The Institute is led by Director Markku Kangaspuro. If you want to pursue your research at the Aleksanteri Institute, are seeking a partner for a project or searching for academic experts for an applied or interdisciplinary study or a report, please contact our Research Director.
The International Master's Programme in Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian Studies (MAREEES) is an interdisciplinary degree programme that provides students with knowledge of local issues, international relations and global current affairs. The programme is taught entirely in English.
ExpREES is a nationwide expert programme for Master students seeking to specialize in Russia, Eurasia or Eastern Europe.
As the Programme Director, the University Lecturer in Russian and Eurasian Studies Sirke Mäkinen is in charge of the curriculum and the development of the programme. She also heads the ExpREES Master's thesis seminar.
The Education Planner Hanna Peltonen is responsible for the studies programme's management and practicalities.
You can study the modules of East Central European, Balkan and Baltic Studies (ECEBB) and Ukrainian Studies as part of the MAREEES and ExpREES Masters' programmes. The multidisciplinary 15-credit Ukrainian Studies module has been one of the few programmes in Europe to focus on the region. The ECEBB multidisciplinary area studies can be completed as a 15, 30 or 45 a credit module according to your needs.
As the Programme Director, Jouni Järvinen is in charge of the programmes' curriculums. For administrative matters and practical issues, please contact the Education Planner Minna Oroza.
The Aleksanteri Institute is a part of the University of Helsinki doctoral training where we constitute a part of The Doctoral Programme in Political, Societal and Regional Change (PSRC).
If you are interested in doctoral studies on our field or are seeking to network with other young researchers, please contact the Research Coordinator Kaarina Aitamurto.
The Russian and Eurasian Studies is a multidisciplinary field that examines the development of contemporary societies and their history of its geographical focus area. If you are interested in applying for Title of Docent in the discipline, please contact Anna-Liisa Heusala, the Discipline Coordinator of Russian and Eurasian Studies.
You can find researchers focusing on the area in the University of Helsinki Research Portal.
Regionally, the discipline is defined as covering the Eastern states of the European Union, the Western Balkans, and the EU's Eastern neighbours (Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia). Eastern European Studies is an interdisciplinary field focusing on global phenomena, with an emphasis on the rule of law, civil society, the welfare state, comprehensive security, the conditions for an innovative economy, environmental issues, cultural change, etc. If you are interested in applying for Title of Docent in the discipline, please contact Katalin Miklóssy.
You can find researchers focusing on the area in the University of Helsinki Research Portal.
The Institute employs dozens of researchers specialising in Russia, Eastern Europe and Eurasia. If you are a journalist and need assistance in finding the right expert, you can also contact the university media service for help.
The Aleksanteri Institute moved to Metsätalo (Unioninkatu 40) in late November 2021. We have the use of several seminar rooms and lecture halls, so please check the exact location of your event beforehand. If you are planning an individual visit, please make an appointment.
The Institute is located in Kruununhaka close to the Senate Square and a 10 minutes walk from the central railway station. For the most convenient route, please consult Google maps or the Journey planner provided by the Helsinki Region Transport (HSL). More info about routes, times and prices is available on the HSL website.
Welcome to the Aleksanteri Institute!