Fulbright-University of Turku Scholar Award

The Fulbright Finland Foundation and the University of Turku offer American scholars an unique opportunity for research and/or lecturing in Finland.

The grant is meant for conducting research and/or lecturing. The grant is available for a period of 3–12 months and can be awarded for any field represented in the seven faculties and seven independent units at the University of Turku. Applicants are encouraged to contact the host department, faculty or research program to work together to design the position activities.

University of Turku

The University of Turku (UTU) is an international research university and an active academic community of nearly 24,000 students and employees from over 100 countries. As one of the leading universities in Finland, the University of Turku offers study and research opportunities in seven faculties and seven independent units – expertise ranging from humanities to natural sciences. The University’s aim and ambition is to provide students with innovative problem solving skills and a high-standard, multidisciplinary education based on the latest research.

The University of Turku is the most international university in Finland (THE Rankings 2016). Thanks to the outstanding services, compact campus and active academic community, international scholars and students feel at home from the very beginning of their stay.

Faculties at UTU:

  • Humanities
  • Mathematics and Natural Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Social Sciences
  • Education
  • Turku School of Economics

In addition, research activities and learning take place at  independent units, e.g. at the Turku Bioscience Centre and Turku PET (Positron emission tomography) Centre – both acknowledged worldwide for their quality research.

The University of Turku is among the TOP 2 % of universities worldwide (QS University World Ranking 2018). The University’s research is diverse and international. The aim is to apply an interdisciplinary approach to research in order to increase its quality and societal effectiveness. The University is part of the international academic community and also participates actively in the development of its region.

Research at UTU is profiled through the following thematic collaborations:

  • Biofuture
  • Digital futures
  • Cultural memory and social change
  • Children, young people and learning
  • Drug development and diagnostics
  • Sea and maritime studies

The University campus in Turku is located right next to the city centre. All the services are near and by bus, bike or foot you get easily from one place to another. Beside Turku, the University also hosts campuses in the charming cities of Pori and Rauma.

Benefits

The Grant is 2,700 EUR per month. The grantee will also be provided with a travel award (1,800 USD). The university will provide housing for the scholar during the grant period. The grantee will also be eligible, free of charge, to participate in a Fulbright Finland pre-approved summer school in Finland consisting of courses on Finnish language, culture and society, pending availability of suitable programs. In addition, the grantee will be able to participate in the orientation and support services offered by the University and Fulbright Finland.

Eligibility

A candidate for The Fulbright – University of Turku Scholar Award must hold a Ph.D. degree and should have several years’ teaching and research experience in his/her field. The candidate must be a U.S. citizen. Proposals for medical research involving clinical training, patient care or patient contact are not eligible.

Application

The application period for the academic year 2020-2021 ends on September 16, 2019.

The U.S. program partner in the Fulbright Scholar Program is the Institute of International Education/Council for International Exchange of Scholars (IIE/CIES). Applications are submitted through IIE/CIES and forwarded to its peer review committee. Applications recommended by the committee are then sent to Fulbright Finland in Helsinki for final selection.

Additional information and detailed application instructions are available from the Fulbright Finland Foundation and IIE/CIES websites.

Resources for Hosts

City of Turku

The University main campus is located in the active and picturesque student city of Turku next to the city centre and Aura River. Be it by bike or on foot, you can easily move from one place to another.

Turku is the former capital of Finland, where the first Finnish university was established in 1640. Today, Turku is an active hub of business and education (pop. 313,000 in Turku region). The city offers a variety of cultural and sports activities. In Turku you are also close to the unique natural landscapes and archipelago of Southwest Finland.

    Further Information

    NOTE: July and August are traditionally summer vacation months in Finland and responses to inquiries be delayed. Applicants are advised to contact the Finnish host institution well ahead of time to solicit an invitation letter for their application.

    Useful links:

    University of Turku

    Ms. Kirsi Korpela (primary point of contact)
    International Liaison Officer
    kirsi.korpela(a)utu.fi

    Ms. Irinja Paakkanen
    Head of International Affairs
    irpaak(at)utu.fi

    Fulbright Finland Foundation

    Ms. Emmi Jelekäinen
    Program Coordinator
    emmi.jelekainen(at)fulbright.fi
    Hakaniemenranta 6
    FI-00530 Helsinki
    office(at)fulbright.fi
    tel: +358 44 5535 286

    Fulbright Finland encourages potential applicants to contact the office directly with any questions.

    Council for International Exchange of Scholars (IIE/CIES)

    1400 K Street, NW, Suite 700
    Washington, DC 20005
    europeeurasia(at)iie.org
    https://www.cies.org/contact-us