Focus North America

In an era of global challenges and rapidly evolving dynamics, international cooperation has never been more crucial. North America remains an epicentre of science, research and innovation, and home to some of the world’s leading universities and research institutes. Our aim is to strengthen ties with these institutions and create new opportunities for our students, researchers and staff to collaborate, exchange ideas, and enhance their academic and professional development.

Vision 2035

By 2035, the University of Helsinki will be recognized as a central partner for research, mobility and collaboration across North America. Through strategic partnerships and targeted engagement, we will have established a strong network of academic and institutional connections that amplify our research excellence, enhance visibility, and foster a lasting flow of knowledge between Finland, Canada and the United States.

Focus areas

1. Research Collaboration: By establishing seed funding instruments and fostering direct researcher-researcher cooperation, we enable exchange of ideas and the co-creation of new knowledge.
2. Mobility and Talent Attraction: The North America Programme promotes two-way mobility to support professional development and to attract talent to the University of Helsinki.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Networks: The University of Helsinki is building a strategic approach to engage with key actors and networks across North America to enhance our research impact, open new opportunities, and strengthen the University’s visibility in the region.

The University of Helsinki is pleased to announce a new call for our successful Fellowship Programme which allows UH researchers to invite colleagues from Canadian and U.S. universities for a 2-4 month stay in Helsinki. Application period is 17.11.25 – 30.01.26. Please see call text for all details and instructions.