Researchers, teachers and academic experts – welcome to the Union!
Campaign terms: The campaign is valid 1 September–31 December 2025. The free month of membership is the calendar month in which the membership application is submitted to the Union. The membership fee will then be charged for payment normally from the first day of the following calendar month. Read more about Research Professionals’ membership fees here. To ask more about joining, membership, and the campaign, please contact our member services.
Joining the Union
With the same application you apply to become a member of Research Professionals, one of our member associations and the Unemployment Fund for Education and Science.
Membership officially begins, at the earliest, on the date when the written application for membership is submitted. You can also choose a date when you wish your membership to begin. Please note, however, that you cannot join retroactively. Please take notice also about our Membership fees and Membership benefits.
Membership benefits
As a member of Research Professionals, you can take advantage of the versatile member services and benefits.
Membership fees
The membership fee is 1% of the primary wages subject to withholding tax, however for a minimum of 96 euro and maximum of 600 euro per year. The membership fee includes also the Unemployment Fund for Education and Science, except for pensioners and students.
Updating membership details
Please inform us of any changes to your membership details, such as a changed employment relationship or contact information, so that we can maintain an up‑to‑date member register.
Providing a sense of safety and belonging
Felix Epp, a postdoctoral researcher at Aalto University’s Department of Design and the Social Computing Group at the University of Helsinki, stands at the forefront of exploring the complex dynamics between humans and technology. He is also devoted to not just advancing his own career but also supporting his peers.
“The union’s role in providing a support system cannot be overstated, particularly in the sometimes isolating world of academia.”
The Union is both a network and arena for me
Anna Laakkonen works as a specialist in information and publishing services at Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Her job description is highly diverse: tasks range from information acquisition and publishing guidance to online journal editorial work and expert tasks related to open science – and everything in between. The Union plays a strong part in reinforcing the communal aspects of Laakkonen’s working life.
“The Union is my arena and a community that provides me with the latest news and information in my field. The supervision of interests is also important; knowing that there is a representative for my specific field in society.”
Research Professionals is a necessary bridge between individuals and the university
By title, Panu Minkkinen is a Professor of Jurisprudence at the University of Helsinki, but by job description, he is a multidisciplinary researcher. He has an exceptionally broad perspective on both research work and the academic world in general.
“It’s not science that needs defending and fostering, it’s the people who create that science. The people are the valued aspect that needs to be safeguarded. That’s why we need actors like Research Professionals to bridge the gap between individuals and universities.”
Bridging gaps and fostering collaborations
Melissa Plath works as a project manager at the University of Helsinki. She has experienced the importance of international collaboration on both personal and professional levels.
“Research Professionals’ role is crucial in facilitating dialogue, offering support, and lobbying for governmental reforms to create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment in Finland.”
