Research Professionals’ election objectives for 2027–2031 

Research Professionals – shaping the future

Finland’s strength is built on competence, research and a functional education chain. These enable people to develop their skills and provide the basis for long-term scientific pursuits and research. Strengthening the long-term prerequisites for research, scientific freedom and education safeguards civilisation, democracy, ecological sustainability and competitiveness – now and in the future.  

A knowledge society relies on academic freedom and research-based knowledge 

Academic freedom is the foundation of higher education and research. It refers to the right of researchers to choose their research topics, teach and discuss ideas freely, and to share research results without fear of harassment or censorship. Academic freedom is necessary to promote critical thinking and independent scientific pursuits. It safeguards the quality of higher education and research and is one of the pillars of a democratic society. The freedom of science, art and higher education is protected by our legislation. Still, the academic freedom of researchers and research organisations is being challenged and restricted by different factors, both in Finland and the world.  

  • Ensure the broad scope and independence of science by guaranteeing stable and long-term core funding for science and research. 
  • Criminalise targeted harassment to reinforce scientific freedom and safeguard research.   
  • Ensure the systematic use of scientific knowledge in decision-making by improving the science-for-policy structures in the Parliament and ministries.  

Healthier higher education funding models improve impact

Finland must ensure, through a strong education chain, top-quality higher education that meets competence objectives. Increasing the number of higher education graduates must not jeopardise the quality of higher education. The highest level of education is founded on research, and the same research professionals are engaged in both research and teaching. It is preposterous that the highest level of education and research in Finland relies largely on intermittent work. At universities, for example, only 30% of teaching and research personnel have permanent employment positions. In comparison with other Nordic universities, Finland has by far the worst student-teacher ratio. Limited resources and constant uncertainty weaken the well-being of both personnel and students as well as the objectives set for higher education.   

  • Develop higher education on the basis of the dual model. Amend the funding models of higher education by focusing investments on core funding and reducing the significance of performance indicators. This would enable higher education institutions to specialise in areas of strength and motivate them to engage in cooperation.    
  • Realise a parliamentary plan to implement predictable core funding for higher education spanning across election terms and link it to cost-level development.   
  • Nurture the entire education chain and the achievement of high-quality education and the resulting competence and capabilities at all educational levels from early childhood education to higher education and continuous learning.   
  • Continue to ensure that access to higher education leading to a degree remains free, also in the future.  

Create sustainable growth through long-term investments in RDI activities

The current R&D Funding Act and investments extend to 2030. During the next Government term, significant decisions will be made on how Finland’s R&D policy and investments will develop thereafter. Research Professionals proposes that Finland should continue to make bold investments in research, development and innovation activities.    

  • Ensure that the 2030 target for R&D investments (4% of GDP) is achieved and maintained at a minimum.   
  • Allocate R&D investments so that they secure the broad scope of scientific activities and strengthen the entire RDI chain from basic research to innovation. Advance the 4% objective for R&D investments also at the EU level.  
  • Allocate R&D funding directly to the activities of higher education institutions and encourage them to cooperate across sectors. In this way, higher education institutions can support the interaction between RDI activities and actors and the instilling of new knowledge in society.  
  • Allocate R&D investments to the postdoc career phase in particular. Intensify cross-sector research cooperation and promote the mobility of researchers between sectors and organisations.    
  • Take the expansion of doctoral education into account in core funding so that full-time doctoral dissertation work mainly takes place in an employment relationship and the employment relationship covers the entire period until the degree is completed. Assess the need to expand doctoral education in relation to doctoral career prospects. The expansion of doctoral education is only meaningful if there are enough career options that correspond to this level of education and competence.    

 It is vital to retain international experts  

Science is international and cross-sector by nature. Finnish science and research cannot thrive without international experts. Higher education, science and research are key for advancing internationalisation and attracting international experts to Finland. The recruitment of foreign students and personnel must be done in an ethical manner by giving them an honest picture of the earnings and job opportunities and language situation in Finland.  

  • Reform the residence permit for researchers in a way that encourages people to stay and settle in Finland. Grant a foreign doctoral researcher a residence permit that covers the entire duration of their degree studies.   
  • Implement an immigration policy that motivates individuals. Safeguard the opportunities to study our domestic languages to facilitate the possibility to participate in such studies at different stages of one’s life and career.   

Improved livelihood and purchasing power for grant-funded researchers

Grants form a key part of the funding of Finnish science and research. However, grant-funded researchers face many types of challenges, including those related to income and social security.   

  • Strengthen the livelihood and purchasing power of grant-funded researchers by raising the amount of the tax-free grant funding to at least EUR 35,000 per year.  Dismantle the connection between the level of the tax-exempt grant and the artist grants provided by the State.