Innovation Europe > News > Innovation EU Vol1-1 > High standards of scientific research

The University of Helsinki is the most versatile research university in Finland, with teaching based on top research. In global research university rankings, the University of Helsinki is among the top 10 or 15 European universities.

The number of students totals 35,000, with another 45,000 engaging in extension studies or in studies at the open university. Nearly 4,000 researchers and teachers of the university work on four separate campuses in Helsinki and in 19 other localities.

Top research, top results

The University of Helsinki engages in international top-level research across a broad front. Nearly two-thirds of the 75 units engaged in research received the highest or second-highest grade, on a scale of one to seven, when compared with other comparable European research institutions.

The University of Helsinki has a strong and extensive tradition of research. Established in Turku in 1640, the University relocated to the new Finnish capital city of Helsinki in 1828. A Humboldtian ideal of universities being defined by the unity of research and teaching was then adopted in the University’s charter. Scientific research of high standard carried out in the faculties and departments of multidisciplinary universities, provides fertile ground for teaching based on research and social interaction.

A solid focus on basic research generates an environment conducive to the successful application of knowledge and innovations. The result is flattering to the University of Helsinki. This and other recent international comparisons confirm that the University of Helsinki is progressing towards its strategic goal of being one of the best multidisciplinary research universities in the world.

High standard of scientific research

The University of Helsinki especially profiles an internationally high standard of scientific research and doctoral education. It is the only Finnish university listed in the League of European Research Universities (LERU), which was founded in 2002.

The high standard of research is borne out by Centres of Excellence, academy professor and research fellow positions, the Finland Distinguished Professor Programme (FiDiPro), and researchers who have received funding from the European Research Council (ERC).

The University of Helsinki has been highly successful in competing for Finnish and international research funding. About 60% of the University’s research funding comes from external sources, the major ones being the Academy of Finland, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES), and EU framework programmes.

The University also plays an active role in the Strategic Centres for Science, Technology and Innovation (SHOK). SHOKs offer a new way for top research units and companies utilising research results to collaborate closely and to implement jointly determined research plans.

In recent years, the University has vigorously developed doctoral education in collaboration with national and international actors. In 2008, 466 PhD.s graduated from the University. In 2007-2011, the University of Helsinki is co-ordinating 33 graduate schools, with 12 co-ordinators as well as 62 doctoral student places funded by the Ministry of Education. Thirty of the graduate schools are national and three operate internally. The University also supports doctoral education by providing its own funding for 60 doctoral student places.

University of Helsinki
PO Box 33
00014 Finland
Tel: +358 (0)9 1911
Website: www.helsinki.fi/university