At the University of Helsinki, we are creating a better world together with other parties active in society by actively working in a range of networks and by concluding responsible partnerships.
Previously known as Sustainability Science Days, the event has been renamed Science for Sustainability.
Science for sustainability is Finland’s biggest sustainability research event that brings together science, innovation and changemakers from diverse fields. The annual event is organized by Finland's two largest universities, the University of Helsinki and Aalto University.
The HELSUS Co-creation Lab is an opportunity for master’s students to write their master’s theses in collaboration with a partner from the private or public sector in a supervised and scheduled process that is based on six co-creation meetings, or labs. During lab sessions, students respond to a sustainability challenge presented by their partner and write their master’s thesis on a topic to be specified during the sessions. Networking and accumulating experience constitute an essential part of the work, over the course of which we bring together genuine sustainability challenges and experts of the future.
To promote sustainability both at the University and society as a whole, we invite our alums to join alum activities and the University of Helsinki’s sustainability and responsibility network.
With the societal commitments to sustainable development, the university has pledged to
The University of Helsinki has been part of the Baltic Sea Challenge since its inception in 2007. In the commitment made for 2024–2028, the university pledges through various actions to mitigate eutrophication, reduce the flow of harmful substances into waterways, enhance biodiversity, promote sustainable use of the seas, prevent littering, and increase collaboration and engagement for the benefit of the Baltic Sea.
Collaboration with partners both nationally and internationally is essential to strengthening our global impact. We are involved in several networks and strategic partnerships, which enable us to increase our influence and share best practices. In this way, we can build a more sustainable and just future. Below are examples of the networks in which we are actively engaged.
The University of Helsinki is committed to promoting UNIFI’s theses on sustainable development and responsibility in its operations. The theses include ambitious recommendations for action related to universities' teaching, research, administration, societal impact, and campus operations.
The University of Helsinki is an active member of UNIFI’s Sustainable Development and Responsibility working group.
Finn-ARMA is a collaboration network for Finnish higher education institutions, focusing on research administration, research support, and research services.
The University of Helsinki actively participates in Finn-ARMA's Sustainable Development and Responsibility group and its subgroups, which address topics such as universities' carbon neutrality goals, reporting, and responsible procurement.
The University of Helsinki has been involved in the Baltic Sea Challenge since its inception in 2007. Cooperation between the University and the City to protect the Baltic Sea enables both long-term co-development as well as new experiments and initiatives.
The University of Helsinki has been involved in the network since it was established in 2012. The network members are contributing to making Helsinki a carbon neutral city.
Urban Tech Helsinki is an incubator seeking clean and sustainable urban solutions. Its goal is to attract talent and support the creation and growth of research-based companies in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
The University of Helsinki participates in the incubator alongside the City of Helsinki, Aalto University, and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
The Una Europa alliance connects the University of Helsinki with 11 leading European research universities. The network aims to build the university of the future by creating a joint European campus that enhances international opportunities for students and staff.
The University of Helsinki leads three key themes within the network: student empowerment, diversity and inclusion, and multicultural and multilingual learning.
Educational collaboration focuses on six areas: European studies, sustainability, cultural heritage, One Health, future materials and technologies, and data science and artificial intelligence. Sustainability is one of the network's core priorities.
LERU is a network that brings together 24 leading research universities across Europe. It fosters dialogue and collaborates with EU institutions and organizations related to the EU that operate in the fields of higher education and research, addressing topics such as the European Research Area, open science, Horizon Europe, and Erasmus+.
The University of Helsinki is an active participant in LERU’s sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion groups.
The University of Helsinki is a member of the international Climate Alliance network for climate research. This global and multidisciplinary network strengthens the University of Helsinki's collaboration with other leading universities in climate research worldwide. The network's key missions are to identify effective ways to communicate climate change research and to enhance collaboration with policymakers and businesses.
The University of Helsinki is a founding member of the international Nature Positive Universities network. The network encourages universities and members of the academic community around the world to take measures to promote and safeguard biodiversity and slow down climate change.
UniPID is a network of nine Finnish universities that supports its member universities in integrating global responsibility and the perspectives of the Global South into education, research, and societal interaction, as well as promoting international partnerships to support sustainable development pathways.