided.
For Flex grants: round trip travel will be included for each portion of the grant.
Also, a residence permit allowance is provided - based on the actual permit fees (incl. grantee and accompanying family members).
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 grantee 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.
University of Eastern Finland
The University of Eastern Finland encourages applicants to contact the Kuopio Campus staff in advance. An invitation letter is recommended as part of the application but not required.
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
Executive Head of Administration
Faculty of Forest and Natural Sciences, UEF
Email: arja.hirvonen@uef.fi
Tel: +358 447163422
Executive Head of Administration
Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, UEF
Email: marko.junkkarinen@uef.fi
Tel: +358 50 473 8422
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