Helsinki Insight - solutions to global challenges
It is often said that the most interesting things happen in the margins, near the edges. In science, this refers to those areas that intermingle, creating something completely new. Encounters between different scientific fields lead to ideas with genuine creative power and the ability to make a difference in society. Something always has and always will spring from the encounters between research, business and alumni. This is why we want to increase cooperation between society’s different actors with different backgrounds.
A multidisciplinary point of view
Our multidisciplinary basic research is our greatest strength. For the University of Helsinki a multidisciplinary approach provides the means to examine research subjects open-mindedly with the help of multiple research traditions. High-quality basic research is the foundation for not only science, but also for societal evolution and applied research and product development of companies.
On the way to the top of the world
Among the 15,000 universities in the world, the University of Helsinki is currently ranked as 72nd, and as 21st among European universities. The University is also one of the founding members of The League of European Research Universities, LERU, founded in 2002. Among multidisciplinary research universities, the University of Helsinki is indeed one of the best in Europe. The goal is to become one of the top 50 universities in the world.
Top research requires top resources
Top research is not born out of thin air: first-class basic research and teaching are prerequisites for its existence. These do not exist without financial resources. At the moment, universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Yale are at the top of the ranking lists. Their resources for teaching and research are notable. A good ranking correlates directly with the resources available for research and teaching. Top research requires money.
Helsinki Insight Fundraising Campaign
The fundraising campaign was started at the 370th anniversary of the University of Helsinki. Our campaign aims to increase the university’s strategic basic capital and strengthen specific research areas which are important for the university’s future. Our goal was to raise 20 million euro by the end of 2012. The goal was reached in the end of 2011 and now the campaign continues with new goals and challenges. With the campaign we also want to raise awareness of the university’s strategic goals, strengthen relations to our alumni and stakeholders and highlight the need for research and education to improve global welfare.
A view of the inner circle
Those who have donated to the basic capital will be offered a place in the group of advisors for the University of Helsinki Future Fund, and the donors will be kept up-to-date on the latest research. All donors are also offered a view of the inner circle of science in the form of membership to Club Giraffe, hosted by the Chancellor and the Rector of the University. Club Giraffe is a club meant for donors, and it offers an interesting place for encounters between scientists and donors through a variety of academic lectures, discussion forums and other current events.