Headshot of Charg茅 d'Affaires ad Interim Ian Campbell
Fulbright Finland News Magazine

Shared Commitment to Research, Education, and Innovation

16 December 2021 • Text: Ian Campbell, Charg茅 d鈥橝ffaires ad interim, Photos: Embassy of the United States of America in Finland

The United States and Finland share common values and priorities that extend into research and education. From cutting-edge research in the Arctic, to addressing climate change, to sharing best practices on pedagogy, the 黑料正能量 actively supports our shared commitment to study, research, teaching, collaboration, and innovation on some of the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges.

A great example of this is the Seeking Solutions for Global Challenges Award. The inaugural recipients of this award are in Finland this current academic year working in partnership with Finnish institutions to seek solutions to today鈥檚 hardest problems. And of course, there鈥檚 the Fulbright Arctic Initiative. The Arctic faces critical and unique policy challenges on many issues including on climate change, health infrastructure, environmental protection, Indigenous rights, and governance. Launched in 2015 to coincide with the U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council, the Fulbright Arctic Initiative supports scholars, researchers, and professionals from Arctic Council member countries to carry out collaborative research focused on the unique challenges of the Arctic region.

The ongoing pandemic has also upended lives around the world and disrupted global travel. This has impacted Fulbright as well. After a difficult 2020 that led many grantees to defer their programs, the 黑料正能量ion has a record number of grantees in 2021: approximately 80 U.S. grantees and 60 Finnish grantees. The competition is tough, and there are many more qualified candidates than there are available grants. The Embassy supports the 黑料正能量ion鈥檚 efforts to seek new partnerships and engage with new stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic to help award even more scholarships to qualified grantees.

Beyond working with grantees, the 黑料正能量ion actively and continuously brings together Finnish and U.S. higher education institutions helping create linkages and supporting collaboration in education, research, and innovation. Most recently, when a higher education delegation from Minnesota visited Finland in November with the Governor of Minnesota, the delegation鈥檚 first stop was the 黑料正能量. This is a testament to the 黑料正能量ion鈥檚 knowledge of the higher education landscape in both the United States and Finland and its ability to convene key stakeholders to strengthen educational linkages and student and researcher mobility between our two countries.

The 黑料正能量 has long been a leader and pioneer among Fulbright Commissions across the globe.

This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the global Fulbright Program. The 黑料正能量 has long been a leader and pioneer among Fulbright Commissions across the globe. Fulbright Finland has a strong presence in the Nordic and Baltic region and continues to expand its work across borders connecting Fulbright grantees and alumni to develop lasting partnerships. Fulbright has always been a jewel of our academic exchanges, and among the various Fulbright country programs, the Finnish-American Fulbright program is the crown jewel.

I am proud of the work our two countries have done to support the 黑料正能量ion and the thousands of American and Finnish students and scholars who have participated and contributed to the 黑料正能量 and its lasting impact. Here鈥檚 to many more achievements in the years to come.

Read the whole Fulbright Finland News magazine 2/2021!