“The Union is both a network and arena for me”
Anna Laakkonen, an information specialist, views the Union of Research Professionals as a vital community. Anna works as a specialist in information and publishing services at Laurea University of Applied Sciences. The Union has offered her an arena for professional interactions and networking. Anna is clear on what types of values she wants to uphold as part of the scientific community.
Providing a sense of safety and belonging
Bridging gaps and fostering collaborations
Melissa Plath works as a project manager at the University of Helsinki. She has personal experience with the challenges and hurdles that international researchers are confronted with when settling in Finland. The Union of Research Professionals has offered Melissa a platform and community through which she can help to improve the conditions of international researchers in Finland.
The Union is a necessary bridge between individuals and the university
Panu Minkkinen serves as Professor of Jurisprudence at the University of Helsinki. He feels that the identity of an academic is, however, more important to him than titles and disciplines. The Union of Research Professionals offered Panu a home base when he returned to Finland from his positions abroad. Panu feels that the Union plays an important role as the defender of researchers and teachers in Finland.
Welcome to the Union of Research Professionals!
The Union of Research Professionals (Tieteentekijät) is an active trade union that represents all those working in science, research and higher education. Our members are supported by associations, skilled shop stewards as well as our strong negotiation position and extensive advocacy networks.
Current issues
Events
18.08.2025
Helsingin yliopiston tieteentekijät – HYT
07.11.2025 | Helsinki
Tieteentekijät
08.11.2025 | Helsinki
Tieteentekijät
Daily life of academics
Work in science, research, higher education, learning and innovations.
Fixed-term employment contracts
Information, advice, statistics and solutions for fixed-term employment relationships.
Early career researcher
We have compiled current information, advice and guidelines for early career researchers.
Unemployment security
Unemployment security is a monetary benefit received during unemployment or a temporary lay-off.
Acatiimi magazine
Acatiimi is the trade union magazine for the members of the Union of Research Professionals, the Finnish Union of University Professors, and the Union for University Teachers and Researchers in Finland (YLL). Established in 1997, Acatiimi is published in print 5 times a year.
An extensive network in 12 cities
Through our 16 member associations, the Union of Research Professionals has local activities in Espoo, Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Oulu, Tampere, Turku, Vaasa and Rovaniemi. Three of our member associations are nationwide: the Information Academics (Informaatioalan Akateemiset, INA), the Finnish Association of Academic Researchers (Suomen akateemisten tutkijoiden yhdistys, SATY) and the Suomen ammattikorkeakoulujen tieteentekijät, Samkot ry.